Social Worker Spotlight: Winterhaven Lite Team
Winterhaven Lite Team
Washington, DC, DC VAMC, VISN 5
Adrianne L. Atwater
LICSW, HUD-VASH Clinical Case Manager/ Program Liaison for Fendall Heights PBV housing program with a specific focus on Female Vets and families
How long have you been employed by the VA?
11 years
Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in homeless programs?
I love helping people. I am interested in the lives of folks, and their backgrounds, and how their experiences brought them to the places they are now. That goes for all of us. I am genuinely interested in people, and how our lives play out in a variety of ways. Some good, some not so good, but always a chance for better. Always a chance to show up and show you care; help, inspire, and be there/be present in the moment.
I love working with Project Base Voucher housing for Female Vets and their families. Our program is small, but mighty; and we cover all bases. We partner with a community agency in WDC — So Others May Eat (SOME) — to provide wrap around case management to our families. Families who come into the program from a place of homelessness or jeopardized housing, can receive services in all areas they decide will be beneficial. Education, finances, credit repair, home ownership, employment, service/benefits connection — all these identified areas of need and more are researched and addressed with the Veteran to bring about change. There can’t be a better feeling in the world than when you are actively part of the positive change that can possibly shift the trajectory of a family unit, parent[s] and child[ren], the community, and/or the future! And I am 100% here for that!
What do you do for fun? Favorite Quote? What else would you like to share about yourself?
Favorite Quote – “There by the grace of God go I.”
Favorite poem –
Do more than belong, participate.
Do more than care, help.
Do more than believe, practice.
Do more than be fair, be kind.
Do more than forgive, forget.
Do more than dream, work
Kathryn Scalfari
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist
How long have you been employed by the VA?
6 years
Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in homeless programs?
I became a social worker to help people and communities! I am a solution finder by nature, and as a social worker I get to use that skill to empower others to accomplish goals and live the best life possible. I feel honored to work in the homeless program. We encounter Veterans in a vulnerable state and provide the resources and encouragement needed to help them get back on track. I like knowing that I am a part of that process. Working with Veterans in the homeless program has taught me to celebrate victories, big or small, and to never forget the power of resilience. Another great part of working in the homeless program is my social work colleagues! My colleagues are smart, kind, funny, and supportive; it feels like we are a little family. We are constantly encouraging and inspiring each other, which I think enables all of us to provide the best service to the Veterans we work with.
What do you do for fun? Favorite Quote? What else would you like to share about yourself?
For fun, I love to hula hoop and care for my many house plants! In non-COVID times, my husband and I love to travel to see live music, especially our favorite band Lotus. I’m definitely excited to be able to do that again in the future. I don’t really have a favorite quote, but I do have a little mantra, “I believe in the good things coming."
Andreas B. Williams
Outreach Social Worker
How long have you been employed by the VA?
2 years
Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in homeless programs?
Social Workers are true change agents. I wanted to be a part of a profession that not only can have an impact on an individual but also have the ability to be a catalyst to break generational curses. In regards to the homeless program, you can physically make a difference in a Veteran when you give them the ability to call a place home. It is a truly humbling experience.
What do you do for fun? Favorite Quote? What else would you like to share about yourself?
Due to the pandemic, dancing around my living room to Stephanie Mills, Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris has been the highlight of my weeks. Also, I am a newbie to Peloton, which I am truly obsessed with. My favorite quote is, "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different." – Coco Chanel
