Wolens Foundation gives more than $1M to School of Social Work
The Kalman & Ida Wolens Foundation has committed more than $1 million to support research in The University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work.
The $1.05 million gift will support faculty research in critical-need social work areas, including addiction and recovery, clinical social work, social connectedness and aging studies.
“The School of Social Work is doing a remarkable job producing important research,” said Joe Milkes, president of the Wolens Foundation. “Through their studies, faculty are helping find solutions to the urgent issues our communities face, ranging from child welfare to caring for an aging population. We are honored to have a hand in supporting their efforts.”
The donation establishes funding for research that advances and applies knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life and reduce illness and disability. All funding requests are submitted to a board that reviews and approves those that qualify. Winning projects must be synergistic with current and future critical areas of research in social work and must also demonstrate potential for securing additional external funding.
School of Social Work Dean Scott Ryan said the foundation’s gift is a significant opportunity for faculty to pursue new avenues of study and effect meaningful change in North Texas communities.
“Most of our faculty members conduct research in the targeted areas supported by this generous gift,” Ryan said. “This funding will give them an opportunity to explore advanced solutions to address the pressing needs of our society, driving social equity and improving programs in our communities.”
The Wolens Foundation has served as a partner of UTA’s School of Social Work for more than a decade. In 2011, the private family foundation made a gift to establish the Cheryl Milkes Moore Professorship in Mental Health, named in honor of Joe Milkes’ late sister Cheryl, a former student at UTA.
In May 2020, the foundation donated $100,000 to the school, allowing administrators to create more than 200 field internship positions on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. This support helped graduating students complete their field internship academic requirement. The foundation has also given in support of the e-counseling program.
“Like the Wolens Foundation’s previous contributions, this gift will enable the School of Social Work to advance its goal of achieving a just and equitable society while working together to provide solutions for marginalized populations,” Ryan said.
- Written by Valerie Fields Hill, School of Social Work