Palmetto Place Kids Announces Lead Houseparent and Director of Case Management
July 23, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter announced the addition of two new positions: Lead House Parent and Director of Client Services.
As the lead house parent, Jennifer Hemphill (top) will work directly with houseparents on scheduling, training needs and children’s needs. Hemphill has been with Palmetto Place as a houseparent since 2005.
Jill Lawson (bottom) has been hired as the Director of Client Services and will work with each Palmetto Place resident to help them graduate and succeed after high school. She will developing individualized plans for each teen, and serve as liaison with school social workers, guidance counselors, teachers and coaches to advocate in the best interest of the resident. The Director of Client Services position is funded by a grant from the United Way of the Midlands.
“I am excited about Jennifer and Jill’s new roles with Palmetto Place and watching them work alongside our Resident Life Coordinator Charlie Howell,” said Erin Hall, executive director of Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter. “With this outstanding team in place, supported by strong and caring houseparents, we can truly focus on the well-being of each resident at Palmetto Place so that they can leave here with the skills they need to be independent and successful.”
Lawson has worked with Palmetto Place as a social worker since 2012, and served as a member of the board of directors from 2010 to 2012. Before working with the Palmetto Place, Lawson worked with Richland School District Two in social work from 2011 to 2
014. She also worked with Palmetto Healthy Start of Palmetto Health from 2010 to 2011, and Children & Family Healthcare Center from 2006 to 2010.
Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter provides a safe and nurturing environment for abused and neglected children and unaccompanied youth, offering them a broad range of services concentrating on personal healing and development. The shelter is open 24 hours each day of the year with medical and mental health care, crisis adjustment/transitional counseling, after school tutoring and recreational and social activities in addition to food, clothing and shelter.
