That’s how Jeanne Williams summed up her 12-year (and counting) career with the County’s Public Health Department. “It’s a commitment – to myself, my colleagues and my community – to improve people’s lives every day.”
Continue ReadingMonth: January 2019
If you asked a government employee what industry they’re in, you might get an answer like “I work in the public sector.” But here in Mecklenburg County, we like to say something a little different. For us, we see ourselves as being in the “people business,” meaning that everything we do revolves around finding ways to improve the lives of the people who live and work here.
One group of people that our Community Support Services (CSS) staff works with on a daily basis is the homeless population. During our annual Point-in-Time Count in 2018, we found that 1,668 people were experiencing homelessness on the night of the count. And while the number of homeless persons has decreased by 16 percent from 2010 to 2018, there’s still a lot of work to do.
Take a look at some of the programs that our Homeless Services Division is involved in.
Continue ReadingNot only is it sweater weather, it’s jacket, gloves and hat weather too. Let’s face it folks, it’s cold outside. But hey, it’s winter, it’s supposed to be that way!
However, if you’re not a fan of temperatures struggling to get above 55 (this is the south, that’s cold!), wind gusts that could possibly knock you down on your way to your car, or the constant chance of freezing rain or snow, don’t worry, I have you covered.
From sports to the arts and everything in between, Mecklenburg County offers many fun things that you can do INDOORS either solo or with friends and family. Here are eight great activities.
Continue Reading“Remember… Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
The sound of Smokey Bear’s voice declaring this memorable message of fire prevention still conjures a sense of responsibility in me. Can you hear it? Visualize his furry finger pointing right at YOU? The wildfire prevention campaign began in 1944 and is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history (and is based on a real-life bear)!
Thanks to Smokey, we all know the devastation that fire can bring to any natural area. But, did you know that prescribed fire is an important part of maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems? Believe it or not, they’re a tool we use right here in Mecklenburg County and I got to tag along for one at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve.
A fresh New Year calls for new goals and new habits. Each January, we get 365 more chances to better ourselves and many of us walk into the New Year with great intentions and a set of lofty resolutions. Let us help you get closer to achieving your goals with some simple resolutions you can keep by using the resources right here at your fingertips in Mecklenburg County.