Jacquelyn Coats Receives the NASW Foundation 2011 Lyons Scholarship

Scholarship Helps Advance Mental Health Practice Research

Washington, DC-- The National Association of Social Workers Foundation announces that Jacquelyn Coats, a graduate student at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at the Washington University in St. Louis, in St. Louis, MO, has received a Lyons Scholarships for 2011.

The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship is awarded to master’s degree candidates in social work who demonstrate an interest in, or have experience with, health and/or mental health practice and have a commitment to working in the African American community. Past scholarship recipients now work in hospitals, medical clinics, and social services agencies that provide treatment and specialized services to African American patients.

Jacquelyn Coats has pursued a practicum at the Teen Pregnancy Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital, where the majority of her clients have been African American teens. Also she has been nominated by school peers to serve as the Community Liaison for the Society of Black Student Social Workers, where she promotes the mission of the society to the greater St. Louis area.

“Working with African American clients in meeting their health and mental health needs shows a great commitment to core social work values,” says Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ASCW, MPH, President, NASW Foundation. “We encourage Ms. Coats in her efforts to improve services and access in her community.”

For more information on the NASW Foundation or the Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship visit http://www.naswfoundation.org or email naswfoundation@naswdc.org.

The National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) is a charitable organization created to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the advancement of social work practice.