Diane Freeman, MSW, has forged a formidable career in social work, marked by her passion for supporting individuals in need and making a significant difference in someone else’s life. As a senior housing specialist with the Rochester Housing Authority in New York, Ms. Freeman plays a pivotal role in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which assists individuals in securing affordable housing by subsidizing 70% of their rent, allowing them access to housing options that might otherwise be financially unattainable. Although she is still acclimating to her responsibilities, Ms. Freeman is an integral part of the management team and supports other housing specialists.
Moreover, Ms. Freeman is a respected residential counselor at Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach, also in Rochester, New York. In this capacity, she works with women transitioning out of prison or those requiring substance use disorder treatment. Further, she shares her expertise by supervising students from the University of Rochester. Her previous vital and varied experience included working with individuals with traumatic brain injuries or epilepsy at Empowering People’s Independence, where she supervised program directors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, interns, and volunteers. Ms. Freeman also held the positions of lead housing specialist at the Center for Disability Rights, program director at BestSelf Behavioral, and social worker and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist at the University of Rochester.
Ms. Freeman’s career commenced as a program coordinator with the Foster Care Program for the State of Maryland. She recalled a most challenging case during her stint involving a child living in severe domestic violence and substance abuse conditions. Yet even in the face of those difficult circumstances, including the child’s distressing behaviors and trauma, Ms. Freeman and her team worked diligently to secure safe residential placement for the child with the ex-wife of a close relative of the child. This unconventional placement, initially contested, was ultimately approved by the judge.
Possessing an impressive educational background that has been instrumental in her professional achievements, Ms. Freeman holds a Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Nazareth University. Continuing her professional development, she earned a certification as a licensed clinical supervisor from BestSelf Behavioral Health. Ms. Freeman attributes her academic and career accomplishments to invaluable life lessons learned throughout her life’s journey and extensive experience as a therapist. Overcoming previous personal challenges with substance abuse before she became a social worker also has enabled her to connect deeply with many people she serves. Her own brave emergence from that period in her life illustrates her remarkable perseverance and determination as she celebrates more than 31 years of being drug-free.
Considering it a privilege and responsibility to give back, Ms. Freeman engages in community outreach through her involvement in civic organizations. She serves as chairperson for the Rochester Area Service and is part of the Rochester Area Convention Committee for Narcotics Anonymous. Her commitment to fostering positive change extends to her role as a foster parent for Hillside for 18 years and as a foster parent trainer with Catholic Charities.
Outside of her time spent professionally and personally helping others, Ms. Freeman is the proud mother of two children, a son who works as a truck driver and a daughter who is an aesthetician and an entrepreneur. She is also dedicated to caring for her sister. Leisurely, Ms. Freeman enjoys her two dogs Journey and Chunk Norris, playing dominos and cards with friends, bowling, knitting, and crocheting. Looking ahead, she aims to establish her own business focused on assisting people in need, particularly the homeless population. She envisions creating a supportive environment where individuals can find understanding and assistance to successfully emerge from challenges and rebuild their lives.