Vilma Martinez Gordon’s journey into social work is nothing short of inspiring—a journey that began in the corridors of law firms as a legal secretary and evolved into a life dedicated to transforming families and communities. Her story shows that it’s never too late to answer the call to serve others, a calling she didn’t even know was waiting for her.
For over 20 years, Vilma worked as a legal secretary, and it seemed that her path was set. But life had other plans. Her transition into social work wasn’t immediate—it was sparked by moments of observation, as she sat outside her supervisor’s office, unknowingly embodying the very essence of social work: listening, empathizing, and guiding. It wasn’t long before a seasoned social worker, Miss Granderson, recognized in Vilma a gift that would later become her life’s passion.
Early Life and Career Transition
Her remarkable journey into social work is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of community. After spending over 20 years as a legal secretary and raising five children, her life took a transformative turn when a neighbor—a social worker—recognized her potential. This pivotal moment sparked Vilma’s interest in the field and set her on a path to making a significant difference in the lives of others.
Encouraged by her neighbor, Vilma applied for a secretary position in the Adolescent Pregnancy Care and Prevention Program. It was there that she first grasped the profound influence she could have on young women’s lives. Her supervisor’s encouragement further fueled her ambition, prompting her to explore the possibility of becoming a social worker.
Education and Career Development
Vilma’s final decision to pursue a career in social work came after spending time as a case manager in the Bronx, helping young women navigate the complexities of pregnancy. There, she found a purpose that fueled her—giving hope to those who had none, and creating spaces where mothers and their children could reunite and thrive. It was in this setting that Vilma’s journey shifted into high gear, leading her to pursue her undergraduate degree, then her master’s, all while raising her own family and caring for her grandchildren.
Determined to pursue her newfound passion, Vilma quickly returned to school. Enrolling at Audrey Cohen College, she completed her undergraduate degree in a remarkable two years and eight months, all while balancing family responsibilities, including caring for two granddaughters. With the unwavering support of her mother, Vilma overcame numerous challenges and continued to push forward.
Her commitment to her education didn’t stop there. Motivated by her mentors, she enrolled in Yeshiva University for her master’s degree while managing her work responsibilities. In a bold move, she took the licensing exam while still in school, determined to cement her expertise before time could erode her knowledge. Her success paved the way for her to take on various supervisory roles, always gravitating toward administrative positions that would allow her to make an even greater impact.
Experience in Social Work
Vilma’s career trajectory led her to significant roles at esteemed organizations, including Saint Christopher’s, where she served as a unit supervisor until the agency’s closure. Her journey continued at the New York Foundling, where she adeptly balanced dual roles as a substance abuse counselor and a preventive program worker. In this capacity, she witnessed the struggles of mothers whose babies were born with substance exposure, solidifying her belief in the importance of keeping families together whenever possible.
Throughout her career, Vilma has passionately advocated for mothers, empowering them to overcome obstacles and equipping them with the necessary tools to reunite with their children. Her unwavering belief that mothers can succeed with the right support drives her to fight tirelessly for their needs within a complex and often challenging system.
One of Vilma’s greatest joys has been working at Inwood Community Services, where she serves as a fee-for-service therapist. But her roots in the administrative side of social work have also given her the strength and confidence to challenge systems that often enable stagnation, rather than foster growth and recovery. Vilma has seen firsthand how clients can become dependent on community-based programs, sometimes for decades, without real progress. She has fought to push for change, advocating for her clients to move forward, to learn how to manage their conditions, and to regain control of their lives. “There’s always hope,” she says, with an unwavering belief that people can change—but only when they are ready.
Advocacy and Impact
Vilma’s advocacy work has been nothing short of transformative. She has confronted systemic challenges head-on, particularly when working with mothers facing scrutiny from the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). One of her notable successes involved securing extended homemaking services for a mother of four, demonstrating her commitment to fostering stability and growth within families.
Vilma has consistently highlighted the traumatic impact of separation on children, advocating for approaches that prioritize unification rather than division. She believes that with comprehensive support, families can heal and thrive, ultimately creating healthier futures for generations to come.
Her resilience and determination not only carried her through her own personal trials but inspired the lives of countless others. From working in preventive services to substance abuse counseling, Vilma touched the hearts of the mothers she served, fiercely advocating for the reunification of families, and proving that, with the right support, healing is possible. Her deep belief in the power of keeping families together is what drives her work. “Children belong with their moms,” she says, emphasizing that, while foster care may be necessary in some situations, the trauma of separation leaves scars that are difficult to heal.
