Caroline was a Case Manager for The Foundation of Family Life during Fall 2025.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
As a case manager at the Foundation for Family Life, I worked directly with males in addiction recovering, assessing their needs and connecting them with appropriate resources and support. I held weekly case management sessions, monitored progress, and provided guidance to help clients achieve their goals. Through this work, I helped improve clients’ access to resources and contributed to positive outcomes in their family and personal well-being.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
During my internship at the Foundation for Family Life, I worked with men in addiction recovery, and I learned how individualized and complex their journeys can be, which was far beyond what I expected. I didn’t anticipate the level of empathy, patience, and creative problem-solving required to support each client, or how important consistent guidance and accountability are in helping them maintain progress. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of resilience and the challenges of recovery.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
My internship at FFL working with men in addiction recovery inspired me to adjust my career path. While I was originally pursuing marriage and family therapy, I realized I loved working with this demographic and wanted the flexibility to serve in multiple capacities. As a result, I’m switching to social work so I can continue supporting individuals and families in a broader range of ways, addressing both mental health and practical needs.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
My experience working with men in addiction recovery at the Foundation for Family Life inspired me to take action beyond my role as a case manager. I realized that many of my clients wouldn’t have the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with gifts, so I felt motivated to use extra funds from my church ward’s budget to create a Christmas service project for them. I organized my ward to make and fill stockings with small gifts and essentials, which we then gave to my clients. Seeing their gratitude and knowing they felt remembered and valued was a powerful and humbling reminder of the impact of compassion and community support.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this internship to other students. It provides hands-on experience working with clients in addiction recovery, teaching valuable skills in empathy, communication, and problem-solving. The internship also offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, and it gave me personal insights into resilience, the importance of support systems, and the impact of small acts of kindness.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
Overall, my internship at FFL was an incredibly meaningful experience. It not only strengthened my professional skills in case management and client support but also gave me personal insights into resilience, empathy, and the power of small acts of kindness. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work closely with a population that often goes overlooked, and it has solidified my commitment to a career in social work where I can continue making a positive impact.
