TIFTON - The Division of Family and Children Services recently named Rhonda Wheeler as Regional Director for Region 11 in south Georgia.

Ms. Wheeler, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public and social services from Kennesaw State University, has 25 years of experience with DFCS. She has served as a Social Services Case Manager with Cherokee, Lowndes, and Brooks counties; a Social Services Supervisor with Brooks County; a Master Practitioner-Field Program Specialist for Region 11; and the Multi-County Director for Lowndes and Brookes counties in Region 11, her most recent position.   

Ms. Wheeler began her appointment as Regional Director on July 18.   Region 11 includes the following counties: Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner and Ware.

DFCS is responsible for the investigation of reports of child abuse; recruitment of foster homes for abused and neglected children; issuance of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and childcare assistance to low-income families; assistance for out-of-work parents to help them get back on their feet as well as multiple support services and programs to help families in need.