I’ve always been curious. As a child, my most common questions were “why” and “how,” and to be honest, they still are. That same curiosity has become essential to my learning and work as a social work intern at United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC).
When selecting my senior-year internship, I was drawn to UWKC’s approach to building strong, healthy communities. In my social work courses, I’ve learned that systemic factors like income, education, and access to resources shape people’s ability to thrive. UWKC’s commitment to addressing these health-influencing factors resonated deeply with me.
When I began my internship in August, I was eager to get involved in as much as possible. My first day was a whirlwind of introductions, and I deeply appreciated the team’s willingness to let me be curious. That appreciation has only grown as I’ve been encouraged to ask thoughtful questions about our programs and explore ways to make them stronger.
One key question I’ve explored is how schools can better support caregivers’ involvement in their children’s education. We know caregiver engagement improves academic performance, so UWKC is working to enhance family participation in the Readers Are Leaders tutoring program. Through research, I found that barriers such as language differences, scheduling conflicts, and competing responsibilities can limit involvement. Understanding these challenges will help us create more accessible, meaningful opportunities for families to engage with their child’s learning.
I’ve also been curious about how grant funding impacts service delivery. After learning about a new homelessness prevention program, I met with a staff member from Kenosha Human Development Services to discuss funding, collaboration, and program outcomes. These insights deepened my understanding of how UWKC can best support community partners in achieving shared goals.
Another project that piqued my interest is our Community Investment Committee, which invests in community partners doing work that aligns with our goals of youth opportunity, financial stability, and health. Being able to see first-hand how non-profit organizations like UWKC work with local partners to support well-being and promote the dignity and worth of all people has been deeply impactful to my understanding of the social work profession and the way social services are provided.
Curiosity has guided every step of my internship, shaping how I learn, connect, and contribute. As I prepare for my career in social work, I hope to continue asking thoughtful questions that spark growth and help build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you want to make a difference or are curious about how UWKC supports our community, visit kenoshaunitedway.org to explore ways to get involved.
About United Way of Kenosha County
United Way of Kenosha County envisions a community where all individuals and families in Kenosha County achieve their human potential through education, income, and healthy lives. United Way of Kenosha County is committed to connecting diverse voices and maximizing resources to collectively strengthen and uplift Kenosha County.
