Onslow County highlights National Social Work Appreciation Month, DSS plans weekly recognitions

Onslow County Department of Social Services marked National Social Work Appreciation Month on Onslow County Today, where Social Work Supervisor Terica Brown described the month’s theme and county plans to recognize frontline staff.

“This year’s theme is ‘uplift, defend, and transform,’” Brown said, citing the National Association of Social Workers. Brown, who said she has worked in county social services for 14 years, described how mentors shaped her practice and why public recognition matters: “When we give all that we have, we need something that’s going to fill us back up.”

Brown said the department will run weekly, small recognition events in March for social workers, organized by supervisors and program leads. She encouraged residents to acknowledge social workers directly—“just say thank you”—and emphasized the breadth of their work, from infant to elder services.

The segment focused on appreciation and morale; no formal board actions were announced. Brown also noted that supervisors aim to support newer staff through listening and mentorship as caseloads and community needs evolve.

The county’s public affairs pages list additional ways residents can recognize social workers and find related events this month.