20 Years of Service: A Social Worker’s Heart
For children in foster care, there are many unknowns and upheavals in their lives. That’s why the role of a social worker is pivotal, as they walk with them through this difficult journey every step of the way. Cathy McDaniel is one of those social workers, and she has served in this role with us now in the Birmingham area for 20 years! Below is an interview with Cathy, giving you a glimpse into what 20 years of service to children and families has looked like.
What led you to become a social worker?
The short answer is God’s providence. As a senior in high school, I remember an assignment where I had to write out my goals for the next five years. My five-year goal was that I wanted to work with hurting children. At that time, I had no idea what that looked like, nor did I understand what role a social worker played in a child’s life. While I was at college I was blessed to have several wise mentors who encouraged me to seek experience through internships and volunteering. I began to fall in love with the hurting children I was encountering in my internships and knew I wanted to be a part of bringing healing into their lives. After obtaining my master’s degree in Social Work, I was blessed to work at a residential treatment center in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area.
After being there for a while, I felt the Lord leading me to step out in faith and resign. I asked the Lord that if possible, I wanted to be able to use my faith in my work with children. While visiting my brother in Birmingham, I happened to read a copy of The Alabama Baptist newspaper, where I saw an advertisement for Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries (ABCH). I sent in my resumé and within a few days received a call back.
The rest is history! I left my job in Tennessee on February 20, 1999, and by June of 1999, the Lord had sold my condo, bought me a house, and moved me to Alabama!
How has serving at ABCH been a blessing to you?
The Lord has taught me over and over that, I must stand on His sovereignty and trust in His goodness if I am going to last as a social worker. His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8–9).
I often use Joseph as an example when explaining foster care. If the Lord had asked me to plan Joseph’s life, I would not have chosen for him to be hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime, thrown into prison, and forgotten. Yet, the Lord had a bigger plan and used Joseph in an amazing way to save Israel.
Over my 20 years at the Children’s Homes, I have seen the Lord do amazing things that thrilled me and hard things that I may never understand on this side of heaven. During this journey, my faith and love for the Lord has deepened, and day-by-day, He continues to teach me to walk by faith and not by sight and trust Him in all situations.
What are the biggest joys you’ve experienced?
Anytime a child comes to a saving faith in Christ is a joy. I have been blessed to attend several baptisms as a social worker with ABCH. Some children come to faith while in our care, and others came to accept Christ after being discharged. Sometimes seeds are planted, and I never get to see the fruit of those seeds, thus I am always honored when a parent reaches out to me after a child is discharged and includes me in this life-changing event.
Seeing a biological parent grow and change and be able to successfully parent their child still brings me chills. Finally, seeing the Lord create a new family through adoption always amazes me!
What have been some of your favorite memories?
I have so many! I have been blessed to work with an amazing team of social workers. Often, we must pull together to meet the needs of our families and children. I love working with my team and am often amazed by each and every one of them and their selflessness in caring for the children the Lord has entrusted to us.
I also have worked with many fantastic foster families. Watching as a child enters a family as a scared and hurt stranger, and through the love, grace, and hard work poured out by the family, that child becomes a welcomed and valued member of
their family!
What are your main goals in being a social worker?
As with all things in my life, it is to glorify God. I believe the mission statement of ABCH says it best—to protect, nurture, and restore children and families through Christ-centered services.
God has used Cathy to impact countless lives and generations in her time with us. We are so thankful for her dedication and service to children in need for these past 20 years!