The annual social work month celebration of the American Association of Indian Social Workers was held this year at Twin India Palace in Rockland County. The function was attended by over thirty India social workers from the tri state area.

Chief guest for the occasion was Ms. RONNIE STEINWOLF, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK, ROCKLAND PSYCHIATRIC CENTER .
She spoke about social work month and how we could assist people in this current financial crisis and congratulated the social workers for doing a wonderful job.
Guest Speaker for the occasion was SALLY RICKETTS MD., MEDICAL DIRECTOR, FOR INNOVATIVE SPECIALITIES AND OUTCOME MEASURES ROCKLAND PSYCHIATRIC CENTER,
She spoke about motivational interviewing techniques. She was able to condense training material into an hour so that we could get a taste of motivational interviewing. Those who attended the full training gave a lot of credit to this new technique for the success in their work. They were able to use the technique in their interactions with their spouses as well as their children and they were able to get results.

The Association also honored the guests by presenting both of them with a plaque each. Mr. George Thaila, LCSW, long time member of the association was specially honored on the occasion for his contributions to the association. He was instrumental in starting the AAISW information line and continues to give his time to attend to the phone calls and make appropriate referrals.

The function ended with the Buffet lunch at the Twin India Palace