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News Release BOISE STATE NEWS RELEASE/July 3, 2008 Will Rainford Named Idaho Social Worker of the Year; Fourth Boise State Professor Chosen Since 2003 Will Rainford, an associate professor in the Boise State University School of Social Work, has been named the 2008 Idaho Social Worker of the Year by the Idaho chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Rainford is the fourth Boise State faculty member to receive this award since 2003. Previous honorees are Doug Yunker, 2003; Kathy Tidwell, 2005; and William Whitaker, 2007. Rainford was selected for his organizing work with Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter, mobile home residents in the Treasure Valley, and legislative lobbying efforts on behalf of Catholic Charities of Idaho. Roy Rodenhiser, director of the School of Social Work, said, “Will demonstrates what great results social workers can accomplish when they advocate for those in need in our community. I am amazed, but never surprised, at what Dr. Rainford can accomplish. I am proud of Will — he is very deserving of this prestigious award.” Rainford teaches community organizing and social policy and is also an experienced legislative advocate, having served pro bono for three years as the advocate for the Missouri Association for Social Welfare and four years as the advocate for Catholic Charities of Idaho. Through his efforts, Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services was created and now serves more than 120 people per night. He has also helped to organize mobile home park residents in the Treasure Valley whose homes are threatened by land development. Rainford has been recognized for his efforts with numerous awards this past year, including the Larry Selland Humanitarian Award and the United Vision for Idaho Grassroots Organizer of the Year. Rainford also serves as the chair of the Master of Social Work Program at Boise State and is the president of the Boise State Faculty Senate. The National Association of Social Workers is an organization of professional social workers focused on enhancing the professional growth and development of its members, creating and maintaining professional standards, advancing sound social policies. -30- Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu Boise State University is emerging as a metropolitan research university of distinction. This transformation is being powered by the university’s first comprehensive campaign to support its people, places and programs. That’s why the campaign to raise $175 million in private support is called Destination Distinction.
Last reviewed on Thursday, July 03, 2008
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