The coastland times with which is combined the pilot and herald of Belhaven and Swan Quarter. [volume] (Manteo, N.C.) 1959-1973, 1961-07-21
HYDE WELFARE
DIRECTOR APPEALS
TO SYMPATHIES
Example Cited TO Indicate Worth
Of Program Not Completely
Understood By Public
BY w. A. MILLER
Director Public Welfare,
Hyde County

SONALSy
In 1854, Mrs. Tyson was faced
with the situation that many moth
ers fortunately never have to con-
tend with. Her husband deserted,
leaving her with four children, ages
ranging from one to eleven years.
For four years she worked at what
ever jobs she could find to keep
the family together, feed them and
keep them in school. Although she
did all she could do, the needs of
this family of five far surpassed
the resources available. Faced with
critical situation, she turned to
a friend for advice. This friend re-
ferred her to the county welfare
department. Somewhat skeptical
and reluctant, she visited the well
fare department and discussed her
circumstances with the case work
er, who explained the aid to de-
pendent children program. 1t APP
peared that she might be eligible
for assistance and the case worker
took Mrs. Tyson's application. Aft
err very thorough and detailed in
vestigation, eligibility was estab-
lished by the case worker who rec
commended that the county welfare
board grant assistance to the Ty-
son family and her first check was
received in June of 1868, in the
amount of $40. Since the welfare
department could meet only rs per-
cent of total need this meant that
Mrs. Tyson must continue work
ing to make ends meet. The depart
ment worked with Mrs. Tyson in
securing care for the children. She
found a job she could physically
handle which paid her approximate
ly SIS per month. The income of
$115 monthly was not sufficient to
meet the total needs of this family
but with wise planning as to how
best spend her money she managed
to hold her family together and
keep the children in school.
A friend was interested in this
family and. worked Individually and
with the department in helping
wherever he could. He counseled
with the children, encouraging them
them to attend school and plan to-
ward a college career. At first this
appeared a hopeless goal but he
continued to urge the older girl, AL
ma, to strive diligently to reach col
lege. He also worked diligently in
making contacts and correspond
ing with any and all who might
help. The goal was realized in June
of 1861 when Alma graduated
from high school with highest Soc
ial and scholastic honors. She also
has a scholarship from college in
the amount of 5000, and teaching
scholarship of $500 per college
year. She will enter college in Sep
TENDER.
The agency will continue to help
this family and is currently work
ing with the Social Security Ad-
ministration and an out-of-state
hospital where the father was
found in possibly disabled condi-
ton.
When you wonder what is hap
pening in your county welfare de-
partment, visit them and your eyes
will be opened to the many cases
such as this wherein the county well
fare department helps keep the
family together and to develop bet
ter citizens. Of course, the help OF
friends was essential not only in
this case but in the five or six other
cases involving graduates going to
college, from Hyde County.