For Francesca, social work is not just a job—it’s a mission. “I’m a social worker and work for a cooperative. I manage the educational area of a therapeutic community that cares for people with drug addiction”, she explains. At 54, she has dedicated the past decade to this work and led a social farming project within the community for the last five years.
What makes her work unique is the depth of human connection: “It’s not just a material service provided in a basic way—it’s a journey”, she says. “It involves not only the person receiving care but also the professionals who support them, helping them find the motivation to break free from addiction”.
However, working in a male-dominated environment has presented challenges. “I often work with people who don’t always recognise women as an authority or someone who can offer valuable insights”, she admits. “But over time, trust and understanding break down barriers. As treatments last several months, people become more open and gradually accept the role of women within a project like social farming—an area traditionally dominated by men”.
Despite these obstacles, Francesca feels fortunate to be part of an organisation that values training and development. “The cooperative enterprise supports us by investing in worker education and actively seeking regional and European funding. We regularly apply for grants to improve our services and better support those in need. Education is crucial for our role as social workers”, she notes.
Her passion for people goes beyond her profession. “I love connecting with individuals and looking past labels and prejudices”, she says. I don’t just see the addiction or the diagnosis—I see the person. I enjoy discovering strengths in others that they may not recognise themselves”.
Francesca is also involved in several volunteer associations focused on social inclusion. “Besides the GRASS CEILING Living Lab, I participate in various voluntary organisations that support people facing difficulties. These experiences help me grow, even outside my professional work”.