Pepperell’s first community social worker ready to make a difference - Lowell Sun

PEPPERELL — Local resident Jessica Lundeen has been appointed as the town's first community social worker.

In her role, Lundeen will provide outreach support to other residents in regard to mental health, housing, financial assistance and other issues they may face. She will also serve as a liaison to local committees and regional civic groups.

Lundeen will also respond, assist and coordinate social service needs along with the Police Department, Fire Department, Health Department, School Department, Senior Services and other regional partners.

Lundeen said she is not only excited to get to work, but to be the first to serve in the role for the town.

"It's scary because there is an unknown here — the position is new, they never had it before," Lundeen said. "But it's exciting, too, because I get to kind of build up the position from the bottom up."

"There's a lot that, given my past experience, I could bring to the job that they might not have elsewhere in town. I'm ready to get started and help people in every way I can," she said.

Lundeen earned bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from Hester College and Southern New Hampshire University, respectively, while she also was earning a license in social work. Before she was appointed community social worker, Lundeen worked for the Department of Children and Families and served as a social worker at Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer.

Early in her career, Lundeen said she was not interested in the social work field. But her experience with DCF changed her tune; the work provided a different perspective, a "sense of purpose and fulfillment" she had never experienced before.

"I had no interest in social work when I first got involved, but I started working and just never stopped," she said. "As I got into it, it was just very fulfilling to be able to help people."

"I was able to be that person in their life that was there to help them through their difficulties and, you know, find themselves — and now I don't want to leave."

While her position is only part-time, Lundeen said she would welcome an expanded role should the town deem it necessary. Until then, she is glad to continue working as the Nissitissit Middle School's "academic transitional coordinator" — a role that has put her in a position to help students she might not have connected with, otherwise.

"I would love to go full-time if (Pepperell) decided they have the need for it," she said. "But it's worked out because I've been able to meet with some of the students and work with some of them."

"If they need outside services, their counselor can let me know and, when I'm working (as the community social worker), I can contact the family and get them the help they need," she said.

While she does what she can in terms of outreach, Lundeen stressed that residents, whether they need help or know of someone that does, should never be afraid to reach out to her for help.

"Never be ashamed to ask for help — everybody needs to at some point," she said. "And it's okay to ask, there's nothing wrong with needing a helping hand."

"That's why I'm here — I want to help as many people in need as I can."

If you or anyone you know could use Lundeen's help, she can be reached by phone at 978-433-0326 ext.12 by email at jlundeen@town.pepperell.ma.us.