Erin Wheeler

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Erin Wheeler of Mobile was recently inducted into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame. Wheeler, retired director for the Mobile County Department of Human Resources, was inducted for the area of practice/administration.

Created in 1997 by the Social Work Society Board at The University of Alabama, the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame honors social workers, retired or deceased, from the areas of education and practical administration who are acclaimed by their peers and colleagues for their professional status and exemplary leadership, creativity, contribution to the knowledge base and practice of social work, and influence in the life of the community.

Wheeler started her career as a caseworker in 1962 with the Mobile County Department of Pensions and Security (later the Department of Human Resources) and later served in several positions within the department before she was appointed director in January 1977, where she served until her retirement in April 2002.

Among her accomplishments are the creations of the Foster Residential Care Endowment Fund for needy children in county foster care and the Generous Jurors Program in which jurors can donate their jury service payments to the Foster Residential Care Fund provided by The Community Foundation of South Alabama.