They may not be on the front lines or in the spotlight as other types of professionals who work to keep the community safe and healthy, but social workers operate across society to provide services to those in need.
March is National Social Work Month and this year’s theme is “Social Workers are Essential.” Monica Kearney, executive director of Safe Space in Louisburg, stressed that social workers are as essential as doctors and nurses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kearney has a master’s degree in social work and has been director at Safe Space since 2014. She spoke with John C. Rose on Thursday’s Town Talk and said a unique quality that social workers have is “meeting people where they are…to help people have a better way of life.”
Safe Space provides domestic violence/sexual assault services that help families break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assault. Visit www.ncsafespace.org to learn more.
Pandemic restrictions have created challenges, Kearney said, but the non-profit continues to provide outreach and educational resources to reach those who may be in crisis. “Domestic violence is a public health issue,” Kearney noted, whether someone is a victim or someone who has witnessed it in the home. A second social worker at Safe Space helps children who have witnessed domestic violence. The Safe Space mission is “to help people move beyond fear into freedom,” she added.
Social workers serve at the front lines with physicians and nurses, but also are found everywhere from schools to large corporations. Social workers protect children, provide clinical therapy interventions and use evidence-based practices to help others, Kearney said.
Stay-at-home orders, working from home or facing unemployment as a result of the pandemic may put additional strain on families already dealing with domestic violence or sexual abuse, she said. People who have experienced domestic violence, whether they are victims or witnesses, can find help and resources at agencies like Safe Space, Kearney said.
Kearney noted that people who live in more rural counties like Franklin, Vance and Granville already face struggles, but layering the additional challenges brought by the pandemic have only made things more challenging. “It’s easy to say just leave the situation,” she said, but it rarely is as easy as that. More affordable housing is one thing Kearney said would help people who are ready to leave an unhealthy relationship.
Other services that Safe Space offers include a 24-hour crisis line (919.497.5444), a short-term shelter for victims fleeing domestic violence, support groups for victims and children, as well as court advocacy, community outreach and education.
Teenagers may be experiencing challenges because of the pandemic, too, she said. Limiting social interaction can be troubling for that age group, and Kearney said Safe Space can provide information about teens’ social emotional development, as well as other relevant topics such as dating violence and cyber-bullying.
“I was born with an innate desire to make a difference in the world,” Kearney said, “I just wasn’t sure how it would manifest itself.” One of her college professors sparked her desire to make that difference through social work; she currently is pursuing her Ph.D in social work administration and leadership. She has mentored numerous social workers and social work students to help them hone in on their own natural abilities, she said.
Social workers play “an essential role in helping people from all walks of life live life to their fullest,” Kearney said, whether it’s domestic violence, mental health or substance abuse disorders. “We are essential workers,” she explained, “because we are helping people who are struggling.”
Social workers, Kearney said, are a lot like teachers – “we don’t get paid a lot, but we are the unsung heroes in the community.”
In Franklin County, contact Safe Space at 919.497.5444.
In Vance County, contact Infinite Possibilities at 252.425.2492.
In Granville County, contact Families Living Violence Free at 919.693.5700.
For complete details and audio click play.
SportsTalk 03-11-21 Hunter Jenks, Vance Co. High School; Victor Hunt, Warren Co. High School
/by Bill HarrisVance Co. High School returns to the field after two weeks this Friday night against 2 – 0 Southern Durham. Vance Co. was originally scheduled to play last week but East Chapel Hill cancelled their football season giving the 0-1 Vipers an unexpected extra week off. Coach Hunter Jenks said “I would always like to play a game,” but believes that the missed game will be good for the Vipers in the long run as it has given the team more time to practice and Jenks has been pleased with those additional practices heading into Friday’s game.
After a 42-6 loss at the hands of Chapel Hill, Jenks said, “It was a rip the rearview mirror off game” where the Vipers are not looking back. “I expect to have a better performance,” Jenks said of the Vipers and he’ll need it going against Southern Durham which has not allowed a single point this season. Jenks said the key to beating Southern Durham is for the Vipers not to beat themselves. Turnovers plagued Vance Co. in the opening game of the season, committing four against Chapel Hill giving the Tigers plenty of opportunities. In addition to eliminating turnovers Jenks said the Vipers need to have offensive success early against Southern Durham and not put themselves in bad situations.
Jenks says that with every team in the conference improved every matchup is a test. He also expects to pick up a few more players to add to the roster once 9th graders return to school.
You can hear live play by play of the Vance Co. Vs. Southern Durham game tomorrow night on WIZS. Kickoff is at 6:30 from Southern Durham High School. No visiting fans will be allowed at the stadium.
