March is Women’s History Month, National Social Work Month, and World Social Work Day is celebrated on March 21, 2023. Greenlight Family Services is proud to be a women-owned and women-run organization.100% of our senior leadership and 94% of Team Greenlight are women.

This month, we celebrate the powerful contributions women and social workers have made to society. One of the countless historical contributions women have made includes the establishment of the profession of social work.

Dr. Maria Nanos LCSW, PhD

“During Women’s History Month,” states Dr. Maria Nanos, Greenlight CEO and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), “and especially as we approach World Social Work Day, how could we not pay tribute to the pioneer of social work herself, Jane Addams? As a born Chicagoan, Jane’s tireless efforts to assist with advocacy, immigration and helping her fellow man was trailblazing in the late 1800’s. As such, she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She was also the first woman president of the National Conference of Social Work.”

Jane Addams

Jane Addams is one of many incredible social work women that our very own city of Chicago boasts. Women’s rights and anti-racism advocate Ida B. Wells had a lasting impact on our city in the late-1800s through early-1900s. Among her many achievements was establishing the first black kindergarten and the first suffragist organization for black women in Chicago. Advocating and organizing alongside these two incredible women was Ada S. McKinley, founder of the South Side Settlement House, now the Ada S. McKinley Community House. This settlement home served black World War I veterans and now boasts over 70 program sites across the Chicago metro area with a wide range of services.

Ida B. Wells

Greenlight is proud to continue the legacy of social work in Chicago with five talented full-time social work women on staff. Greenlight social workers are dedicated to finding permanency for youth in care, aiding grandparents raising their grandchildren, and connecting campus sexual assault survivors to counseling. Their work ensures thriving families for all across Illinois and healing and wholeness for students survivors in Chicago.

“Social Workers touch the lives of MILLIONS. Every. Single. Day.” proclaims Dr. Nanos,” Our profession has gained more significance and attention with current issues of mental health, stable housing, financial insecurity and natural disaster intervention. I am proud to say I am a social worker. Congratulations and thank you to all my fellow MSW’s, not only this day but EVERY day.”

Dr. Nanos asked us to share her favorite quote:
“What, after all, has maintained the human race on this old Globe, despite all the calamities of nature, and all the tragic failings of mankind, if not faith in new possibilities and courage to advocate for them.” -Jane Addams

Greenlight Family Services is always looking for qualified social workers. Please check our website at greenlightfamilyservices.org for any available positions.