Senior bridges social work and law

Image

For Creighton University senior Sarah Crowley, the intersection of social work and the legal system has been a driving force in her education and career aspirations. As a social work major with a minor in political science, Crowley has spent her practicum at Legal Aid of Nebraska, an experience that has deepened her passion for advocacy and reaffirmed her commitment to social justice.

“I have always had an interest in the legal system, and through my social work education, I have been drawn to learn more about the interdisciplinary aspects of the legal profession,” Crowley says.

At Legal Aid of Nebraska, Crowley is involved in the Health Education and Law Program, which serves clients referred by partner hospitals, helping address civil legal issues that impact their health and well-being. From assisting clients with advance directives to tackling food and housing insecurity, Crowley has witnessed firsthand how legal representation can be a crucial factor in ensuring dignity and stability.

“No one intervention or referral is going to ‘fix’ the systems and struggles that clients face,” she explains. “But each interaction helps—pointing a client to their own strengths and providing one piece of a larger puzzle, whether that’s applying for public benefits or finding a community resource.”

Her time at Creighton, particularly through the Social Work Program and the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice, has reinforced her passion for advocacy. “Both have provided me with avenues to understand how I can be an effective advocate for social justice now and in my future career,” she says.

After graduation, Crowley plans to work in Nebraska's child welfare system. She credits her practicum with equipping her with valuable experience in client advocacy, resource navigation and professional empathy, skills she will carry with her into her career.

As Creighton recognizes World Day of Social Justice, Crowley’s work serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and legal aid in creating a more just society.