Challenges and Realities
While Vilma’s journey is filled with successes, she has also faced significant challenges within the social work landscape. Navigating the complexities of agency regulations can be frustrating, especially when clients remain stagnant for years. She often reflects on the lack of progress for those in treatment, questioning how a system can perpetuate dependency rather than promote empowerment.
Her approach emphasizes the need for holistic treatment, recognizing the distinction between chronic mental illness and conditions that can be managed with appropriate support. By meeting clients where they are, Vilma empowers them to learn to manage their situations, understanding that meaningful change must come from within.
Throughout her career, Vilma has been an unrelenting force for good. Whether she was fighting for homemaking services to help a struggling mother or providing a safe space for clients to confront their demons, she has always put her clients first. She understands that social workers, like the clients they serve, face their own personal battles. Her experiences with the SWEET Institute, particularly during self-expression sessions, helped her realize that social workers, too, need support and safe spaces to express their struggles. “We’re just sitting on the other side of the desk,” she says, reminding us of all that no one is immune to life’s challenges.
The Importance of Community and Support
Beyond her professional achievements, Vilma remains deeply committed to her community. She dedicates her time to caring for elderly neighbors, volunteering at nursing homes, and being a voice for those in need. For Vilma, social work is not merely a profession; it is a calling that brings her joy and fulfillment as she supports individuals navigating life’s challenges.
Her involvement with SWEET has been particularly enlightening, providing her with insights into what it really means to be a social worker, a clinician, and advocate, and a human being. This shared understanding fosters empathy and connection among her peers, reinforcing the notion that even those in the profession face personal challenges, but we are much stronger as a community.
Looking Ahead
As Vilma reflects on her career, she cherishes the relationships she has cultivated with clients and colleagues alike. She remains steadfast in her mission to bring hope and healing, knowing that change is possible when individuals feel supported. For Vilma, the greatest successes are often found in the small victories—mothers reuniting with their children, clients achieving stability, and community members feeling seen and heard.
Looking to the future, Vilma is eager to expand her volunteer efforts and continue making a meaningful difference. Her passion for social work and community service remains unwavering, and she envisions new opportunities ahead, including fulfilling her dream of learning to play the piano.
Vilma’s story is not just one of personal success—it is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and advocacy. It is about standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves and believing in their capacity to rise, even when the system around them seems stacked against them. It is a reminder that, in the world of social work, change is not just a lofty ideal—it is a reality that can be realized, one person at a time.
Her journey proves that no matter where you start, or how late you begin, there is always time to make an impact. As Vilma says, “Social work gives me joy.” That joy has been the engine of her success, and it continues to propel her forward, as she builds a legacy of hope and transformation for those who need it most.
In her journey, Vilma Martinez Gordon exemplifies the essence of social work: fostering hope, resilience, connection, and unconditional love. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others demonstrates that, together, we can create a brighter future—one person at a time.
Vilma Martinez-Gordon, LCSW-R: I am a social worker with 30 years of experience in mental health. I earned my undergraduate degree at Audrey Cohen College, and a year later, after gaining temporary custody of my 1-year-old and 5-year-old granddaughters, I attended Yeshiva University/Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where I received my MSW. During my last semester, I took the CSW exam and obtained my LCSW.
After holding supervisory positions at St. Christopher’s Preventive Program, I moved on to South Bronx Mental Health Council, where I served as the Director of the Outpatient Mental Health Program. At the age of 62, I retired from full-time employment. In 2008, I began working at Inwood Community Services, Inc./Alicia Ferrer Mental Health Program as a fee-for-service Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I continue to work at ICS in this capacity.
Due to a serious health issue, I had to reduce my caseload from 35-36 clients to 15. However, I remain committed to delivering the best care, guidance, and love to each and every one of my clients. I do not walk ahead or behind my clients, but right alongside them.
I am deeply grateful to the SWEET Institute for being a part of my life. They are my support team, my mentors, and my models. Where were they all of my life? (Just a thought.) I have learned so much about myself as a human being and a clinician. I initially came for the CEUs, but I stayed for the knowledge, the wisdom they impart, and the love they show me and all of my SWEET colleagues.