Tulare County proclaims March 2025 as Social Work Month

Chair Pete Vanderpool presented a county proclamation on March 4, 2025, recognizing March 2025 as Social Work Month in Tulare County and praised social workers for “connecting residents to programs and services that are essential elements of the social safety net.”

The proclamation text noted that social work is “one of the fastest growing careers in the United States,” citing roughly 800,000 social workers nationally and projecting more than 52,000 new social workers over the next decade. It also stated that “over 275 social workers are employed throughout Tulare County.” Dana Wild, division manager for Tulare County Health and Human Services’ adult services division, summarized the profession’s history and thanked staff for their work. “Your hard work and dedication to the most vulnerable clients in our community are deeply appreciated,” Celeste Ortiz, division manager for child welfare services, told the board.

Supervisor Dennis Townsend offered a personal tribute, describing his late stepfather’s work in welfare and child protective services and saying the board sees “where your hearts are.” Supervisor Larry McCarrie and Supervisor Amy Shuckley also thanked social workers for their daily efforts, and Vice Chair Eddie Valero highlighted the front-line role social workers play in the county.

The board presented the signed proclamation and invited the social work staff in the chamber to join for a photo.

The proclamation lists the national theme for 2025 as “Social Work: Compassion and Action” and calls on local institutions and residents to recognize social workers’ contributions during March 2025.