How I Found My Voice Interning for Voice and Vision

When I first applied for my internship at Voice and Vision, I had no idea what to expect. As a social work student, I knew I wanted hands-on experience helping others. But stepping into such a dynamic organization felt overwhelming. Now, as my internship comes to a close, I look back in awe at how much I’ve grown, both professionally and personally. Before my interview, I scoured the Voice and Vision website, trying to understand their many programs and services. By the time I sat down with Akua, my nerves had taken over. I was so focused on making a good impression that I barely processed what she said! Looking back, I laugh at how unnecessary that anxiety was – everyone welcomed me with warmth and enthusiasm.

My role on the Member and Family Satisfaction Team (M/FST) pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. One of my biggest challenges? Cold-calling strangers to conduct surveys. At first, the idea terrified me. But with practice, I learned to navigate conversations with empathy and confidence. These interactions taught me the power of active listening and adaptability, skills no classroom could fully replicate. Later, I took on even greater responsibilities, including coordinating with local agencies for our Adult and Family Services Project. Emailing shelter directors, scheduling site visits, and collaborating across organizations showed me the importance of clear communication and persistence. What once felt intimidating is now second nature.

What makes Voice and Vision truly special is the rich diversity of our team. I learned in school the importance of cultural humility, but did not truly appreciate it until my internship. Each of my colleagues bring an incredible range of lived experiences to our work. This diversity isn’t just celebrated, it’s actively leveraged to strengthen our behavioral health services. Whether we’re designing surveys, analyzing data, or making recommendations to the county, these different perspectives ensure our work remains culturally responsive and genuinely meets community needs.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was engaging in applied research that directly influences policy and services. Through M/FST, I helped collect and analyze feedback from individuals accessing behavioral health and social services across Delaware and Chester Counties. This wasn’t just abstract data—these were real stories, struggles, and suggestions from people navigating the system. My role involved synthesizing their experiences into reports for county stakeholders, complete with actionable recommendations to improve accessibility, quality of care, and client satisfaction. A highlight was working on research for the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) project, where I analyzed barriers to addiction treatment access and proposed solutions to expand outreach. This project became a passion, and I was honored to present our findings at Widener University’s Research Day, where our team won 2nd place for its in-depth methodology and potential impact. This experience taught me how research can bridge the gap between community needs and systemic change. Voice and Vision gave me the platform to do it.

If you’re a social work or public health student looking for an internship that combines direct service, advocacy, and cutting-edge research, Voice and Vision is the place for you. Here’s why:

• Real-World Impact: You’ll engage directly with clients and contribute to projects that shape policies and services.
• Hands-On Research: Opportunities like M/FST and MAT allow you to turn data into actionable change and even present your findings.
• A Supportive Community: The team’s mentorship and trust helped me grow from a nervous intern to a confident professional.
• Skills That Matter: Whether it’s communication, research, or crisis intervention, you’ll develop competencies that textbooks alone can’t teach.

Voice and Vision doesn’t just offer an internship, it offers a chance to leave your mark on the systems meant to serve vulnerable populations.

Cover photo of Rosalina and Susan at Widener University’s Research Day. Susan Benzie, MSW, Director of Data, Research, and Design at Voice and Vision, served as Rosalina’s Internship Field Instructor.

Guest Author: Rosalina Garczynski started as an intern for Voice and Vision in 2024. The following year, she graduated from Widener University and decided to stay with the Member and Family Satisfaction Team (M/FST) for Chester and Delaware counties. Her focus is on macro social work, where she hopes to make system-level changes to better the lives of as many people as possible. She hopes to be able to run for public office someday.