Cherokee, NC – This Social Work Month 2026, EBCI Public Health & Human Services Division (EBCI PHHS) honors the dedicated social workers who serve within the division and celebrate the core mission of the Social Work profession: to enhance human well-being, meet the basic human needs of all people, and put special attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.
Social workers serve across many tribal organizations and entities. Within EBCI PHHS, we take a moment to recognize our teams. Tribal In-Home Care Services, also known as Home Health, is supported by Medical Social Worker, Pamela Middleton. Most social workers in the division serve the Family Safety Program, helping individuals and families overcome personal and societal challenges so they may thrive.
Established in 2015, The Family Safety program continues to expand and strengthen its services to better serve our community. It’s programs include Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Indian Child Welfare Act cases, and Foster Care Recruitment and Licensure. In recent years, the Family Safety program has undergone a transformative period to enhance service delivery, care coordination, and community engagement
Program Highlights
Recent accomplishments, events, and milestones include:
- 2nd Place Float at the Cherokee Indian Fair 2025
- Recognized as PHHS Program of the Year 2025
- Family Safety Supervisor Recognized as PHHS Champion 2025
- Participated in 2024, 2025 Cherokee Indian Fair Parade
- Participated in 2024, 2025 Week of the Young Child Fair
- Participated in 2024, 2025 Scare-o-kee Event
- Participated in 2024, 2025 From Darkness Into Hope
- Participated in 2024, 2025 Rally for Recovery
- Established Family Safety Advisory Board
- Newly licensed Foster Care Homes
- Hired an Evidence Based Intervention Specialist
- Hired a Grants Specialist
- Filled Social Worker positions
- Named a new Manager
- Received Grant Awards
This month, we pause to recognize the dedication of Family Safety Program, Tribal In-Home Care Services, and social workers across our community and beyond. Their commitment to uplifting clients, advocating for vulnerable populations, and transforming lives is deeply appreciated.
Upcoming Events
Hosted or supported by EBCI Human Services teams include:
- Denim Day – April 1, 2026
(EBCI Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program) - Superhero “Every Child Matters” Walk – April 4, 2026
(Family Safety & Heart to Heart Child Advocacy) - Wear Blue Day – April 10, 2026
(Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center)
To make a report on behalf of a child or adult, call Family Safety at 828-359-1520. After hours, call Cherokee Dispatch 828-497-4131 and ask for the on-call social worker.
The mission of EBCI Public Health & Human Services is “HONORING our Cherokee community by PROVIDING excellent care, PROMOTING health, and SERVING in a culturally respectful way.” Visit our website at https://phhs.ebci-nsn.gov, and follow EBCI PHHS on Facebook (EBCI Public Health & Human Services Division), Instagram (@ebciphhs), and X (@ebciphhs).