Our Team
Jeffrey Tucker, Founder.
My Journey into the field of social work began at age 50, following a 30-year career as an electrician. As a black man and previous ward of the State of New York, I felt compelled to give something back-to help other disadvantaged youth the way I had once been helped.
I began to volunteer my time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A) in the family court system. My involvement with CASA of NJ led to my eventual enrollment at the Rutgers School of Social Work, where I began my new career in earnest.
I pursued a career in social work not just to give back, but because I know there is a void of Black men in the field. As a CASA advocate, the young men I advocated for were primarily from the inner city. There never seemed to be enough qualified Black males in the field to address the needs of these boys. Yes, there are some, and they may be very talented, but there are not nearly enough.
The despair and hopelessness of children whose fathers are not present has contributed to the decay of many communities. Strong, dedicated, compassionate social workers can help reverse this decay. As such, I believe one of my major responsibilities as a Black man in the field of social work is to serve as a role model and to leverage my unique experiences as a young man to help Black youths who need to see someone they can identify with in this type of role.
I have had the privilege to meet and work with some extraordinary individuals who accepted me as a Black man and allowed me to apply my experiences as a father, brother, uncle, mentor, and former service recipient to meet my clients where they are. I draw much of my own inspiration from my teachers and supervisors who have shown me what it means to be a social worker. I am particularly inspired by the passion and commitment of Dr. Tawanda Hubbard, my former professor and the current president of NASW-NJ. I have had the opportunity to see the impact Dr. Hubbard has had in the communities where she works and have witnessed the legacy she has created. I also draw inspiration from my former Director, Mrs. Hall, who taught me how to supervise others in a way that demonstrated professionalism and sensitivity.
I would like to leave a similar legacy - to give of myself whatever is necessary in providing services that assist individuals to move forward in life. My motto has become: “I can change the world one person at a Time.”