2Life internships build a new generation of professionals
Building connections between older adults and the wider community is at the core of 2Life’s mission, and our internship program is one way we create life-changing, intergenerational experiences for residents and college students. Each year, 2Life works in partnership with colleges and universities in Massachusetts to provide internships for at least 12 students who seek firsthand experience working with older adults. These internships attract students from a range of undergraduate and graduate programs: health sciences, clinical social work, macro social work (systems-level interventions to advance social justice), expressive arts therapy, and rabbinical studies. Guided by 2Life staff, interns work directly with residents at our campuses and provide many important services.
“Interns play a vital role at 2Life,” says Gaye Freed, LICSW, director of 2Life’s Training Institute, who supervises the internship program. “The internship program serves 2Life residents, helping address issues they may be dealing with — from social isolation to memory loss to just having someone to talk with. It also serves the broader community by helping expand the workforce of professionals who want to work with older adults.” Following their internships, students often refine their goals and decide to go into the field of gerontology. Some have even joined 2Life as employees.
Training and supervision are key elements of the program, which is administered by the 2Life Training Institute. Interns receive a comprehensive orientation at the beginning of the cohort in September, followed by ongoing individual supervision. Group supervision facilitated by Debbi Cutler, LICSW, 2Life’s director of health and aging programs, includes peer learning sessions on a range of topics along with semi-monthly case presentations by interns. Interns can also participate in training sessions and webinars provided to the broader 2Life staff. “There’s a lot of learning, both on an individual and group basis,” Freed says.
Mandy Mulliez, a student pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Boston University, served as a 2Life clinical intern this year, providing counseling and case management for residents at Coleman House in Newton. With a professional background in child welfare, Mandy says she wanted to expand her horizons by working with a different population.
“There is a real need for Social Workers specializing in older adults, so it was something I wanted to try. It has been a wonderful experience, just what I was looking for. It’s been such a privilege to get to know the clients and work with them on their goals.” Mandy Mulliez
Mandy met regularly with her assigned clients at Coleman House, conducted group sessions, and connected residents with outside resources when needed. “People appreciate and value a genuine connection with someone who will listen to them, reflect and process with them. Each of my clients had different needs but I think I created good therapeutic relationships with them.”
Mandy says her 2Life internship experience has been a valuable learning experience. “2Life has been wonderful in providing training on so many aspects of aging. The Training Institute brings in a whole host of experts, speakers, and authors. I learned a lot and felt like a true member of the 2Life team.”
As she wraps up her 2Life internship, Mandy says she will take many great memories with her. “It’s going to be hard to leave,” she says, noting that handling transitions properly is itself therapeutic for clients. “I have created some real connections. I will always remember what I learned from my clients at 2Life.”
