Marblehead Counseling Center Names New Social Service Case Manager

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Carol Hawthorne, a longtime North Shore social services worker, has joined Marblehead Counseling Center as the nonprofit's new Social Service Case Manager.

The position has been funded since 2022 by the Marblehead Female Humane Society and is intended to support Marblehead individuals and families experiencing economic distress or seeking help navigating available resources.

Hawthorne brings more than four decades of experience, including work at the Massachusetts Department of Social Services, Catholic Charities, Anchor to Windward and as a volunteer in the Emergency Room at Salem Hospital, according to Marblehead Counseling Center.

Hawthorne's role is designed to connect people with programs across the North Shore.

"We could not be happier to welcome Carol to MCC," Ruth Ferguson, president of the MCC Board of Directors, said. "She has experience with a diverse group of people in need, and is already connected with many of the organizations who typically help our clients when issues arise. We are so lucky to have Carol joining us."

Hawthorne described the overlap between mental health needs and financial or family crises.

"Mental health issues often arise because of other factors," Hawthorne said, "such as becoming un-housed, losing a job and not being able to feed your family, or being embroiled in a domestic violence situation."

She said MCC aims to reduce stress tied to larger life problems by linking clients to local programs and services.

Hawthorne said the job also allows MCC to work across agencies and with local groups without what she described as typical barriers.

"The most fulfilling part of this new position is my ability to collaborate with my MCC colleagues, as well as local organizations whose mission is to help people solve problems," she said. "We don't have the usual red tape associated with problem solving. It's especially gratifying at a time when so many are having a tough time."

She pointed to partnerships with the schools, the health department, the Council on Aging, the Marblehead Housing Authority, the Marblehead Police Department and local nonprofit and faith-based groups.

"These are the people and organizations who work behind the scenes assisting our friends and neighbors, and their work is invaluable," Hawthorne said. "I feel fortunate to work with them."

Hawthorne succeeds Teri McDonough, who led MCC's social services department for the past 12 years and will remain in a supervisory role as Social Services Director.

"We are so grateful for all the work that Teri has done for the Center," Ferguson said.