Also during the month of March, we recognize "Social Work Month", a time when we honor all of those essential caregivers in our community who make it their life's work to help others. In particular, we celebrate our own social workers here at Greenbriar, who work tirelessly with children and families in our community as well as with teens in our emergency shelter. A heartfelt thank you to our own Constance Nunnally, Catherine Brown-Gray, Juelea Williams, Tracey McCombs and Danielle Edwards.
Staff Spotlight
During the month of March, we are highlighting Ms. Juelea Williams, one of our amazing staff members at our Emergency Shelter for children ages 11-18. Ms. Williams is also the Coordinator for Project Safe Place, which we discussed in our article, above. Here are some questions (Q's) we asked Ms. Williams and her answers (A's) about her work,
Q: How long have you been at Greenbriar? A: I have worked at Greenbriar for 2 years and 2 months.
Q: What do you value most about your work at Greenbriar?
A: I value making a difference in a youth's life at the shelter. I really love when a youth comes into my office and greets me with a hug or sees me when I come into the building and greets me with a smile. That really makes my day, The youth here at Greenbriar consider me as a "mother figure" because there have been times when I have given them "tough love" and they understand that I am not here to hurt their feelings but to see them do better in life.
Q: What keeps you coming back? A: When the children need my assistance in their educational needs, I'm right there to assist them in making sure that school work is submitted on time, they get up on time for school, log into their computer for virtual learning, make sure grades are in good standing etc. I try to give my best to them to make them feel special.
Q: What do you wish everyone knew about Greenbriar that they may not know? A: Greenbriar has two programs for youth: Project Safe Place that focuses on the target age of youth 12-18 years of age who have been abused, bullied, victims of sexual abuse, locked out of home, etc. I would like them to know that they can seek immediate help at a local Safe Place site in the surrounding Chatham County area. I would also like everyone to know about the Runaway/Homeless Youth program at Greenbriar that assists youth who are runaways or homeless by providing shelter, food, clothing and counseling services for them and their families.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? A: I like to spend time with my daughter and close family members and I like to work with the youth at my church with choir practice and youth dance ministry. I also like to go on outings with the Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) Effingham chapter!
Pictured below is our wonderful Ms. Williams.