At Warren County High School, Coach Victor Hunt has his Eagles at 1-1 after demolishing J.F. Webb in the first game of the season 40-7 and losing a comeback bid against South Granville 29-20. This week the Eagles head to Franklin County to take on the 0-2 Bunn Wildcats, a team Warren County hasn’t beaten since 1996. “They are not to be taken lightly,” Hunt said of the Wildcats despite the winless record.
During this shortened season Hunt says that, “Every game is a big game and we treat them like it’s a championship.” Hunt says “Our goal is to be 1-0 every week.” In order for Hunt to get the Eagles to 2-1 he says the team will need to limit mistakes, tackle well and play good defense. In last weeks loss to South Granville Hunt sad the Eagles had a bad first half allowing 29 points but was impressed with halftime adjustments as Warren Co. shut out the Viking offense in the second half and credits the defense with giving the Eagles a chance for a come from behind victory. While they didn’t quite make up the deficit, Hunt says the Eagles “are better because of the loss.”
When asked to name some outstanding players for the Eagles this year, Hunt was quick to mention starting freshman quarterback Nigel Williams who has ran for three touchdowns and thrown for two more this season, Cameron Hogan who has four touchdowns on the year and Reginald Douglass, a former lineman who now is a linebacker and full back.
The Eagles and the Wildcats kickoff at Bunn tomorrow night at 6:30pm.
Local Covid Update; Granville Vance Public Health Vaccine Hotline Reminder
/by John C. Rose— written from information provided by Lisa Harrison, director Granville Vance Public Health. The information was provided March 10, but this article was not written or published until March 11.
Since the pandemic began, Vance County has seen 4,450 positive test results, and Granville County has seen 5,341.
As a result of covid, 82 have died from Vance County, and 76 have died from Granville County.
Over 11,500 have died from North Carolina, and 1,075 are presently hospitalized.
Local Health Director Lisa Harrison indicated, “As our focus shifts to vaccine efforts, we will begin reporting updates about the numbers vaccinated in each of our counties. This information, as well as demographic information, can also be found at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard/vaccinations.”
In Vance County, 8,328 first doses of vaccine have been administered, and 4,865 second shots have been provided. With that, 18.7 percent of the populations is at least partially vaccinated, and 10.9 percent is fully vaccinated.
In Granville County, 11,280 first doses have been given along with 6,635 second doses. That means 18.7 percent has been at least partially vaccinated with 11 percent being fully vaccinated.
Harrison said, “We will deliver over 1,400 first doses this week and over 1,200 second doses. We are making great progress vaccinating our frontline essential workers! As a reminder, if you believe you may be eligible for a vaccine, please call our hotline to book an appointment.”
The health director is encouraging strength and courage through this transformative journey, and she said, “Thank you public health warriors (in this building and outside it)!!! You’re winning this battle. You’re doing hard things. You’re fighting disease and protecting health and life. Keep it up!!”
Use care when burning yard debris
/by Laura GabelThe sunny skies and warmer temperatures may be tempting area residents to get outside and burn yard debris, but a local fire ranger urges landowners to use abundant caution to avoid problems.
Just in the last week, fire departments in Vance and Granville counties and the NC Forest Service have responded to 13 wildfires. Of those, seven were caused by debris burning, according to Granville County Fire Ranger Rob Montague.
March through May is recognized as spring wildfire season, and the N.C. Forest Service said that as residents begin spending more time working in their yards, it is important to be responsible when it comes to burning yard debris.
“Every year, almost 40 percent of wildfires in North Carolina are the result of careless debris burning,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler stated in a press release from the forest service. “To protect ourselves and our forestland from wildfire, we have to be responsible and vigilant. Check the weather. Make sure you’re prepared to burn before you do. Never leave a debris fire unattended, and always have a water source and phone nearby in case you need them,” Troxler’s statement continued.
Contact your county forest ranger for technical advice and options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest. Visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts to find the ranger in your county.
Consider the following factors before burning yard debris:
To learn more about protecting your home and property from wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.
TownTalk 03-11-21 Monica Kearney, Safe Space Inc.
/by Laura GabelThey may not be on the front lines or in the spotlight as other types of professionals who work to keep the community safe and healthy, but social workers operate across society to provide services to those in need.
March is National Social Work Month and this year’s theme is “Social Workers are Essential.” Monica Kearney, executive director of Safe Space in Louisburg, stressed that social workers are as essential as doctors and nurses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kearney has a master’s degree in social work and has been director at Safe Space since 2014. She spoke with John C. Rose on Thursday’s Town Talk and said a unique quality that social workers have is “meeting people where they are…to help people have a better way of life.”
Safe Space provides domestic violence/sexual assault services that help families break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assault. Visit www.ncsafespace.org to learn more.
Pandemic restrictions have created challenges, Kearney said, but the non-profit continues to provide outreach and educational resources to reach those who may be in crisis. “Domestic violence is a public health issue,” Kearney noted, whether someone is a victim or someone who has witnessed it in the home. A second social worker at Safe Space helps children who have witnessed domestic violence. The Safe Space mission is “to help people move beyond fear into freedom,” she added.
