To provide you with an overview of the founding figures of social work and their

contributions, I'll summarize key information about each figure. Here's a brief on
each:

1. Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Contributions: Jane Addams was a pioneer in the field of social work, known for
founding Hull House in Chicago in 1889. It was one of the first settlement houses in
the United States, aimed at improving the lives of the immigrant population. Addams'
work focused on addressing social issues such as poor living conditions, public health,
and education. She was also a key figure in women's suffrage and peace movements,
earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

Key References:

- "Twenty Years at Hull-House" by Jane Addams

- "Jane Addams and the Dream of American Democracy" by Jean Bethke Elshtain

2. Mary Ellen Richmond (1861-1928)

Contributions: Mary Ellen Richmond is considered one of the founders of

professional social work, having developed the first comprehensive statement of
principles for direct social work practice. Her book "Social Diagnosis" (1917) is one
of the first social work books to integrate social theory with social work practice,
laying the groundwork for casework and the professionalization of social work.

Key References:

- "Social Diagnosis" by Mary E. Richmond

- "Mary Ellen Richmond and the Creation of an American Profession" by Agnes
O'Connell

3. Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845)

Contributions: Elizabeth Fry was a pioneering British philanthropist and social

reformer, best known for her work to improve conditions for women prisoners. She
advocated for the humane treatment of incarcerated women and the introduction of
prison reforms, including the separation of male and female prisoners, provision of
education and employment, and promotion of rehabilitation over punishment.

Key References:

- "Memoir of the Life of Elizabeth Fry" by Elizabeth Gurney Fry

- "Elizabeth Fry: Britain's Second Lady on the Five-Pound Note" by June Rose

4. Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847)

Contributions: A Scottish minister, Thomas Chalmers was influential in the

establishment of church-based welfare programs. He advocated for the idea of a
"parish system," where the local church would be responsible for the welfare of its
parishioners, promoting a model of community care and support for the poor that
emphasized local responsibility and moral improvement.

Key References:

- "The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns" by Thomas Chalmers

- "Thomas Chalmers" by Stewart J. Brown

5. Henry Dunant (1828-1910)

Contributions: Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, played a key role in the

founding of the Red Cross. His experiences during the Battle of Solferino in 1859 led
him to advocate for the creation of international agreements for the care of the
wounded during wartime, culminating in the Geneva Convention. Dunant received the
first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 for his humanitarian efforts.

Key References:

- "A Memory of Solferino" by Henry Dunant

- "Dunant's Dream: War, Switzerland and the History of the Red Cross" by Caroline
Moorehead

6. Dorothea Dix (1802-1887)

Contributions: An American activist on behalf of the indigent mentally ill, Dorothea

Dix led national and international movements to reform the treatment of the mentally
ill. Her efforts resulted in the creation of the first generation of American mental
asylums. She was a powerful force in improving conditions for the mentally ill,
advocating for their rights and for the establishment of state hospitals.

Key References:

- "Out of the Shadows: Confronting America's Mental Illness Crisis" by E. Fuller

Torrey
- "Dorothea Dix: New England Reformer" by Thomas J. Brown

These references and suggestions should provide a solid foundation into these
foundational figures of social work.