For many years Maylene Jennings has had a goal to work alongside at-risk children and families in the community.

When she graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work at the Bethlehem Tertiary Institute graduation ceremony at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, she will be celebrating achieving that goal.

Maylene Jennings and Natalie Richardson. Photo: Andrew Campbell.

At the beginning of 2012, Maylene became part of the first cohort of students to enter the social work degree programme at BTI.

The faith-based programme is unique in New Zealand in the degree to which it challenges students to consider how their own beliefs and values impact on their practice as social workers.

'I really believe the social work journey has changed me to be a better version of myself,” says Maylene. 'I am more empathetic, non-judgemental and inclusive. It is such an awesome privilege to be working alongside families, especially those who may have never felt heard before.”

Maylene was offered employment as a Care and Protection Social Worker with Open Home Foundation in Tauranga after completing a 30 day practicum placement with them in her third year of study.

In her role Maylene works with children who are either in Open Home Foundation's care, or Child Youth and Family's statutory care but placed with Open Home Foundation's foster parents.

'I work closely with foster parents and the child's social worker from Child Youth and Family to ensure the child's needs are being met,” says Maylene.

Open Home's northern region national practice advisor Natalie Richardson says hiring Maylene was an easy decision.

'She has compassion, motivation and a heart for children and families. The BTI qualification has enabled her to learn the theory and practice of social work as well as grow in her self-awareness and how to integrate her values and faith, into her social work practice.”