Jonie Cunningham

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Friends of Children Award

Jonie Cunningham is a case manager for Liberty County Department of Family and Children Services.  Although she has been with the Department for a little over a year, Jonie is known for taking on cases that have lingered in the system for years and finding placement for teenagers in a permanent placement that is conducive to their welfare and livelihood.  She has gone the extra mile to ensure that each child has that special attention they deserve.  Jonie understands that it takes everybody to make permanency work for children.  One of the teens on Jonie’s caseload commented, “I never knew that a social worker could be a friend at the same time, but Ms. Cunningham is so nice and caring.  She talks to me like I am human and she doesn’t talk over my head and does not lie to me.  I really appreciate her and what she has done for my brother and I.  We have been in the system for almost five years.  She brought my self esteem up and made me care about myself – she made me want to be somebody”.  Another young girl said, “Joni is cool, but she tells you the truth.  She makes you want to do the right thing.  With her caring attitude and calmness, I feel relaxed and needed.  Thank you Jonie!”

Jonie has lived in Liberty County for 20 years and has one son and a granddaughter.   She is a graduate of Brewton Parker College.