Valley Youth House recently honored Nicole Sonsini with the prestigious 2024 Carole Ferretti Award, marking a significant milestone in her career. The Carole Ferretti Award is the highest direct service recognition bestowed upon staff at Valley Youth House, created to honor the memory and legacy of Carole Ferretti. A dedicated former teacher and active member of the Valley Youth House Board, she served as Chair of the Program Committee and Vice President of the Board. Carole was tragically killed by a drunk driver in April 1988 at the age of 40. Carole’s unwavering commitment to youth defined her life, career and service. This award, established in her honor, is reserved for direct service staff who exemplify her spirit, commitment, and excellence in their work.

Nicole’s initial reaction to winning the award was one of sheer surprise. Reflecting on the moment, she shared, “I’m thinking in my head like, this award is for the OGs at Valley Youth House, and then they say my name and I was like, ‘oh my gosh, I’m the OG now!’” The recognition, which had always seemed out of reach, left her in shock. “It always just felt so far out of reach. I was so shocked.” 

Receiving the Carole Ferretti Award has been profoundly validating for her, both personally and professionally. this accolade reassured her of the significant impact of her work. “It’s especially nice to hear all of my career highlights summed up in one place, and knowing that my peers recognize me,” she said. The award made her feel like a “worthy contender” and allowed her to stand amongst the other “powerhouses” at Valley Youth House. 

Nicole’s journey with Valley Youth House began fresh out of college, during a time when she was struggling to find employment. Taking a leap of faith, she applied and was hired as an administrative assistant. This role quickly immersed her in the world of social services, a field she hadn’t initially envisioned herself in. “I never imagined that this was what work could be.” 

Shortly thereafter, Nicole was offered a case management position, which allowed her to further engage with the youth she served. Eventually, she was given the opportunity to create her own art program at the Achieving Independence Center in Philadelphia. “I was trusted the whole way through,” she noted, emphasizing how this trust has been crucial to her growth and success. “This is the place where I should have ended up, and now I’m here.” Today, she can’t imagine herself doing anything else. 

For those looking to break into the field of social work, Nicole offers valuable advice: “You have to go in with a level of trust and respect for the young people and not just see them as people who need help. You are in this together with them.” She acknowledges the challenges of the profession, especially in the early years, and stresses the importance of recognizing one’s limitations to avoid burnout. “If you don’t like it or can’t take it or feel like this isn’t the place for you, then it’s okay to leave. Maybe you need to try a different population, or maybe you just need to get out of this altogether.” 

She also highlights the importance of using available support and communicating with supervisors to navigate the challenges of social work successfully. 

Outside of her professional life, Nicole remains deeply connected to her roots in South Philadelphia, where she was born and raised. Her neighborhood fuels her passion and creativity, which she channels into her art, sold on Etsy. Nicole is also an avid reader, baker, and cyclist, and she enjoys spending time outdoors. Her black cat, Marla, adds a touch of warmth and companionship to her life. These hobbies, she said, ground her and help to make her a better social worker. 

Nicole Sonsini’s journey and achievements are a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the profound impact she has on the lives of the young people she serves. Her recognition with the Carole Ferretti Award is well-deserved and serves as an inspiration to all those in the field of social work!