User:GavinLane22/History of social work

Social work started as charity from churches and small communities. It was made to just to provide the basic human requirements like food, water, etc. (James Langford 2022). Between 1840-1890, America developed many programs to solve some of the issues in society. The big issue that needed to be addressed was poverty. The rise of poverty started because of the increased number of immigrants moving to America. Most of the programs included housing and child well fare (Jack Levinson n.d.). The need for well-fare increased during the Civil War. This led to one of the biggest social work organizations today called the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881. It was used to provide aid and support in times of need. It gave assistance during natural disasters, provided medical care, and assisted military and veterans (American Red Cross n.d.). Social work continued to expand into the 19th century with programs including public education, settlement houses, retirement programs with financial support. After World War 1 broke out the army needed extra assistance from the Red Cross to help with psychological issues. With this it opened a new concept of social work.

During the great depression, social work was the backbone for families and individuals. It provides support with food, shelter, and employment opportunities. The goal was to try and help the community navigate through this economic crisis. During this time president Franklin D. Roosevelt developed something called “The New Deal.” It had multiple programs to help with creating jobs through public works projects, creating social security, a banking system, and the start of labor protection (Jack Levinston n.d).