DPSSNEWS - May 2021

Social workers at the Banning office receive the backpacks assembled and delivered by Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt and his team.

GIFTED BACKPACKS BRING COMFORT TO CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Backpacks in all shapes and sizes were brought to social workers in Banning who are called in when a case of suspected abuse or neglect has been reported or when a child is removed from a home. “These backpacks will definitely go very quickly,” said Aaron Carpio, regional manager for the mid- county region. “This office alone serves 450 kids. This simple gesture will mean a lot to them.” Assembled and delivered by Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt and his team, the 50 distinctive backpacks are filled with comforting items such as stuffed animals to hug and handwritten notes of encouragement. These items are intended to help ease the transition for children or youth entering a foster home. The supervisor further acknowledged that social work is one of the most difficult professions that often goes unrecognized. “I appreciate how hard you work every day,” he says. “It is a tough job. Anything you need, my office is always here to support you.”

Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt delivered 50 unique backpacks to DPSS Children’s Services social workers in the Banning office.

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DPSS NEWS | MAY 2021