Social Work Intern Grace Stoltzfus has been a part of the Pleasant View team for the last six months. She is a senior social work major at Lancaster Bible College (LBC) and has stated that she has always enjoyed working with people. When she originally started college, she did not major in social work. Shortly after starting her journey at LBC, Grace felt that after her first semester, she was called to pursue a career in social work. Since starting at Pleasant View in August, one of her favorite parts of working at a continuing care retirement community has been forming connections with residents. She feels that they inspire her daily. She also enjoys the staff at Pleasant View and appreciates the team mindset that everyone shares. She loves working with the social workers Mark Gales and Kristen Heisey in the Skilled Care Unit and feels she has learned so much both professionally and personally.
Each day looks a little different for Grace, but normally she helps the social work team with follow-up calls, attends meetings to see if any residents may need extra help, and has visits with residents. Her favorite part of her day is doing her rounds and checking in with residents. When reflecting on some challenges in her role as an intern that she has overcome, working with dementia residents was a major learning opportunity for her. By learning how to use the right tone of voice and form those relationships, she feels she is able to do her work more efficiently. She would like to thank Kristen and Mark for teaching her so much about social work and encouraging her through the learning process. A piece of advice that she has been given on her journey on becoming a social worker comes from her professor, Carla Kouterick at Lancaster Bible College. She shared with Grace that, “The profession of social work allows you to sit with people during some of their hardest moments in life and that it is an honor to be that person for someone.”
Outside of work, Grace loves to read, be outdoors, and spend time with her family. She is very dedicated to her faith, attending LCBC Manheim regularly. She also enjoys focusing on health and wellness. This summer, Grace is graduating from college and getting married to her high school sweetheart, Luke. The Pleasant View team is so grateful for all the hard work that she does.
