Dear Editor: Thibodaux region DSS employees make a positive difference

In honor of Public Recognition Week, I wish to extend my greatest appreciation and respect to the 5,169 employees in the Department of Social Services who, each day, make a positive different in the lives of Louisiana’s most vulnerable citizens.

I am humbled to serve among these men and women who frequently give of themselves beyond their work requirements. Every day, a DSS employee somewhere is placing the needs of others first, whether it is to protect a child, uplift an adult or empower the disabled. Many continue to attempt their own recovery post-Katrina and Rita even while assuming additional duties as DSS takes the lead in shelter, housing and human service preparation and response.

For example: In the Thibodaux region, Deborah Aymond, district supervisor at Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, implemented an active role for LRS counselors in providing services to students with disabilities as they transition from high school to the world of work.

Doris S. Allen, administrative coordinator at the Houma Office of Community Services, routinely rises above and beyond the call of duty in her foster-care clerical and support-staff duties, allowing field workers to feel confident that information so critical in fulfilling their responsibilities is handled in a timely and accurate manner.

Thank you, DSS employees, for your commitment to serve with compassion, courage and constancy through work that makes Louisiana a better place.

Ann Silverberg Williamson

Secretary, Louisiana Department of Social Services