Durham, N.C. – The recession is making it hard for many families to make ends meet.  Durham County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) aims to help the community learn how to access the services needed to support neighbors in need.

Durham County DSS is gearing up for its third annual DSS Partnership Series: Investing in Human Capital workshops.  The free workshops provide information to help families access services and share how community members can provide support to our neighbors in need.  Government agencies, non-profit, faith based organizations, schools, hospitals, and media representatives are particularly encouraged to attend and learn how to help families connect to economic and social support services provided. 

“Our work at DSS is designed to invest in people so that they can contribute more to the economic and social well being of Durham,” explains Sammy R. Haithcock, director of Durham County’s Department of Social Services.  “The Partnership Series is an important way for us to educate the community about how to access services.”

Interested residents and organizations are welcome to register and attend any of the free workshops scheduled below:

• Wednesday, March 25, Community Based Social Work Programs (School-based Social Work, Durham Community Health Network and LATCH)
• Wednesday, April 29, Child Welfare and Child Care
• Wednesday, May 20,  Adult and Crisis Services
• Thursday, September 24, Work First and Child Support Enforcement
• Wednesday, October 21, Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services

Each Partnership Series: Investing in Human Capital workshop is held from 3p.m. to 5p.m. at the DSS office located at 220 E. Main St. 

To register for a Partnership Series: Investing in Human Capital workshop, contact Debra Dunston, administrative assistant for Durham County’s Department of Social Services, at 919-560-8082.  For more information about available workshops, contact Sharon Hirsch, assistant director for Communication, Development and Customer Information for Durham County’s Department of Social Services, at 919-560-8059.

About the Department of Social Services

The mission of the Durham County Department of Social Services is to partner with families and communities in achieving well being through prosperity, permanence, safety and support. Our vision is a community where families achieve well being.  The Department provides economic services programs including Work First, Medicaid, Child Support, Child Day Care Subsidy and Food Stamps as well as social work services, including Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Adult Protective Services, Group Care and Crisis Assistance.  To learn more about the services and programs offered by the Department, visit Durham County’s website at:  http://www.durhamcountync.gov/departments/dssv.