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To the Editor:

The social work profession is dedicated to its primary mission of improving the well-being and helping meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable.

Social workers have helped people through personal issues like grief over the death of a loved one, as well as helping communities emotionally and mentally recover from increasing natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires.

Social workers have played a role in establishing a minimum wage, promoting behavioral health, Social Security, Medicare, and working to ensure equal rights and well-being of all people. And social workers are on the front lines of helping our state and nation solve pressing social problems, including increased need for mental health services, the opioid addiction crisis, and economic inequality.

Social workers are in high demand, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that social work will be one of the fastest growing professions during this decade.

These workers operate in schools, hospitals, mental health agencies, veteran centers, child welfare agencies, the criminal justice system, corporations, governments, and other settings to empower people to live to their fullest potential.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed March 2025 as Social Work Month.

Northampton County Department of Social Services salutes its social workers:

Child Welfare: Stephanie Rene Mallard (supervisor), Malinda Motely, Karen Mooring, Denise Young, Timothy Mitchell, Kisha Forbes, Alicia Handy, Crystal Silver, and Pavalisa Salazar.

Adult Services: Evelyn Joyner (supervisor), Angela Smith, Keeya Jones, Suzanne Davis, Laura Spatorico, Lakisha Taylor, Tisha Holloman, and Brenda Tann.

Work First: Brittany Lopez (supervisor), Aniya Kee, and April James.

Rhonda Taylor

Northampton County DSS Director

Jackson