For 46 years, Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop provided employment for persons with disabilities, while also offering the opportunity for UI students to gain experience and understanding working with persons with disabilities. “More than just coffee,” Wild Bill’s has always functioned as a learning lab for the University of Iowa School of Social Work.

Dr. Gilster's research addresses how community and neighborhood conditions matter for the well-being of residents.

The study examines the association between neighborhood social cohesion and various health factors in NHPI older adults.

Peer Support Specialists and Peer Recovery Coaches provide support, coaching, and advocacy for adults in recovery from mental illness and substance misuse, using specialized training and wisdom gained from their own lived experience. Family Peer Support Specialists use their training and lived experience to provide support, coaching, and advocacy for parents and caregivers of children and youth receiving services for mental health, substance use, and related issues.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Education and the University of Iowa today announced a partnership aimed at expanding support for mental health, including training, resources and outreach to educators and schools across the state. 

Iowa youth living in rural, medically underserved communities will gain access to more mental and behavioral health experts thanks to a new four-year nearly $2 million dollar grant, led by experts in the University of Iowa College of Education and other campus and community partners.

The University of Iowa School of Social Work conducts an annual, nationwide poetry contest to affirm and encourage the creative talent of social workers and to draw attention to social work as a profession.

Biden won the White House, but Democrats lost ground in the U.S. House and the Iowa legislature. On this edition of River to River, the new chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, Ross Wilburn. Host Ben Kieffer asks for Wilburn’s take on Trump's popularity in Iowa and asks him to look ahead to 2022 and 2024. They also discuss the future of the Iowa caucuses and the debate over the nominating process one year after Iowa’s first-in-the-nation contest ended in a muddle of delayed results.

February is Black History Month. It is our hope that all social workers—and not just those who are Black—will take time out to reflect on the achievement and contributions of Black social workers to the profession. There are still those who question the need, basis, or reason for having a month set apart for such celebration and recognition as Black History Month. Celebrating Black History Month is crucial as society continues to grapple with racism, prejudice, and white supremacy.