The Effingham Retired Educators Association (EREA) met on November 13, 2023 where Erin Woodcock provided the program.  Woodcock is an Effingham County School District Social Worker.  She explained that there are different types of social workers.  In education, jobs that fall under the social worker umbrella include helping students to overcome barriers to learning, connecting families to outside resources, being a court advocate for families and students, working with foster care, and educating these students and loving them through their journey. 

 The Effingham County Board of Commissioners proclaimed November 5, 2023 as Retired Educators Day.  Many churches around the area also recognized retired educators on this day.

 It’s that time of year again!  Each year the EREA gives out a scholarship to a deserving Effingham educator.  If you are an Effingham educator working on an advanced degree or an Effingham resident currently admitted into the teaching program at a college, now is the time to begin working on those applications!  To obtain an application you may email effingham.rea@gmail.com. All applications are due April 30, 2024.

 The EREA will continue its volunteer work through our service projects.  This year the group is supporting Georgia Retired Educators Association President Joe Boland’s project Totes To Tots.  Organized in 2002, Totes to Tots provides backpacks and suitcases for children who are currently in Georgia’s foster care system.  In addition, the group will be honoring our local bus drivers and maintenance workers as well as supporting the Pregnancy Care Center in Rincon. 

 The next meeting will be held January 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Effingham County Recreation & Parks Department meeting room at 808 GA-Hwy 119 in Springfield.  We welcome all retired educators to join us for a time of food, fun, and fellowship!