Social work is a field that is rarely given formal recognition, says Jennifer Cline (BSW 2009), which made her selection to receive a Platinum Jubilee pin especially gratifying.

Cline, a staff social worker with Legal Assistance Windsor, received the honour from Windsor West MP Brian Masse on April 14. The emblem was created to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne; Masse bestowed them on individuals demonstrating “service above self.”

Cline said she was honoured to be considered deserving of such recognition.

“We tend to go into this field out of care for our clients and a sincere belief in the innate value of the work we do,” she said. “Receiving this award was a humbling surprise that will shape my practice and inspire me to continue to advocate passionately—both for my individual clients, and systemically through social justice reform.”

Cline’s 14 years experience in the profession include stints at the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society prior to joining the LAW staff. Masse cited her responsive and innovative approaches to addressing pandemic-related challenges in selecting her for the award.