The Institute for Innovation in Human Services was the vison of Dr. Vida Huber, who anticipated the importance of community involvement for JMU as well as the potential of existing relationships with community agencies who were already involved in reciprocal partnerships connect students, faculty and the local community. Founded in 2002, IIHHS continues to provide a physical location on campus to provide cutting edge training for students and opportunities for faculty to conduct community-based research, while addressing significant needs in the local community.

Social work department faculty and students are regularly involved in various programs at IIHHS. Students in our introductory course may complete their service-learning hours in the Gus Bus program, while senior students collaborate with the Teen Pregnancy Program or Promotores de Salud in data-gathering for program evaluation. Several students complete their practicum placements in IIHHS programs.

IIHHS is an incredible resource for our faculty and students. Check out the videos below to see social work students and faculty discussing their experiences.