Social workers serve at the front lines with physicians and nurses, but also are found everywhere from schools to large corporations. Social workers protect children, provide clinical therapy interventions and use evidence-based practices to help others, Kearney said.
Stay-at-home orders, working from home or facing unemployment as a result of the pandemic may put additional strain on families already dealing with domestic violence or sexual abuse, she said. People who have experienced domestic violence, whether they are victims or witnesses, can find help and resources at agencies like Safe Space, Kearney said.
Kearney noted that people who live in more rural counties like Franklin, Vance and Granville already face struggles, but layering the additional challenges brought by the pandemic have only made things more challenging. “It’s easy to say just leave the situation,” she said, but it rarely is as easy as that. More affordable housing is one thing Kearney said would help people who are ready to leave an unhealthy relationship.
Other services that Safe Space offers include a 24-hour crisis line (919.497.5444), a short-term shelter for victims fleeing domestic violence, support groups for victims and children, as well as court advocacy, community outreach and education.
Teenagers may be experiencing challenges because of the pandemic, too, she said. Limiting social interaction can be troubling for that age group, and Kearney said Safe Space can provide information about teens’ social emotional development, as well as other relevant topics such as dating violence and cyber-bullying.
“I was born with an innate desire to make a difference in the world,” Kearney said, “I just wasn’t sure how it would manifest itself.” One of her college professors sparked her desire to make that difference through social work; she currently is pursuing her Ph.D in social work administration and leadership. She has mentored numerous social workers and social work students to help them hone in on their own natural abilities, she said.
Social workers play “an essential role in helping people from all walks of life live life to their fullest,” Kearney said, whether it’s domestic violence, mental health or substance abuse disorders. “We are essential workers,” she explained, “because we are helping people who are struggling.”
Social workers, Kearney said, are a lot like teachers – “we don’t get paid a lot, but we are the unsung heroes in the community.”
In Franklin County, contact Safe Space at 919.497.5444.
In Vance County, contact Infinite Possibilities at 252.425.2492.
In Granville County, contact Families Living Violence Free at 919.693.5700.
For complete details and audio click play.
#BRENTSTRONG, a Brent Celebration Special Report
/by John C. Rose#BRENTSTRONG, a Brent Celebration!
A special presentation of WIZS News.
#BRENTSTRONG, a Brent Celebration!
/by John C. Rose#BRENTSTRONG, a Brent Celebration!
A Special Presentation of WIZS News.
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover 03-10-21 – Uninvolved Parenting
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
WIZS Local News 03-10-21 Noon
/by Bill HarrisWIZS Your Community Voice — 100.1 FM / 1450 AM
Click Play for today’s Local News Audio.
PRESENTED IN PART BY OUR SPONSOR DRAKE DENTISTRY
Local News Airs on WIZS M-F at 8 a.m., 12 Noon and 5 p.m.
“TownTalk” Airs on WIZS M-F at 11 a.m.
“The Local Skinny!” Airs on WIZS Mon-Thurs at 11:30 a.m.
The Local Skinny! March 10; Home And Garden Show
/by Bill HarrisEach Wednesday “The Local Skinny!” is the Home and Garden Show, which features co-hosts Wayne Rowland and Paul McKenzie of the Vance County Cooperative Extension service.
Vance County COOP agents and staff can be reached throughout the week locally at 438-8188.
As you will hear in today’s podcast below, listener calls at 492-5594 with questions or comments pertaining to your home and garden are more than welcome.
Listen each Wednesday throughout the year at 11:30 a.m.
Support has been overwhelming for Brent Montgomery fund raiser
/by Bill HarrisBrent Montgomery is in a fight with Covid 19. The Henderson resident and North Carolina State Trooper has been hospitalized with the virus since Feb. 1st. 1st Sgt. Jeff Rowan, who works with Montgomery at the Highway Patrol, spoke with Trey Snide about Brent and a chicken plate fund raiser that will take place Thursday starting at 11:30 a.m.
“He is a pivotal part of our team,” Rowan said of Montgomery. Montgomery is a field training officer, taser instructor and heads up the school safety program with the highway patrol. Rowan also said that Montgomery has “done a lot for the community both on and off duty.” “As you can tell by the outreach from the community, he is well known and well liked here.” Rowan said the support of the community has been overwhelming.
With the help of local businesses who have covered the costs of Thursday’s fund raiser, 100% of the proceeds will go to the Montgomery family. According to Rowan, tomorrow’s goal is to sell 2000 plates at $10 each. The location of the fund raiser is the old Charles Boyd Cadillac building located at 284 158 Bypass here in Henderson.
“All we can ask from anybody is to keep praying,” Rowan said.