Howard Payne University’s Social Work Advisory Board recently presented the Spirit of Social Work award to Chassidy Carroll, a 2008 HPU graduate and co-founder of Hope Home Ministry of Brownwood. Carroll received the award for “many years of outstanding social work service helping others.”

Hope Home is a non-profit, faith-based transitional home for young women who are released from juvenile correctional facilities. The program focuses on teaching girls the life skills they need to become responsible adults and giving them true hope through a growing relationship with Jesus.

“I’m so grateful that God has allowed me to be a part of His work in the lives of the young women we serve,” Carroll said. “Seeing Jesus transform their hearts and watching them realize their worth, often for the first time, is a beautiful thing.”

HPU’s Social Work Advisory Board is comprised of individuals throughout the community who have an interest in the social work profession and HPU’s social work program. The board annually presents a Spirit of Social Work Award to an individual whose career reflects an outstanding contribution to the social work profession. It has been awarded to other individuals in the local community who have collaborated with the social work program and to distinguished program graduates.

“It is amazing to witness someone who has a vision for a specific ministry in college who then steps out in faith to create a service to address that need,” said Dan Humeniuk, director of HPU’s social work program. “Chassidy’s story of the founding and operation of Hope Home Ministry is truly inspirational.”

Pictured above:  Dan Humeniuk, director of HPU’s social work program, presents Chassidy Carroll with the 2013 Spirit of Social Work award.