Dedication of Chapin Hall

On Thursday May 8, 2008, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina dedicated its new DSS facility as Chapin Hall in honor of Ed Chapin. The Chapin family, three county commissioners and the current county manager were among those attending. The building is Mecklenburg's first "Green Building" with many recycled materials used in its construction, skylights, and energy saving lights among its many features. Chapin Hall is located in the county's new Freedom Center on Freedom Drive. The new investment in the former big box store will add an economic boost to the corridor as well as move the services of DSS closer to those in need.

Here are a few pictures from the event. (Click on any picture for a larger version)

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First Scholarship Award Ceremony

Michelle M. Vance is awarded the first Edwin Chapin Social Work Scholarship.

Welcome

Edwin H. Chapin has always been a visionary who had an extraordinary ability to foresee the impact of social and political change on the public welfare system. He was sought out to serve as an advisor and leader of many local, state and federal organizations in the public welfare system, as well as the many other aspects of human services systems. Ed worked hand in hand with state and federal officials to develop policies to most effectively and efficiently serve the social services population. His many contributions will never be forgotten.

Ed was a skilled administrator dedicated to meeting the needs of his staff, as well as the agency’s clients, always striving to improve the work environment and dedicated to win the battle against turnover - any agency’s worst enemy. His concern and appreciation for his employees and the clients they served was genuine and unquestionable. His thoughtfulness, kindness and caring personality earned him enormous respect of his staff. (He was no stranger in the stands at the Department’s softball team games.)

It is truly an honor for Edwin H. Chapin’s family, friends and former colleagues to have an opportunity to honor him with the establishment of a Social Work Scholarship Fund through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It is a challenge for Departments of Social Services to employ and retain qualified individuals in the Social Work field. This scholarship fund will provide opportunities for students to gain the knowledge and acquire the skills necessary for this crucial position. Please join with us by contributing to this scholarship fund that will help motivated students who wish to enter the Social Work field, but who have insufficient resources to make it happen.

Thank you!