Polk County isn’t the first place to come up in kitchen table conversations about the big social problems affecting America these days. Lakeland and Winter Haven aren’t wealthy areas, but they are places where normal middle-class families care a lot about their communities. That means that social problems here don’t go unnoticed. When open substance use and other issues of the unhoused spill into the streets, people here take notice. And when the retired couple down the street isn’t well enough to keep up on house maintenance or well-off enough to hire some help, people care enough to get involved.
This presents a wide range of opportunities for social workers to make a meaningful difference here. Whether assisting unhoused individuals with mental health challenges or supporting families facing housing instability, social workers in Polk County are quick to get involved.
Take, for example, the county’s initiative to address homelessness, which partners with organizations like Heart for Winter Haven to connect people with housing, job training, and essential resources. Social workers with BSW and MSW degrees are essential to the success of these programs, helping to address the root causes of poverty and offering holistic support.
By earning your degree, you’ll be prepared to join a community of professionals dedicated to creating lasting change in Polk County, working alongside local agencies and social programs to build stronger, healthier communities.
Sarah Powers: Empowering Young Women in Polk County through Faith and Fashion
Sarah Powers, founder and CEO of Top Buttons Inc., has dedicated her life to empowering young women to see their worth from the inside out. Born and raised in Lakeland, Polk County, Powers’ work reflects her deep commitment to her community and her faith. As a former youth minister, social worker, and mother of four, she has built a movement centered on mentorship, education, and fashion, helping young women discover their true identity beyond societal pressures.
Top Buttons, founded by Powers, goes beyond typical fashion organizations. It’s a nonprofit that provides young women with resources to build their self-worth, offering workshops, counseling, and affordable, modest clothing through its boutiques. The heart of the organization is its commitment to encouraging women to understand their value as whole people—not just appearances. Powers’ vision is clear: to help young women gain confidence, make informed choices, and understand their worth beyond the superficial.
A passionate advocate for her community, Powers’ work is deeply rooted in her faith and personal experiences. Influenced by mentors like Jeanne Mayo and Jeremy DeWeerdt, she learned the importance of community service and mentorship early on. Powers spent five years in DeWeerdt’s Master’s Commission, a program that shaped her belief in loving and serving the people around her. Today, she channels that passion into her work at Top Buttons, creating a ripple effect of empowerment across Polk County.
Through her leadership, Sarah Powers continues to inspire change in the lives of countless young women, helping them build confidence, embrace their true selves, and find hope and purpose. In a world often focused on outward appearance, Powers’ message of inner value resonates far beyond Lakeland, making her a truly influential figure in Polk County.
CSWE-Accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) & Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degrees in Lakeland and Throughout Polk County
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in Polk County by pursuing a career in social work? Whether your goal is to work in clinical counseling capacity or in mezzo and macro roles at the community and policy levels, understanding the education and licensure process is key to unlocking opportunities in Florida.
To become licensed at any level in Florida—whether as a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW), Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)—you’ll need a Master of Social Work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). While holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) may not lead directly to licensure, it does provide a fast track to an advanced-standing MSW, allowing you to complete your grad degree in just one year. BSW holders often find fulfilling roles in non-clinical settings such as case management, social services coordination, and community outreach.
Polk County is home to one school offering both CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs to help you begin your path to becoming a social worker in Florida:
Southeastern University
- MSW (on-campus)
- BSW
Southeastern University offers both BSW and MSW programs, each accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BSW program equips students with the skills and ethical foundation to work in diverse settings, with opportunities for hands-on learning both locally and internationally. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions and can apply for Advanced Standing in SEU’s MSW program, allowing them to complete their graduate degree in as little as nine months.
SEU’s MSW program has a clinical focus, preparing students for roles in private practices, healthcare organizations, and more. Courses are offered in flexible formats, including evening classes, and students gain practical experience through a supervised internship tailored to their career goals.
Warner University
- BSW (on-campus)
Warner University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program provides a faith-based education rooted in servanthood and social justice. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this four-year, on-campus program equips students with the skills to advocate for vulnerable and oppressed populations. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through seminars, workshops, and field trips, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates are prepared for various roles, including social work, community development, and child welfare, with a focus on promoting wellness and serving through faith.
SEU’s MSW program has a clinical focus, preparing students for roles in private practices, healthcare organizations, and more. Courses are offered in flexible formats, including evening classes, and students gain practical experience through a supervised internship tailored to their career goals.