Maureen Lavengood, a cherished long-time supporter, donor, former Board member, and dedicated volunteer of Interim, Inc., was recently honored with the national Heart of Social Work Award by the North American Network of Field Educators and Directors (NANFED). The prestigious award was presented by California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) during their Social Work Celebration and Fundraiser on March 14th at Bayonet Black Horse. The award acknowledges her remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to the field of social work.
Following her retirement in 2006, Maureen seamlessly transitioned to mentoring the next generation of social workers. Seeing the urgent need for trained social work professionals in Monterey County, she played a critical role in founding CSUMB’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program starting in 2011. Maureen reflected on the growth and evolution of the internship program, noting, “when we started, Interim was the only program that offered a stipend, and everyone wanted to join. It has been wonderful to watch interns discover their capacities and passions, many staying and growing within Interim.” Her efforts not only bridged a crucial workforce gap but also enriched the educational experiences of students through direct mentorship and supervision during their internships at Interim. Maurren is directly responsible for mentoring 66 interns at Interim alone, including Eva Montes-Portis, who currently serves on Interim’s Board of Directors, as well as multiple program managers and directors.
Lavengood’s involvement with Interim dates back to its inception, where she was instrumental in establishing vital programs for individuals transitioning from state mental hospitals to community living. Reflecting on her lifelong connection with Interim, Maureen shared, “being a founding mother of Interim, it has always been near and dear to my heart because this was our child that we produced. I always stayed committed because it wasn’t just work—it was the meaningful impact being made.” Her passion for creating supportive, community-based programs for individuals living with serious mental illnesses was foundational to Interim’s early success and ongoing growth. Her career with Monterey County Behavioral Health further underscored her commitment, as she pioneered the development of children’s behavioral health services over two decades.
Maureen’s mentees frequently describe her as deeply insightful, nurturing, and motivational, qualities that have significantly shaped their professional journeys. Many of these former interns have remained at Interim after graduation, ascending to leadership roles within the organization. Currently, nine former interns work at Interim, continuing to advance Interim’s mission, contributing significantly to its impact within the community.
Barbara Mitchell, Interim’s retired Executive Director and a close friend of Lavengood, noted, “Maureen wasn’t just supervising the interns; she supported their efforts in school, helped them navigate personal challenges, and facilitated their entry into the professional world. Her passion and persistent belief in the transformative power of social work have profoundly impacted our community.”
Lavengood’s recognition by CSUMB and NANFED is not merely an acknowledgment of past achievements but also highlights her ongoing legacy. She continues to advocate vigorously for the MSW scholarship fund at CSUMB, ensuring future generations of social workers are empowered to make meaningful differences in their communities.
Interim, Inc. congratulates Maureen Lavengood on this prestigious honor and extends heartfelt gratitude for her enduring commitment, wisdom, and compassionate leadership that continues to inspire us all.