Montgomery, Illinois –In honor of National Social Work Month, the Village of Montgomery proudly celebrates the invaluable contributions of social workers who tirelessly uplift our community. This year's theme, "Empowering Social Workers! Inspiring Action, Leading Change," underscores the transformative impact of these dedicated professionals. This year, March has a more significant meaning; since hiring Montgomery Police Department Social Worker Erica Lopez in August 2023, Montgomery has seen firsthand the incredible benefits of social work in community policing.
Meet Our Social Worker: Erica Lopez, MSW, LSW
The launch of the new Social Work Program within the Montgomery Police Department aims to enhance the well-being of our residents by providing essential services, crisis intervention, and community outreach. Our commitment to fostering a supportive environment is unwavering, and this program represents a significant step towards achieving that goal.
Erica Lopez is a Licensed Social Worker and trailblazer who spearheads the first-ever social work program within the Village. With extensive experience in criminal justice and social services, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Forensics from Aurora University, is 40 hours trained in domestic violence, is a certified Moral Reconation Therapy Facilitator (targeting criminogenic needs), utilizes evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
"My goal is to provide an approach to everyone that is non-judgmental, one that includes a little compassion mixed with a hint of humor," says Lopez.
With just over half a year on the job, Lopez has quickly developed a well-rounded program available for external and internal stakeholders of the Village. The program provides a wide range of support services, including:
- Short-term crisis intervention for emergencies such as domestic violence, child abuse, suicide, or fire.
- Resource support for individuals and families for various issues (domestic disputes, substance abuse, mental health concerns).
- Coordination with other social services providers such as schools, hospitals, and mental health facilities.
- Support for victims of crime, including emotional support and referrals.
- Community engagement through education, special events, and activities.
Lopez adds, "Working with people during some of the most traumatic and challenging periods in their lives can be difficult, but knowing that I am providing them with the resources they need to start the process to be whole again is extremely rewarding."
Lopez has handled 90 cases covering various social services issues within her first seven months. 48% of these cases are mental health management and support, 86% of her caseload directly supports residents of Montgomery, and the remaining provides support to local individuals whose families reside in the community.
"The mental health crisis is real, and policing has adapted greatly to best support community members. We are fortunate to have an administration that understands the importance of social work's role in law enforcement, allowing us to be a leader in the face of the mental health crisis. Erica's impact is immeasurable," states Chief of Police Phil Smith.
Erica Lopez is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Montgomery residents. She can be reached at 331-212-0990 or via email at elopez@ci.montgomery.il.us. For more information about the Village's Social Services Division, visit montgomeryil.org.
Join the Village of Montgomery and the Montgomery Police Department in celebrating National Social Work Month and recognizing social workers like Erica Lopez's vital role in building a stronger, more compassionate community.
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