AACF Northwest Arkansas Director Laura Kellams will be named Honorary Social Worker of the Year by the social work department at the University of Arkansas. Nobody works harder as an advocate for kids and families than Laura, and we could not be more proud. Below is the text of the letter from Leah Hamilton, PhD, MSW, a visiting professor at U of A.

In May, the Social Work department will host our annual ceremony for graduating MSW students. At this ceremony, we present student awards and we also honor an Honorary Social Worker of the Year. Each year, the faculty choose a non-Social Work community member who actively espouses our professional values and is a strong advocate for social justice. This year, our faculty has unanimously voted to choose you as our Honorary Social Worker. One faculty stated, “Although a journalist by training, Laura’s heart is clearly that of a social worker. She exhibits the best of what social workers are: Caring, concerned, and committed to children and families who are the most vulnerable members of society. Laura has been a tireless and fearless leader on myriad issues affecting the citizens of Arkansas. She has raised awareness on many issues affecting our state, including poverty, income inequality and child maltreatment. She also has a strong interest in advocating for policy changes that would positively impact the citizens of our state.”

We hope you are available to attend the awards ceremony on Friday May 11th from 5:30 to 6:30 in Giffels Auditorium.
Thank you for your commitment to Arkansans. Our department deeply appreciates our relationship with you and with Arkansas Advocates.