Helping others through respect and support

Jeff Sargent is married, has two children, a successful career and a nice house in his hometown of Wausau, Wis. He seems to have it all. But Sargent understands that "all" has a different definition for everyone, including his social work clients. Sargent's goal for the past 21 years has been to help people live their best lives, on their own terms.

"I've always wanted to help others, and I've been fascinated by how people's minds work," said Sargent, north central area director for Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. "I guess that's why I started studying psychology in college. I wanted to know why people made the decisions they made."

During his years at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Sargent's focus began to shift toward social work. "It was the right career for me and my interests," he explained. Sargent earned a bachelor's degree in social work, followed by a master's degree in social work. With degrees in hand, he returned to central Wisconsin and launched his career in social work with CSSW in Wausau and Stevens Point, Wis.

As a social work generalist, Sargent counseled clients about domestic violence issues, jobs, family relationships and parenting. At any given time, he was involved with up to eight different programs. "That generalist work really helped me understand all the things a social service agency does and can do," Sargent said. "That knowledge helps me with what I do now."

As an area director, Sargent is responsible for all of CSSW's programs and services in north central Wisconsin, including the cities of Wausau, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Neenah and Wisconsin Rapids. "Basically, I need to make sure our programs are meeting our clients' needs," he said.

That simple goal has propelled Sargent throughout his career. "I've learned people have a lot of influences that impact them, but they still have a right to make their own decisions and live the lives they choose," he explained. "I might not agree with or understand the choices other people make, but I respect their right to make them."

His management role limits his face-to-face work with clients but comes with other rewards. "I really liked working with kids, but now I have the ability to provide direction for this organization," he explained. "That's helpful, too."

Also helpful, he said, is the emergence of preventative programming in social work. "There's a tremendous value in stopping problems before they start, problems like child abuse and neglect," Sargent explained. "Preventative programming has had a positive influence in a lot of fronts such as education and delinquency."

Social work can be challenging, Sargent said, so work-life balance is a high priority. His downtime includes spending time with his wife and two teenage children, as well as coaching soccer and volunteering in his community and at church. He also serves on the board of directors at a local domestic violence shelter and supports a community health clinic for the poor.

When he finds time to let his mind wander, it's usually searching for a metaphor. "Everyone who knows me says I'm notorious for metaphors – I'm constantly comparing one thing to another," he admitted. And social work is ripe for Sargent's metaphors. "Our programs are like pennies," he said. "Some are shiny and new, and others have been around longer. They have experience. But they all add value to the lives of our clients."