March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication and impact of social workers who help individuals and communities navigate life’s challenges. For 2025, the National Association of Social Workers highlights the theme “Compassion and Action,” emphasizing the empathy and advocacy at the heart of the profession. These qualities are exemplified by Kim Yates, Clinical Director at North Central Mental Health Services, whose work reflects the commitment social workers bring to supporting and empowering those in need.
Kim has dedicated nearly 34 years to North Central, an Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) network provider. However, Kim’s passion for helping others began in childhood.
“I had a tight group of girlfriends because I didn't have any siblings, so I think everybody confided in me with their problems at an early age,” Kim said. “I felt compelled to help people and that just stuck with me.”
Kim started as a case manager on North Central’s transitional community treatment team, where she primarily worked with young adults.
“I loved that adolescent team, and I think my heart is still with that population,” she said. “A lot of people don't like working with young adults because they're challenging, but I embrace that.”
Today, Kim leads all clinical operations at North Central, managing nearly 125 staff members. She works closely with other providers in the ADAMH network to find ways to improve services while also addressing client concerns and complaints.
“My day is never done, which I love,” Kim said.
In addition to her daily responsibilities, Kim plays a key role in training new social workers. To address challenges in the behavioral health workforce, North Central prioritizes mentoring new staff and promoting continuing education.
Dan Lee, Local Recovery Coordinator at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System, was an unlicensed case manger when he met Kim. He credits her with teaching him the fundamentals of the job from the ground up.
“Kim inspired me to go back to school and get the education I needed to become a professional, licensed social worker,” Dan said. “She has mentored dozens of young social workers who have gone on to have terrific careers in central Ohio and beyond.”
Kim understands the challenges that come with starting a career in social work, which is why she prioritizes creating a welcoming atmosphere for new team members.
“We make sure we’re offering immense support for a new person because for many of our young case managers, this is their first real job after school,” Kim said. “We really promote team cohesion, and I think that’s what keeps people here — feeling like you belong on a team, being able to come back at the end of the day and decompress with your colleagues, because social work is not an easy job.”
It's not uncommon for social workers to take things to heart — something Ronda Britton, North Central Director of Residential Services, occasionally struggles with. When those moments arise, she turns to Kim for guidance on how to navigate those challenges.
“If something goes awry, then I feel like it’s a reflection of myself, and Kim reminds me that no, it's not me,” Ronda said. “She says that sometimes I need to take a step back and not take it so personal.”
In her 20 years of working with Kim, Ronda has always seen Kim as an encouraging leader who genuinely invests in both her colleagues and the clients she serves.
“In your life you’ll have supervisors who will see something in you that you don't see in yourself, and that's Kim,” Ronda said. “She's just a positive person and she teaches you. She wants you to learn and wants you to grow, even if it's not at North Central.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kim’s time at North Central has been creating an environment where social workers feel empowered and excited to come to work.
“The most rewarding thing about being a social worker is twofold,” Kim said. “It's rewarding to watch clients embrace their recovery and knowing that somehow, we had a part in that. But secondly, and almost just as important to me, is watching the growth of our staff, our clinicians and how we make a difference in the Franklin County community and beyond.”