As COVID-19 continued to loom over 2021, it would have been easy to focus on the sadness, our feelings of confinement and our pandemic fatigue.

Each of us has very likely been touched in some way by a loss from the pandemic. But we owe it to the memory of those we’ve loved and lost to move forward, make a brighter future and celebrate the joys that still happen every day.

As we reflect on 2021 and look ahead to 2022, let us do so with optimism. The future is still ours to create, and each day offers a new opportunity.

At Wilson County DSS, many in our professional family have experienced loss and sadness from the pandemic. Yet, as they have done since the beginning of this global crisis, these outstanding individuals find a way each day to help make lives better in Wilson County.

Our professional family strives continually to bring innovative services to our citizens. We look for opportunities that go beyond required mandates to help individuals and families improve their well-being and provide opportunities for better futures.

In 2021, we had times where we were able to bring some normalcy back to our customers while continuing to maintain health and safety precautions. We were pleased to bring back some activities with modified formats. Our beloved Senior Awareness Day was celebrated with a drive-thru event, and our foster parent and adoption celebrations were able to happen in outdoor venues. Through technology, we hosted a virtual Greater Wilson Career Fair and continued our Strengthening Families Program.

Our cutting-edge Customer Access Center continues to add innovative options to serve customers. Recently we added two-way texting and a website for customers to share their documentation with us. Through the Customer Access Center, our customers can take care of almost any need over the phone rather than visiting the agency.

Our agency’s focus on outstanding customer service has continued throughout these challenging times. From technological options for services to old-fashioned front-porch deliveries, our professional family continued thinking outside the box to meet the needs of our community.

I was once again amazed at the continued creativity and ingenuity our teams bring to serve our customers. I am proud to be surrounded by such an outstanding group of caring professionals.

I believe that Wilson is a resilient community, and if we continue working together, we will move past these difficult times. Our agency stands ready to assist in creating brighter days for all our citizens as we bring optimism in 2022.

J. Glenn Osborne

Wilson

The writer is director of the Wilson County Department of Social Services.