DCF social workers Marianne Walles and Coquina Fuller, addressing the Somerville City Council.

 By The Times Staff

At the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council, City Councilor Jesse Clingan spoke about the importance of social workers in society and praised them for the work they perform in an often unseen and quiet manner. He sponsored Marianne Walles and Coquina Fuller.

This year’s theme, set by the National Association of Social Workers, is Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.

“I can’t think of three words that better capture the moment we are at right now,” said Councilor Clingan. “Social workers uplift people every day, helping families navigate schools, mental health systems, housing challenges, and the many complexities of modern life.”

Social workers defend the dignity and well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of the community, and they work to transform systems so that people are treated with fairness, compassion, and humanity.

“That work is especially important right now as many immigrant families across the country are facing deep uncertainty around immigration enforcement,” said Councilor Clingan.

In response, social workers in Somerville have stepped up in powerful ways. They have been working alongside immigrant advocates to ensure that families understand the importance of family safety plans.

“This work is quiet, often unseen, but profoundly important,” said Councilor Clingan. “In the moments of national tension and uncertainty, social workers are often the steady hands helping communities hold together.”

In Somerville and across the region, social workers continue to uplift families, defend humanity and dignity, and work every day to transform our systems for the better.

Marianne Walles and Coquina Fuller work at two different Department of Children and Families (DCF) offices to help thousands of children and families.

“During these times, people are so traumatized,” said Walles. “We appreciate the recognition and the support.”