Over the years, the Preble Street internship program has trained hundreds of social workers. This prestigious and competitive opportunity has been key to meeting the Preble Street mission since the agency was founded in 1975 by Joe Kreisler, chair of the University of Southern Maine social work department.  In its 48-year history, the Preble Street internship program has trained over 500 social workers.

“Every good social worker knows that work starts with a relationship, starts where the client is at. Not where they could be, but where they are,” shares Mark Swann, Executive Director of Preble Street. “Beginning in 1975, Joe and his social work students walked the streets, talked with people, knocked on doors, hosted focus groups, and conducted surveys. They focused on listening and through that learned where the community was. This learning informs Preble Street to this day. Today’s interns still play a critical role in our work.”