Liberty social work students use class project to make real impact in the community

Liberty University students in the Department of Social Work are raising thousands of dollars every year for nonprofit organizations throughout Central Virginia.

Led by professors Rhonda Turner and Crystal Boyd, students in SOWK410 – Social Work Macro Practice create a fictional nonprofit each semester that operates as a fundraising organization for a real-life organization in the community.

Last spring, students raised nearly $10,000 for Isaiah 117 House, which provides care and supplies to children as they transition to foster homes. This semester, students called their nonprofit Rooted and Redeemed and will raise funds for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Central Virginia, which provides resources for survivors of intimate partner violence.

Since 2021, when the course was created, the class has raised over $20,000 for organizations across Lynchburg, including the National Center for Healthy Veterans; Freedom 4/24, a nonprofit that fights human trafficking; The UP Foundation, a counseling and recovery program in substance abuse and mental health disorders; Friendship House, an afterschool and youth development organization; and Horizon Behavioral Health’s Project Link, which supports pregnant and postpartum women with substance use issues.

“Our funds get to plug a hole in that nonprofit or meet a need that’s not covered by other (funding sources),” Turner said. “How wonderful is that? To meet a need like that is just so priceless.”

Students manage every aspect of fundraising, from budgeting to marketing, communications, and event planning. The project culminates in an end-of-semester event with silent auctions, art auctions, raffles, and more to collect donations for the chosen organization. The funds are “unrestricted,” which means they can be used for anything the nonprofit deems necessary.

Senior Marissa Moore was elected as the leader of this year’s project. As part of her duties, she communicates with partners in the community and representatives from YWCA. She is also part of the operations team.

“Looking at the process of creating a fictional nonprofit has showcased how hard it is to kickstart something of this caliber,” she said. “I have found a new appreciation for those who run a nonprofit daily. I think serving others in our communities can create relationships that will benefit everyone.”

During the class, students also learn from guest speakers who work in the nonprofit sector in varying capacities, such as Stephanie Coleman, former CEO of the YWCA of Central VA, who presented on non-profit 101; and Dr. Jennifer Smith Ramey, Horizon Behavioral Health’s Director of Grants and Programs, who presented on program outcomes and evaluations.

“This course is giving me hands-on experience and opportunities to make connections and will follow me as I enter the field,” Moore added. “I will always advocate for those who do not have a voice, along with having the ideas to create my own nonprofit to serve the population I am working with.”

Moore said the course pushed her to get involved in her community outside campus and allowed her to gain valuable skills that aren’t typically taught in a classroom setting.

“This course allows students to brainstorm, use communication skills, advocate, and learn how to manage conflicts in the classroom, which aids us in being able to handle unexpected situations in the field when it comes time,” she said. “The experience is one of a kind, and being able to give back to the community is what makes this all worthwhile.”

Turner said the project is primarily student-led and democratic, allowing students to vote along every step of the process and collectively make decisions.

“Our biggest role as professors in this course is empowerment. We’re guides. They come to us with questions about the process, and some of the more legalistic processes, but after that, we are empowering the students to really take hold of this assignment and move it forward.”

The class held a fundraising event where they auctioned off art and other items to raise money for Isaiah 117 House. Terry Wecker, location leader for the Lynchburg, Va. Isaiah 117 House location, said the organization greatly appreciated the donation and enjoyed working alongside Liberty students last year.

“They did an amazing job raising all those funds and awareness for us, and their event was amazing,” Wecker said. “They got some amazing items that we’re able to auction off and did a really good job at presenting it. (The donations) help us to be able to buy items for foster families or for children who are coming into our care, things like beds, clothes, shoes.”

Wecker worked closely with Gabrielle McGraw, the leader of last year’s project, who will graduate in December with her bachelor’s in social work.

“This project taught me how important it is to communicate clearly, stay organized, and inspire people to step into their strengths,” McGraw said. “Leadership is not just about giving directions, it is about motivating your team, problem-solving under pressure, and creating something meaningful together. Those are exactly the skills I’ll carry into my social work career, especially when it comes to teamwork and building real relationships in the community.”

McGraw said her professors encouraged her along the way.

“They made us question, problem-solve, get frustrated, and figure things out on our own, but through it all I was learning and growing. Their support and guidance helped me gain confidence as a leader and taught me how to inspire and manage a team while handling challenges.”

Boyd said many students look forward to taking the class toward the end of their degree program, taking the practical skills they learn into their jobs. Every student is required to raise donations in some way by networking in the community, whether it’s $10, $1,000, or more.

“Social work is a professional degree, so that means once students finish their program, there are no more internships that they have to get,” she said. “They graduate as social workers and go right into the field ready to work. This particular course gives them the opportunity to step into roles where they are fundraising for nonprofits in their respective communities. They learn a lot in this course because they are out there doing the work.”

This year’s fundraising event for the YWCA is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. in the LaHaye Student Center. The event is open to the public and does not require tickets.