VA Homeless Programs

“I nominated Lisa because over the past 2 years, she has been instrumental in attending to the needs of not only her clients but of her team. She has co-facilitated a weekly peer support group for clinicians in the Homeless Care Line at VA Puget Sound that has been a wonderful place to check in, refuel, and offer a safe space for staff to process some tough things that have come up during the pandemic.”

— Kimberley Brown, LICSW, Senior Social Worker, HUD-VASH

Lisa Farsje

Social Worker

Workplace & VISN

Seattle VAMC, VISN 20

How long have you been employed by the VA?

18 years

Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in VHA homeless programs?

I chose social work because I wanted to be able to help people in a variety of ways throughout my career. I’ve been able to do individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, program development, social justice, advocacy work and lots of collaboration with community partners and amazing colleagues.

I am so thankful to have been at the VA all these years and I feel like the VA is like my extended family. I’ve been able to work with so many talented, resilient Veterans and creative, caring professionals.

The time is right for social workers now; the world needs us. We are able to understand the complex layers of situations, both systemically and individually. We are a hopeful bunch but also know how to break goals down into obtainable actions.

What else would you like to share about yourself?

I have several adorable creatures that bring me joy every day: a dog, 2 cats, 4 chickens and a frog.

My favorite quote (which I have above my desk at my home office) is: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it” — Helen Keller