Kelly Dorman is a Child Protective Services social worker in the New Bern, NC community for whom her work isn’t a job — it’s a calling. For 13 years, Kelly has embraced the hard of the job and perseveres, knowing the importance of her role in the community.
These days — Kelly serves as a Child Welfare Training Supervisor, training and coaching social workers. “My job,” Kelly shared, “is to equip them with what they need to succeed in their roles and our community.”
This coaching is critical because burnout in the industry is very real, as Kelly will readily agree. “Burnout happens, but I learned a long time ago — if a child lives in it, I can walk into it. Avoiding our society’s ugly and difficult circumstances doesn’t make these things go away. We have to face it. We have to confront it.”
When Kelly isn’t serving the community through her job, she’s serving as a foster cat mom for Misplaced Mutts and giving her time to three other animal rescue organizations. “I’m proud to be a part of these organizations working to make a difference and address the issue of pet overpopulation.”
Kelly will quickly tell anyone that volunteerism should be an essential part of every person’s life. “We all have a role to play in our communities. But, unfortunately, it’s easy to turn a blind eye and assume that others will fix it. But it’s a matter of switching the mindset…. Instead of seeing things as a problem, see things as an opportunity…. A chance to make a difference.”
Kelly continued, “I’ve heard people say that they don’t know how to serve and my response is always — ‘find what you’re passionate about. What are the things that pull at your heartstrings? Get involved!’”
It’s important to stop focusing on the things we CAN’T do and focus on the things we CAN do.
Kelly inspires those who want to get involved and contribute to their communities and embrace the causes that matter most to them.
Kelly Dorman was a guest on the Esther Tea Podcast, “Spilling the Tea with Tracey Ann.” Listen to their conversation wherever you listen to podcasts! “Making A Difference In Children's Lives w/ Kelly Dorman”
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