From Silent Child to Social Worker

March is Social Work Appreciation Month, and April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. What better way to reflect on both than through the principle of advocacy?

Growing up in a complex family dynamic, my life was filled with challenges and barriers that many could not see from the outside. What was once a little girl who rarely spoke has become a woman who now advocates for others—specifically children and families—as a DCBS worker. All that little girl ever wanted was someone to advocate for her and her family.

My name is Holli Blair. I am twenty-four years old, and I love all things travel—I’ll try just about anything. I also have the sweet honor of being a dog mom to my Cocker Spaniel–Boston Terrier mix and my Border Collie, whom I absolutely adore. I grew up in the great state of South Carolina. Whenever I share that, people always ask, “Why Kentucky?” After growing up in the hustle and bustle of city life, Kentucky’s rolling hills and horse farms truly spoke to me. There’s nothing quite like driving down Kentucky’s back roads with the windows down, your hair in the wind, and your favorite songs playing.

But back to my story. As a little girl, I had to grow up quickly. Just before high school, I stepped into a parental role for my niece and nephew, who quickly became my entire world. Changing diapers, taking them to medical appointments, and teaching them how to walk, talk, and read was not how I imagined my high school years—but I would not change it for anything. Seeing them happy became everything to me. That experience ultimately led me to social work. I dreamed of being a role model for other children and families—helping them grow and find a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos.

When it came time for college, I began my journey at Lander University in South Carolina as a teaching major. While I enjoyed it, I knew I was being called to something more. After four years, I felt ready to step out of a parental role with my niece and nephew and fully embrace being their aunt. So, I packed my bags and moved states, eventually finding my way to Eastern Kentucky University, where I studied social work. It quickly became more than a major—it became part of who I am.

During college, I led a student organization and coordinated events such as a domestic violence awareness walk, a child abuse and neglect prevention event, and several smaller initiatives in partnership with community organizations. In my senior year, I was honored to be named EKU Social Work Student of the Year. I also had the opportunity to intern with DCBS, where I was welcomed with open arms and quickly fell in love with the work. Now, nearly three years later, I cannot imagine doing anything else.

Today, as a DCBS employee, I am also pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Kentucky to obtain my Clinical Social Work certification. I am currently an intern at All God’s Children, where I have been met with open arms, kind hearts, and a deep love for God and families. This experience has allowed me to step back and see not only the challenges in our system, but also the incredible good happening in our community. All God’s Children has been a significant stepping stone in both my professional and personal growth.

Now, let me share what it’s really like to be a social worker. Many people don’t fully see what this profession entails. It is not a typical nine-to-five job—it is a 24/7 commitment. Even when you are not in the office, your mind is constantly working to find ways to advocate for and support your clients. What many don’t see are the workers fighting within a broken system, striving to help families heal and reunify. They don’t see the long hours, the tears, or the heartbreak.

But they also don’t always see the joy—the moment a family reunifies, the smile of a child who says, “Thank you for keeping me safe,” or the pride when a client shares how far they’ve come. This work is not easy. We don’t do it for the money—we do it for families.

As Child Abuse Prevention Month approaches, I want to emphasize the importance of advocacy for families experiencing heartbreak, anger, and frustration. No matter their situation, families deserve support and access to resources. Whether it’s being an extra support for a child, connecting a family to services, or helping with childcare, every effort moves us one step closer to change.

Even if you are not a social worker, you can still advocate—for families and for a system that heals rather than harms. I’ll leave you with a quote I strive to live by each day:

“The smallest steps lead to the biggest change.”