It’s National Social Work Month. Meet Cheryl McCutchen, LSW, LCADC, who says that Broadway House for Continuing Care is pivotal—for residents and in her own life.
Cheryl McCutchen, LSW, LCADC, has truly witnessed the power of healing through Broadway House. When her brother was a Broadway House resident several years ago she noticed a positive energy whenever she visited. Soon after joining the staff in February 2022, Ms. McCutchen again experienced the love: “My mother’s health was not good. She was transitioning and passed just months after I started at Broadway House. There was such an outpouring of love. People donated their time so I wouldn’t lose money when I had to be off. All the staff were amazing to me. Broadway House was pivotal—an absolute Godsend!”
Raised in East Orange, Ms. McCutchen earned an associate degree in psychology from Passaic County College and a bachelor’s in social work and psychology, as well as a Master of Social Work, from Rutgers University. Today, she is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and is well on her way toward taking the Licensed Clinical Social Worker exam. At Broadway House, Ms. McCutchen and Case Manager Mauricio “Max” Rodriguez, MS, run the methadone program for residents battling drug addiction.
Broadway House Social Workers go above and beyond to provide significant support to residents, now and after discharge. Ms. McCutchen runs a residents support group at Broadway House called Solution Focused and also connects them with resources like online Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. “The key is to have a good rapport with residents, to establish a safe space so they will talk openly about what they’re going through,” Ms. McCutchen explains. “When they’re discharged, they already have a support network in the community established before they leave.”
As a field, social work can sometimes be stressful. Ms. McCutchen finds joy in her family, as well as music, making bracelets, and volunteering with Mature Sisters, a Paterson-based organization that serves the homeless population. Deeply spiritual, Ms. McCutchen connects with God through the energy in stones and minerals; in fact, she is a member of the New Jersey Mineralogical Society.
Broadway House residents and fellow staff members inspire her every day: “First and foremost, I love engaging with our residents. They are human beings with heavy hitting issues and deserve attention. And our staff—we are one hell of a team of seasoned professionals. I work with a boss-ass team!”
