Social Work Appreciation Month: Onslow County DSS urges community to ‘just say thank you’

Terica Brown, a social work supervisor with the Onslow County Department of Social Services, said the county will mark National Social Work Appreciation Month with weekly recognitions and encouraged the public to acknowledge social workers’ contributions.

“This year’s theme is uplift, defend and transform,” Brown said, describing the month as an opportunity to “fill that cup that’s empty because we pour so much of ourselves into our work.” She noted mentors have helped keep her in the field for 14 years and said small gestures of thanks matter: “Just say thank you.”

Brown told the program that supervisors and leaders at the department plan a series of small surprises for staff throughout March to recognize their work. She described the emotional demands of child-welfare work and said listening to staff and learning about their families has guided how she supports newer social workers.

Lisa Whitman Grice, host of Onslow County Today, framed the segment as a public reminder that social workers serve families across the lifespan and that community recognition helps retention and morale.

The discussion did not record policy changes or budget actions; Brown focused on recognition and internal supports for staff and invited the public to express appreciation.