Slippery Rock University master's students start social worker internships in Sharpsburg

Addressing issues of domestic violence, drug use, homelessness, food insecurity and hording are just some of the ways two Slippery Rock University social worker interns plan to make an impact in Sharpsburg.

Master’s degree students Mary Bauer of Richland Township and Kirsten Giovengo of Ohio Township introduced themselves at a council meeting Thursday night.

“We’re hoping to make an impact here,” Giovengo said.

They have been in the borough for a few days riding along with police and getting a feel for their new surroundings. The internship is through next May

“I feel like we’ve had pretty positive feedback, especially from the police department and from people I’ve seen in the community,” Giovengo said. “Everyone seems pretty happy to have us here, which is nice. Sometimes it’s a bit of a controversial topic (to introduce social workers).

“Here, everyone’s taken it very nicely. I think it’s important for them to understand why we’re here and what we’re doing.

“We’re trying to bridge that gap between the police and the community and just serve the community as a whole.”

Bauer described their work as providing “short-term services” while bringing resources and opportunities for those in need.

“Our services are mostly temporary to help connect you to long-term services,” she said. “There’s really no limit to what we can offer.”

Police Chief Thomas Stelitano said social workers are great assets to the department and its community engagement. They will respond to calls with officers, visit schools and churches and can refer to others based on need.

“This has been a long time coming,” Councilwoman Kayla Portis said.

Council vice president Karen Pilarski-Pastor was credited with spearheading the effort and coordinating the internship on behalf of the borough.

“I believe the program will prove to be an invaluable asset to the police department, our residents and to our community as a whole,” she said. “The social workers will focus on the needs of the community and will provide individualized services through referrals. They will offer a variety of therapeutic services to those associated with death, substance abuse, mental health, homelessness, disputes, and violent crimes such as domestic violence, child and elder abuse, sexual assault, and juvenile related services.”

The internship is at no cost to the borough. Their hours and schedules vary.

Mondays and Fridays are Bauer’s primary days while Giovengo is expected to be in town Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Giovengo has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Slippery Rock University. Bauer has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and social work from Mercyhurst University.

Sharpsburg is one of several communities involved with Slippery Rock’s social worker program.

There are paid social workers in Hampton and Millvale.

O’Hara officials are considering hiring a social worker after hearing from Hampton Township police Chief Thomas Vulakovich and Hampton Social Services coordinator Angela Kenbok in June about how the social worker program in Hampton has been a boon for the township.

O’Hara Council may take action to hire a social worker in December as part of next year’s budget.

Kenbok has worked for about eight years in the drug and alcohol field in out-patient, in-patient, individual and group therapy. She graduated from Slippery Rock in 2021 with a master’s degree in social work, specializing in forensics.

The two interns said Kenbok has been like a mentor to them, and they also received training from Millvale social worker Alyssa Peters.

Sharpsburg residents who want to learn more about the interns and inquire about their services can email kgiovengo@sharpsburgborough.com or mbauer@sharpsburgborough.com.