Determined to increase advocacy and support for the community of Abilene, Sarah (Robirds ’09) McLean has been a shining example of the mission of the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program: “meeting others where they are in their challenges and helping them overcome barriers.” As a mother, board member of Communities in Schools (CIS) and director of We Love Abilene, a community outreach program of The Well church in Abilene, Sarah has become a beacon of support for the communities she serves.
A Passion for Advocacy
Growing up in Abilene, Sarah was knowledgeable about the need for resources and advocacy for youth and the greater community. At an early age, she loved to listen, understand and nurture her ability to see people as whole beings. After graduating from Cooper High School in 2005, she began her ACU journey as a social work major, where her passions were nurtured through a rigorous curriculum, hands-on field experiences and mentorship from faculty. Upon graduating in 2009, she and her husband, Dr. Marc McLean (’09), relocated to Houston, where she began working at Star of Hope Mission, a Christian-based nonprofit organization that provides services to those in the community. She loved being able to support families and children in the area but she felt her heart pulling her in a different direction.
“It was incredible to walk alongside the families to help them overcome their situations but I realized this group needed a more holistic approach,” she said. “And much of what they were missing was the educational piece, so I decided to get a teaching certification.”
After completing the certification in the summer of 2010, she began teaching science at YES Prep. Returning to Abilene in 2013, Sarah accepted a teaching position at Martinez Elementary School. Though she loved being a teacher, she believed that Abilene needed more social workers in the community. After praying over this transition back to social work, she felt called to enroll in ACU’s MSSW program.
While a student in the program, she focused on integrating her faith into her work, the intricacies of serving diverse populations and learning about the systems put in place to help the community succeed. She landed an internship at CIS, a national nonprofit that provides support services to at-risk students, where she combined her love of social work and teaching.
A Renewed Calling: Serving the Body of Christ
Having earned her master’s degree in social work in 2016, she remained at CIS as the director of mental health, where she focused on holistic support and trained school staff on social, emotional and mental health in youth. Over time, her commitment and leadership within the organization led to her appointment as a board member, where she now helps shape the future of CIS, ensuring that the needs of students are met at every level.
But her journey doesn’t end there. In addition to her work with CIS, she discovered a new way to give back to her community – this time, through her church. The Well welcomed her as an undergraduate student, and when she returned, she felt like she never left. After becoming involved in the outreach ministry, she began to lead We Love Abilene.
“I get daily reassurance that this is what God called me to do,” she said. “It allows me to love well, serve others and act as the hands of God in all that I do. There’s nothing better than that.”
Her work at The Well is deeply fulfilling, allowing her to integrate her faith with her professional skills while finding ways to fill gaps and empower others. She works closely with the church staff and interns to partner with organizations that meet the needs of the Abilene community.
“We are blessed, as a church, to be able to do the things we do for this community: providing financial support to families, hosting baby showers for teen mothers and praying for those in our community,” she said. “But the best part is building life-long relationships with people.”
Throughout her career, she has been supported by her loving family. She and Marc have three children who share their love for service and education.
Reflecting on her journey, she often shares that her time at ACU was instrumental in shaping the person she is today.
“I think back to Dr. Wayne Paris, Dr. Tom Winters and so many others who helped me along the way, especially in graduate school,” she said. “I always tell people that I feel like I’m on a conveyor belt, and a big piece of what makes that belt go is the knowledge, skills and preparation I got from ACU.”
The education and experiences she gained at the university equipped her with the knowledge, skills and values that have guided her through every stage of her career. From the classroom to the community, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others – a commitment that continues to drive her every day.
Learn more about ACU’s MSSW program.
— Senia Overstreet
Aug. 30, 2024