Meet our new Hopeful Horizons’ DSS Liaison Program staff
December 2020 Update from Dee Scott: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work in the role of the DSS Liaison serving Hampton and Colleton counties. While working with DSS and SCCADVASA these last six months, I have gained a greater appreciation and understand more the importance of our collaboration in working with victims of domestic violence and their families."
Update from Bahja Peeples: “Building community partnership is at the forefront of the work that we do. I have that opportunity as a liaison working with DSS. In this position, I can continue to learn about the processes of DSS while also sharing knowledge on the impact of domestic violence in families. Since starting with Hopeful Horizons, we have seen a steady flow of referrals to our agency. I am excited to see what we can do in this upcoming year partnering with DSS.”
Hopeful Horizons is pleased to announce the hiring of two staff to serve as DSS Liaisons.
The DSS Liaison Program was begun by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) in collaboration with the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA). The program provides a designated Domestic Violence Liaison to support county DSS offices. The Domestic Violence Liaison Project pairs a domestic violence advocate from each Domestic Violence Program in the state with the DSS offices in the counties they serve.
“We’re so grateful for DSS’s investment in the Liaison Program and pleased that DSS recognizes the benefit of the program for their staff and survivors of domestic violence,” said Kristin Dubrowski, Hopeful Horizons’ CEO.
Darene (Dee) Scott, formerly the Strengthening Families Program Coordinator for Hopeful Horizons, will serve as the DSS Liaison/Therapist, focusing on Colleton and Hampton counties. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Limestone College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina. Dee joined Hopeful Horizons in 2015 as an intern. Dee is a mom to two amazing young adults, Michael and Vanessa and Godmother to D.J.
"I am so excited to work as the new DSS Liaison Therapist for Hopeful Horizons and also looking forward to deepening the wonderful partnership that exists between Hopeful Horizons and DSS. This partnership has, and will continue, to offer a coordinated approach ensuring that our client’s needs are at the center of all the work we do on their behalf."
Bahja Peeples will serve as the DSS Liaison, focusing on Beaufort and Jasper counties. She graduated from South Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. She is currently an MSW candidate at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University. Bahja was previously employed with the SC Department of Social Services, where she gained a wealth of knowledge in child welfare services. Bahja enjoys reading and one day plans to own a doggy daycare.
Ms. Scott and Ms. Peeples will act as liaisons between victims/families experiencing domestic violence, and the Department of Social Services (DSS). While working in collaboration with DSS, the liaisons will provide case consultations, case staffing and client consultations as well as trainings and education. The liaison will be able to attend DSS meetings with the non offending caregiver as well as be an avenue to domestic violence services such as individual counseling, group counseling, case management and safe shelter.
“What an awesome opportunity for Hopeful Horizons to be able to service survivors and their families through the DSS Liaison Program. I look forward to working with Dee and Bahja,” said Tammy Fulwood, Domestic Violence Coordinator for SCDSS.
