Social Work Figures and their Impact:

Jane Addams:

• A pioneer of social work and settlement houses.
• Founded Hull House in Chicago, 1889, providing social services & advocacy for immigrants & working class.
• Advocated for progressive social reforms like child labor laws & women’s suffrage.
• Emphasized the importance of understanding & addressing the root causes of poverty & social injustice.

Toynbee Hall:

• Founded in London, 1884, by Samuel and Henrietta Barnett.
• Considered the first settlement house, providing social services & community engagement in underserved areas.
• Inspired similar settlements worldwide, including Hull House by Jane Addams.

Harry Hopkins:

• A social worker and politician who played a crucial role in the New Deal.
• Headed the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) in 1933, providing direct relief to millions during the Great Depression.
• Established the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935, creating jobs and public works projects.
• Championed social welfare programs and advocated for the poor and unemployed.

Emergency Relief Act of 1933:

• Established FERA, providing emergency aid and work relief during the Great Depression.
• Criticized by some as a “quick fix” due to its temporary nature and lack of long-term solutions.

Jane Hoey:

• A social worker and public administrator who led the Bureau of Public Assistance (BPA) in the 1930s and 40s.
• Oversaw the administration of Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), a vital program for single mothers and their children.
• Advocated for improved standards and practices in public assistance programs.

Delbert L. Anderson:

• A social worker and civil rights leader who campaigned for racial equality and social justice.
• Founded the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Foundation.
• Advocated for fair housing, economic opportunities, and voting rights for African Americans.

Whitney M. Young Jr.:

• A sociologist and civil rights leader who headed the National Urban League (NUL) from 1961 to 1978.
• Advocated for economic empowerment and social justice for African Americans.
• Promoted integration and equal opportunities in housing, employment, and education.

Connections:

These individuals, despite their varied roles and time periods, share a common thread: dedication to social justice and improving the lives of marginalized communities.

• Addams and Hoey were pioneers in social work, establishing and leading programs to address poverty and inequality.
• Hopkins and Anderson, though from different political backgrounds, worked to alleviate poverty and provide support during economic hardship.
• Young championed civil rights and economic empowerment for African Americans.

Personal Connection:

Identifying with one figure most is subjective, but here are some potential connections:

• Addams: If you resonate with community organizing, settlement work, and advocating for systemic change, you might connect with her.
• Hopkins: If you’re drawn to direct action, large-scale relief efforts, and pragmatic solutions, you might connect with him.
• Hoey: If you’re passionate about public assistance programs, social welfare policies, and improving their effectiveness, you might connect with her.
• Anderson & Young: If you’re deeply invested in civil rights, racial justice, and advocating for marginalized communities, you might connect with their work.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal val