School students in transition or experiencing homelessness have social workers on their side to help with transportation, food, emotional needs and more, according to local school officials. Cumberland County Schools has a nationally recognized homeless liaison leading the Social Work Services Department. Pamela Story, CCS Social Work Coordinator and Homeless Liaison is North Carolina’s Homeless Liaison of the Year. The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth announced at its annual conference on Nov. 14, that Story was chosen as the 2022 National Homeless Liaison of the Year. 

 

Story graduated from E.E. Smith High School and is an alumna of North Carolina Central University. She earned her master's degree in social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

 

“We must ensure that we provide every opportunity for our students in transition to be successful and to soar above their circumstances,” Story said. “Homelessness in many situations is temporary, and any one of us could be homeless in the blink of an eye." 

 

She has worked with the Cumberland County School System for 23 years. Story likes to tell children that “Life throws us many curveballs, and we are here to help you.” She encourages parents and students to maintain hope and integrity and seek assistance to rise above life's circumstances.