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!
A Scholarship of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Edwin H. Chapin
Biography
Ed began his social work career at the Mecklenburg County Department of Public Welfare in Charlotte, NC, where his mentor, Wallace Kuralt, was director. In 1972, Ed Chapin followed in Kuralt’s footsteps and became the director of social services for Mecklenburg County. During that time, he was active on the national level in the debate regarding social welfare reform.
In 1989, he moved from social services to become assistant county manager of Mecklenburg County. After retiring from his county position in 1995, he became the president of Thompson Children’s Home in Charlotte, where he implemented changes to improve the home’s struggles with financial, staffing and mission-related issues.
Although retired from his position at the children’s home, he remained involved with the home through committee participation. He has also served on the boards of Mi Casa Su Casa, The Bruce Iron Camp Fund and Legal Services of Southern Piedmont and is on the Board of Advisors at the Schools of Social Work in Chapel Hill and Charlotte. He was honored at the University of North Carolina as a Distinguished Alumni in 2005.
Ed and his wife Peg have three children Chip, Tracey, and Terri and two grandchildren Kyle and Erin.
6 comments:
Dear Ed,
How proud you must be! What a wonderful way to honor such a wonderful man. Best of luck.
Lucy Mancino
Hello Ed,
Wow, your own blog! Looks great. I really like your picture. Just wanted you to know how much fun I am having working on this scholarship fund. I feel honored to be able to help in some small way. You have done so much for me and others, it truly is pay back time. I hope it will make you feel proud , especially when the first scholarship is awarded. You took care of so many, now you get to help educate those who will continue your work. What a great legacy for a great person.
I'm looking forward to our DSS "reunion" on the 26th. I might just tell some stories about you that not many others know so be prepared! Kind of like the stories you told on me at my retirement (when my mother was present!).
Here's to the success of the scholarship fund. I love you Edwin.
Margaret
Dear Ed and Peg,
What a wonderful idea. You have both done so much for the community and now this. It is terrific. We are all very proud to know you both.
PS Good picture too
Mary Klenz
February 26, 2007
2:08 pm
Ed and Peg,
Ed, that's quite a resume you have there and lots of people who've been helped because of your good work through the years for sure.
This is a great idea and a wonderful gesture to continue your legacy of community service. The Democracy NC crew is behind it 100%. Thanks for all you and Peg do to make Charlotte, North Carolina, and the world a better place.
Tara and I wish you all the best. We'll spread the word to others about the scholarship fund.
Adam Sotak & Tara Purohit
Peg,
We missed you at the LWVNC convention and at lots of other funcitons as well, but knew that you were where you needed to be.
Please know that we are thinking of you and Ed and hoping for the best.
Diana Haskell
LWV-Wake
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Chapin,
I finally got to visit this blog and I feel even more honored now to be the first receipient of this scholarship. It was a pleasure meeting you and your family in May and I pray that all is well. Thank you again for this opportunity-it has truly been a blessing!
Michelle M. Vance
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