In honor of National Social Work Month, we’re highlighting a handful of the many dedicated social workers who stand up every day for the children, youth and families we serve. Becoming a social worker offers you the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths, from direct clinical practice to administration to advocacy and policy roles. As such, social workers are found at every level, in every department and program area of Children’s Home + Aid.

Meet David Fox, Program Manager at Children’s Home + Aid’s

Tell us about yourself:

I’m the oldest of three siblings, and the first to go to college in my family. I was born in Brooklyn, NY and have always loved big cities and all they have to offer. I came to Chicago to go to law school with every intention of returning to New York City to grow old. I didn’t plan on falling in love with the city of Chicago! I’ve considered myself married for 24 years, but Mark and I were legally married almost 2 years ago.The youngest member of our family is Ozzie, a 6-year-old Border Terrier.

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I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Union College in Schenectady, NY, a JD from DePaul University and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University. I was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1988. I plan on taking the exam for LCSW licensure in December of this year.

Why is social work important to you?

As a social worker, my most rewarding experiences center around permanency, especially when children and youth can be returned to their parents. I love what David Brooks wrote about in his recent book “The Road to Character.”

Performing service is not something I do out of the goodness of my heart, but as a debt I am repaying for the gift of life. – David Brooks

Once a lawyer, always a lawyer – although my bar status is inactive right now. My mother in law is a LCSW and she encouraged me to go to Loyola and pursue my MSW, which turned out to be great advice. I chose social work over the practice of law as my way to give back and help people in a significant way.