After more than five years working at the Columbus and Bladen County Departments of Social Services in Child Protective Services, Erika Brown was ready to make a change.
“I wanted to experience another side of helping children,” Brown said. “I feel like I have enough insight and experience through both professional experience with DSS and understanding the child welfare processes that I can help in a new way.”
Brown initially came to Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina in Lake Waccamaw to work with the youth in a cottage but transitioned to the admissions director position when the opportunity was presented.
“We know that Erika brings a wealth of information to the position,” said BGHNC President/CEO Ricky Creech. “Erika has a perspective that will help to enhance BGHNC’s work with our DSS partners. We have already seen her efforts making an impact for all involved.”
In addition to her time with DSS, Brown worked in mental health for over 10 years, starting as a one-on-one worker with clients, before becoming a supervisor and providing Alternative Family living which includes a client that lives in your home.
“In my admissions director position, I am here to help make the best placements possible for the youth in care,” said Brown. “My experiences with both DSS and mental health services provide an understanding of the placement process that will benefit the youth.
“From the day we are introduced to the youth, we are thinking about their future,” she continued. “We want to do everything in their best interest, providing the exact, personalized support they need to become the best version of themselves.”
About Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina
Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc., has been helping children since 1954. Since then, more than 7,500 children have benefitted from the services of the not-for-profit, 501(c)3 agency. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive array of services for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other family dysfunction. BGHNC offers adoption, family and therapeutic foster care, Success Coach services to prevent children from coming into foster care, and free children’s therapy, as well as residential care on the campus at Lake Waccamaw. The campus features a SACS-accredited school with a middle and high school curriculum, vocational education, recreation facilities, farm, chapel and cottage life. As many as 320 children are cared for through the residential, community-based services, and school program provided by BGHNC at any given time. BGHNC operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. BGHNC is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
