Women Power

March is both Women’s History Month and Social Work Month, a meaningful intersection for me as a female social worker. This month, I want to take a moment to honor the women who paved the way for advancements in mental health care in the United States. In particular, I want to recognize the contributions of women of faith who have been pioneers in the field, working tirelessly to remove barriers and reduce stigma so individuals can access the help they need.

While the roots of social work are deeply connected to religious organizations—dating back to the 19th century and earlier—the field gradually distanced itself from religion as society became more secularized in the last century. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in reintegrating spiritually sensitive practices into psychotherapy. This makes it especially important to highlight the female pioneers in social work whose influence continues to shape the values of Hudson River Care & Counseling (HRCC). At HRCC, we are committed to bringing healing to all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, spirituality, or religious identity. Given the diverse backgrounds of our staff, students, and clients, I want to recognize influential social workers from various faith traditions.

One such pioneer is Jane Addams, who founded Hull House and the Settlement House Movement, both of which were deeply influenced by Christian principles of ministry and social justice. Hull House provided essential services—including education, healthcare, and social support—to immigrants and marginalized communities. In addition to her work in social services, Addams was also a suffragist, advocating for women’s rights.

Beyond Addams, several remarkable Jewish women have also left a lasting impact on the field of social work. Sadie Shapiro, Irena Sendler, Anitta Müller-Cohen, and Judit Montefiore were all influential figures whose work supported vulnerable populations, championed social justice, and advanced the profession.

By recognizing these pioneers, we acknowledge the foundational role that faith and social justice have played in shaping the field of social work. Their contributions continue to inspire and guide the mission of HRCC as we strive to create a more compassionate and inclusive approach to mental health care.