ACPL Social Worker Shares Impacts, Successes of First Year

One year after joining the team at the Allen County Public Library (ACPL), Social Services Coordinator Cass Winters is pleased to share the progress and impact of the position. Introduced in late 2023 with unanimous support from the ACPL Board of Trustees, the social worker position was established to help fill a critical service gap for both patrons and staff, in reaction to the growing number of patrons facing mental health, housing, substance use, and other social challenges. With a team of interns, and a mix of case management, staff support and training, and community partnerships, Winters’ first year has yielded real and positive results for patrons and the community at large.

Patron Case Management

The department has served more than 100 unique patrons, many requiring ongoing relationships. This support includes referrals to housing, local food pantries, and hot meal locations, health insurance, food stamps, and disability benefits—essential supports to improve quality of life.

This support yielded tangible results. Winters recalls a patron who arrived with few employment skills, but after establishing a rapport, he worked with Winters to build a resumé, practice interviews, and apply for jobs. Today, the patron is employed full-time and reports seeing “hope for a bright future.”

Staff Support and Policy Development

Winters has assisted employees with processing grief, navigating difficult patron interactions, and developing strategies for managing stress. The relationships between Winters and his colleagues have led to increased patron referrals, de-escalation assistance, and informal check-ins to reinforce the ACPL’s culture of care. Winters has developed a Department of Children’s Services reporting procedure and trained staff on their role in reporting suspected abuse or neglect. This not only provided clarity to the team, but also ensures the Library is compliant with state laws to protect both staff and vulnerable patrons.

Community Partnerships

Over the past year, Winters has embedded himself in Fort Wayne’s broader social services network by participating in City of Fort Wayne initiatives, including the Encampment Task Force, Shelter Access Committee, Community Development Block Grant/ESG Fund Committee, and Everyone Home subcommittees. For its work with Indiana University’s social work interns, the ACPL was awarded the IU School of Social Work Fort Wayne 2025 Outstanding Community Partner Award.

Furthermore, through collaboration with the regional Coordinated Entry system, housing assessments can now be completed directly at the Library without necessitating additional appointments and travel. One unhoused patron has consistently met with the department to gain access to food, bus passes, and numerous other community resources. Winters proudly reports that this patron now has safe housing because of the Library’s work and she offered her gratitude: “I’ve been telling others, there’s a guy at the library that cares a lot for the people he works with. You should go see him!”.

Looking Forward

Future plans include continued patron and staff support, community programming, further policy review, and a dedicated social services webpage offering curated community resources for public access.

“This past year has been one of growth, resilience, and transformation—for me, for the ACPL, and most importantly, for many of the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Winters. “Each day brings unpredictable needs but also renewed purpose. I love this library, and I love the people I interact with daily. I know I am living my soul’s purpose. Now that a foundation is in place, I look forward to the promise of the future and the incredible work we will do.”

To contact the ACPL Social Services team, contact the ACPL at (260) 421-1200.