Can you share your journey within the Prince William County Department of Social Services and how your previous roles have prepared you for the position of director?
I worked in the arena of social work for 36 years and came to Prince William County in 1992 and have worked in every services program area in child welfare to include Child Protective Services, foster care and adoption. In 2022, I was hired as the deputy director; in this position, I supervised six direct reports and 327 indirect reports. In addition, my education and leadership training throughout the years has helped prepare me for this position.
How do you plan to enhance the delivery of social services to meet the evolving needs of the community?The Department continues to assess internal processes to ensure that constituents are receiving services timely and efficiently with minimal disruption to include applying for benefits online and developing creatives ways to bring services in neighborhoods/communities.What do you perceive as the most pressing challenges facing social services in Prince William County, and how do you intend to address them?As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families have been impacted through loss of employment/income which may have impacted their financial stability. A lack of affordable housing, food insecurity and homelessness are few of the pressing challenges that is not just facing Social Services but the community as well. The Department in collaboration with other departments and the community to address these challenges.How do you plan to foster collaboration between the Department of Social Services and other community organizations or stakeholders?DSS partners with community organizations and stakeholders and will continue that relationship. In December 2023, the CXO created the Office of Transformation Management that assist departments with change management and community outreach and the Department will work with OTM to expand our collaboration within the community and strengthen the partnering relationshipsIn what ways can the community support the department's mission and initiatives?Prince William County constituents have always been great about reaching out and asking the Department how they can support our mission and initiatives through donations and volunteering, and we would like for that to continue.How do you plan to strengthen the county’s response to crises, such as housing instability, unemployment and mental health challenges?The Department will continue its collaboration with the Office of Housing and Community Development and our community partners to assist our constituents who are at the risk of homelessness or homelessness to secure housing. Prince William County Community Services and the Department collaborate to identify and assess if individual may need mental health services. PWCCS is the lead agency in providing mental health services for our community. The Department administers the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work, which offers employment, education, training opportunities and supportive services to assist people in attaining economic independence.Are there any new initiatives or programs you plan to implement to address gaps in the current system?The Department is always looking at how we can improve service delivery to our constituents and currently developing ways to be more visible in the community.This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Recent Stories
Fredericksburg Police have launched automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones at Hugh Mercer Elementary and James Monroe High School to curb speeding and improve safety. The move is part of a partnership formed in November 2024 between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the city, aiming to reduce speeding near schools and protect students, staff, and families.
To ease drivers into the new system, the city implemented a 30-day warning period following the installation of the cameras. During this period, violators received warnings instead of citations, a step the city said was designed to “educate drivers and encourage compliance with speed limits.”
Between December 12, 2024, and January 10, 2025, Fredericksburg Police issued 247 warnings for speeding violations. The highest recorded speed was 50 mph. At James Monroe High School, located on Washington Avenue, 66 warnings were given, 19 of which were for speeds at least 15 mph over the 15 mph school zone limit. The highest recorded speed at this location was 33 mph.
Cute and sweet Niffy has been at the shelter for four months, waiting patiently to find a family to call her own. This adorable girl is about four and has a gentle, loving nature. She gets along well with other dogs and loves going for long walks. Niffy is happiest when she’s curled up next to you for a cuddle session when she’s not out on an adventure.
Despite many visitors who promise to return for her, Niffy is still patiently waiting for the right family to take her home. This sweet girl deserves a loving home where she can feel safe, cherished, and adored.
If you’re interested in adopting Niffy, please don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
Looking for a fun and educational experience for kids? Check out Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids. This event brings Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance, and music to Stafford every Sunday starting February 2, 2025, and running through June 1, 2025. Kids will enjoy learning rhythm, dance moves, and songs in an interactive environment.
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
