I like to be able to provide people with as much advocacy and resources as possible.
During her senior year at Bridgewater State University, Elizabeth Miller, ’19, found herself experiencing homelessness. Naturally, it wasn’t easy. However, she was able to persevere after receiving help from BSU.
“They went above and beyond to make sure I was supported,” Miller said.
She applied for and received a scholarship that allowed her to move into an apartment and continue her education.
“Bridgewater State really does its best to support students, and I mean outside of academics,” Miller said. “For them to care about my living situation, it’s something I’ve never forgotten.”
Today, armed with a BSU degree in social work, Miller is in a position where she is now the one offering support to others as a full-time social worker and substance-abuse program coordinator for the town of Hingham.
She sums up her M.O. with these simple words: “I work hard to help as many people as possible.”
In her role, she helps local residents find the resources to deal with things such as food insecurity, clothing needs, and fuel assistance. She also helps individuals with job applications, cover letters and resumes.
“I like to be able to provide people with as much advocacy and resources as possible,” Miller said.
As the town’s substance-abuse program coordinator, she also accesses state funding to help with harm reduction, prevention, treatment and recovery for those experiencing substance abuse.
“My job is to come up with programs, ideas, scholarships…any sort of initiative that will help in this area,” Miller said.
Ultimately, helping others is what drives her.
“I truly feel that this is my calling, making sure people are equipped with information and the knowledge they need to be successful,” Miller said.
Seeing people able to move forward once they have the right support, that’s what it’s all about, she added.
“It’s the small successes,” she said. “In social work, you may never be able to solve all problems, but seeing small successes, just making someone’s life easier, that’s rewarding knowing I’m putting forth my best effort to help anybody that I can.”
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