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CLEMMONS — The need for public health social workers is growing, especially today. Michael Clements, long-time member of the North Carolina Public Health Association, Social Work Section states, “The value of the practice of social work could never be more essential than in the past year.   Families and individuals need this unique discipline to guide and support them through the loss, grief, depression and despair.” To help college students learn more about the field from practitioners, the North Carolina Public Health Association-Social Work Section, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, created a conference scholarship for a social work student. The opportunity enables students to further explore the field with an immersion opportunity and learn from current social work professionals. The students also are equipped with contacts for more rapid employment after graduation.

In fact, social workers named the program after local community leader, Michael L. Clements, who spent most of his career in public health and social work before his last position with Winston-Salem Foundation where he served for six years as vice president of community relations before retiring. Clements attributes the opportunities and progression of his career to his education and experiences in the field of public health and social work and the importance of building relationships and trust in serving and solving community needs. Locally, Clements is a member of Reynolda Rotary Club, Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, and the YMCA of Northwest N.C. Board, and has served in leadership positions with American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Community Care Center, Family Services of Forsyth County, State Employees Credit Union, and many other nonprofits.

The scholarship honors Michael Clements’ dedication to public service and energetic leadership. Now, the group strives to endow the scholarship in partnership with the Shallow Ford Foundation to ensure an annual and everlasting opportunity for social work students. “Our social work section is honored to be embraced by the Shallow Ford Foundation,” says LaSonya Tuttle, current chair of the NCPHA Social Work Section.

Students interested in learning more or applying can go to https://ncpha.memberclicks.net/social-work. Those wanting to support Michael L. Clements and/or the mentoring opportunity for social work students, can contribute to the endowment online at www.sff.gives/socialwork or by check to Shallow Ford Foundation, marking social work in the memo line, and mailed to PO Box 567, Clemmons, NC  27012

The Shallow Ford Foundation (formerly named the Clemmons Community Foundation) exists to connect community and philanthropy for enduring results.  The Foundation in an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, first formed in 2004 by the Rotary Club of Clemmons and converted to a community foundation in 2012.  For more information, visit ShallowFordFoundation.org or call 336-663-6794.