Nick Hoffman
UB School of Social Work MSW Student
Nick
Crafting a Meaningful Path: From Woodwork to Community Service
Hello! I'm a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, currently completing my final internship with Erie County Forensic Mental Health at the Erie County Holding Center (ECHC). There, I provide clinical support to justice-involved individuals experiencing serious mental health challenges. Prior to this, I completed an enriching internship with Spectrum Health and Human Services, where I offered community-based mental health counseling. I will finish my current placement in August 2025 and am actively seeking full-time employment in the field.
But let me rewind a bit - my journey into social work has been anything but traditional.
My early professional years were spent as a high-end custom woodworker and furniture maker. The smell of sawdust and the satisfaction of shaping raw material into something lasting fueled my creativity and discipline. I loved the craft - but life had more in store.
That next chapter began at Allentown Industries, a division of Heritage Centers in Buffalo, NY, where I worked in vocational training and supported employment for developmentally disabled adults. Together, we repaired furniture and built skills - not just in the physical sense, but in confidence, autonomy, and community connection.
The Turning Point: A work-related injury made it clear I could no longer meet the physical demands of woodworking. Rather than viewing this as a defeat, I embraced it as an opportunity. I felt a strong pull toward social work - a field where my empathy, creativity, and hands-on mindset could serve others in powerful new ways.
I also hold a BFA in Sculpture from the University at Buffalo. Art and empathy continue to shape my social work lens. Whether I'm helping a client process trauma, navigate reentry, or reclaim their voice, I bring the same presence and purpose I once brought to the studio.
Why Social Work? Because I believe in the power of connection. Every person has a story worth honoring, and I want to be part of their journey - supporting healing, fostering resilience, and working toward equity and justice.
Let's continue building something meaningful - together.