Orchard Place is thrilled to celebrate Derly Beacom, a Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist (BHIS) Clinical Supervisor, for receiving the National Association of Social Workers 2024 Emerging Social Worker Award. This recognition truly reflects her exceptional dedication to developing strong futures.
“Receiving this award meant a lot to me,” shared Beacom. “It reaffirmed that when you love something, caring for it comes naturally. This is how I feel about this profession – it’s a pillar for change.”
As Iowa’s leading youth mental health experts, Beacom is one of the many Orchard Place employees who bring insight and empathy to their roles, having firsthand experience in their clients’ challenges. “I began my journey in social work as a client. I often felt undeserving and carried guilt for letting others down,” she said. “The experiences I had increased my passion for helping teenagers who are going through similar situations.” Understanding feelings of isolation and confusion brought Beacom to seek employment with Orchard Place in 2020.
Committed to being a source of support for youth and their families, Beacom said her personal experiences have shaped her approach and allows her to connect with young people in a meaningful way. She said, “We often say that it only takes one person to change your life. My mentor noticed my struggles and reached out. I needed that support.” Because of people like her mentor, this shaped Beacom to want to provide that same level of genuine care to others.
“My favorite part is providing therapy to teenagers. I feel deeply rewarded by the work we do together,” she explained. “I am learning so much from them and their experiences.”
Orchard Place is grateful for amazing employees, like Beacom, who every day are fostering safe environments to promote hope and healing.