Andrew Spiers, L.C.S.W,/M.S.S. '14, Guest in Clarifi's LGBTQ+ Month Programming

Andrew Spiers, L.C.S.W/M.S.S. '14, director of training and technical assistance for Housing First University (HFU)—the educational initiative of Pathways to Housing PA—was interviewed by Clarifi, an organization with a mission to empower individuals to achieve financial resilience and positively impact their communities, as part of their October LBGTQ+ month programming. The article, "LBGTQ+ History Month: In Conversation with Andrew Spiers," was posted on Clarifi's blog on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The conversation focused on the financial obstacles members of the LGBTQ+ community face. Spiers explained, "Most financial challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces stem from a lack of basic legal protections." He noted, “Additionally, many folks are given an unfair disadvantage in the way they’re treated in their youth." Spiers emphasized striving for equality, positive workplace training, and compiling resource networks to better respond to the needs of the community.

In his position, Spiers provides support to other housing providers, nonprofits, community groups, universities, and governmental agencies through intensive training, technical assistance, and consulting engagements. Spiers pursued his M.S.S. in the GSSWSR's Community Practice, Policy, and Advocacy concentration.

The GSSWSR prepares students to become effective social work practitioners, advocates for social and economic justice, and leaders in the social work profession. Students learn about work with individuals, families and groups, as well as social work with organizations and communities. Students learn a holistic approach to social work practice with an emphasis on the importance of diversity and inclusion. GSSWSR's accredited program awards a Master of Social Service (M.S.S.) degree, which is equivalent to an M.S.W. For more information, contact the school at 610-520-2600 or socialwork@brynmawr.edu.