ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing National Social Work Month and a budget amendment to upgrade facilities at Richmond Senior High School during a recent meeting.
Theressa Smith, director of Social Services, presented the proclamation in conjunction with the 2026 recognition by the National Association of Social Workers.
The proclamation reads:
“WHEREAS, Social Workers positively impact the lives of millions of Americans daily, in hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies, community, centers, and within the federal, state and local governments nationwide;
WHEREAS, for more than a century, Social Workers have worked to improve human wellbeing, advocate for justice, and support everyone’s basic needs;
INASMUCH AS, Social Workers select this profession out of a deep commitment to help uplift, defend, and transform the lives of people, their families and communities;
WHEREAS, the 2026 theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform,” shines a light on the resolute spirit of social workers who transform lives while bringing hope, healing, and justice to the communities they serve – especially in times of profound change and challenges;
BECAUSE, Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics that calls on them to stand for equity in every community, uphold human dignity, and fight injustice;
WHEREAS, Social Workers are on the frontlines defending vulnerable populations, including immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and those facing discrimination or poverty, while uplifting vital social safety net programs and ensuring the rights of everyone;
CONSIDERING, Social Workers assist those navigating trauma, grief, and systemic biases, and help people recover from natural disasters, public health crises, and other issues while transforming their lives in encouraging ways;
INASMUCH AS, Social Workers confront oppression and racism, advocate for human rights, and advancing fair policies for all persons by obliterating barriers that prevent individuals, and families from thriving. Page 16 of 28 WHEREAS, Social Workers care for those who have mental health issues, are recovering from substance use disorders, and support the well-being of children;
BECAUSE, the profession continues to grow, with more than 810,000 social workers in the United States who transform lives by shaping a more just and compassionate society through leadership, education, advocacy and direct practice;
NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of the critical contributions of social workers across our nation, we Richmond County Health & Human Services Department proclaim the month of March 2026 as National Social Work Month, and call upon everyone to join the National Association of Social Workers and Richmond County Department of Social Services in celebrating and supporting the vital work of Social Workers who uplift, defend, and positively transform our communities each and every day.”
This year’s theme is “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”
Smith said the Richmond County Department of Social Services includes 26 Child Protective Services social workers, eight Adult Protective Services social workers and three in the Quality Assurance Department.
“For the month of March, our social workers decided that they wanted to do some projects in our community,” said Smith. “Instead of us acknowledging them, they wanted us to give back to our community. We had some social workers that went out last week and did Read Across America at a couple of the schools.”
Smith said staff also participated in several community service efforts, including serving spaghetti plates at ReFreshing Living Waters Ministry, collecting pet food for the Richmond County Animal Shelter and gathering canned goods and ramen noodles for Our Daily Bread food pantry. Social workers are also distributing dental hygiene items and speaking with children through the Bright Smiles Program.
“They’re really trying to get out in the community and give back instead of us asking for anything from anyone else,” Smith said.
Commissioners also approved a $50,000 budget amendment to replace cafeteria tables at Richmond Senior High School.
Chairman Jeff Smart said Richmond County Schools Superintendent Joe Ferrell requested the upgrade several weeks ago. County Manager Bryan Land said the existing tables are about 20 years old.
Smart said Ferrell estimated the project would cost $50,000, “but it might be cheaper than that.”