Thornwell Social Worker and Foster Parent Earn Top Honors From South Carolina Foster Parent Association
Thornwell Social Worker and Foster Parent Earn Top Honors From South Carolina Foster Parent Association
Thornwell, a 150-year-old non-profit ministry serving children and families in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, is proud to announce that two members of its foster care community have been recognized by the South Carolina Foster Parent Association during its regional conferences.
Tracy Weber, Thornwell’s Foster Care Family Specialist serving the Midlands region, was named Foster Care Social Worker of the Year by the South Carolina Foster Parent Association. She received the award at the association conference on Saturday, March 14, in Columbia.
Weber was selected for her outstanding commitment to supporting foster families and advocating for children in care. In her role, she works closely with foster parents and children to ensure they receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive. She is known for going above and beyond for the children and the families she serves.
Tracy is a warm and caring professional who consistently goes above and beyond for the foster parents she supports, and the children placed in their homes. She is a strong advocate who works tirelessly to identify needs and fight for the resources and services that help children and foster families feel seen and thrive. Tracy’s genuine compassion, commitment, and willingness to do whatever it takes make her truly deserving of this honor,” said Thornwell Foster Care Supervisor, Deanna Wilson.
Thornwell also celebrates Kristi Hamilton of Myrtle Beach, a Thornwell foster parent who has been named Foster Parent of the Year by the South Carolina Foster Parent Association. Hamilton was also honored at the Midlands SCFPA Conference on Saturday, March 14, in Columbia.
Hamilton has been recognized for her extraordinary dedication to providing a safe, loving, and stable home for children in foster care. Foster parents play a vital role in helping children experience healing, stability, and hope during challenging seasons of life.
Kristi has a true passion for helping kids, both in her personal life as a foster parent and in her professional life as an elementary school principal. Kristie consistently goes above and beyond for the children in her care and always wants what is best for them. Kristie’s kindness, dedication, and heart for children truly make a difference, and she is very deserving of this honor,” says Rachel Roark, Foster Care Family Specialist.
Thornwell is proud of Kristi and all the foster parents we serve across the state. Foster parents are desperately needed in every county of our state. Today, 873 new foster family homes are needed across South Carolina, totaling an estimated 1,746 new foster care placements, according to the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Thornwell expresses deep gratitude to the foster parents, child welfare professionals, and community partners who work every day to support children and families. Recognitions like these highlight the extraordinary impact of individuals who are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and loved,” says Thornwell President and CEO, Rev. Myron Wilkins.
Learn more or become a South Carolina foster parent today! Our Thornwell Foster Care Team will support you every step of the way.