THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 31, 1997 TAG: 9701290095
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT MCCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 73 lines
SHE'S A PAST Who's Who of American Women, the author of more than 300 publications, holds five academic degrees and has traveled to or worked in more than 70 countries.
But nothing is bigger than the next local project for Maureen E. McCarthy, the head of Chesapeake's Community Relations Department. The agency, under the city's Community Services Board, provides care to citizens suffering with problems of mental retardation, mental health and substance abuse.
A psychologist, McCarthy oversees a staff of more than 150 volunteers in the Community Relations Department. Her duties range from creating and managing social programs, fund raising, recruiting volunteers, monitoring department finances, and writing educational brochures and programs.
``I don't see my job as one thing,'' said the bright-eyed McCarthy. ``This is very multifaceted. I'm always involved with new projects.''
In addition to daily endeavors, McCarthy's current project is to update a directory of community services in Hampton Roads, highlighting Chesapeake's programs. She hopes to have the directory completed by the end of June. The publication will inform residents on services ranging from housing, parenting, battered spouse assistance, psychiatric therapy, soup kitchens and support groups.
McCarthy came to the Community Services Board in 1983 as a clinical services manager, where she helped launch outreach programs and Alzheimer's disease services. In 1989, she took on her present position, and helped develop the Chesapeake Foundation for the Mentally Disabled, the Community Relations Department's public relations program and the agency's volunteer program.
In 1993 and 1995, she received the Star Performer Award from the the City of Chesapeake.
Candace B. Waller, executive director of the Community Services Board, says McCarthy's education and travels have aided her in her work.
``Seeing other cultures and areas really adds to her depth and experience,'' Waller said. ``She's very flexible.''
McCarthy has worked in and visited nearly half the countries on earth, giving lectures, working for various community service agencies and furthering her education.
After earning a doctorate of clinical psychology from the University of Santo Thomas in the Philippines in the 1960s, she was hired by the government of New Guinea to help foster better communications among warring native tribes and British and Australian ex-patriots. Her successful efforts were rewarded with a festival in her honor.
``There were flares going off, and drums and dancing,'' recalled McCarthy, who has been recognized as an International Who's Who in Community Service. ``It was a wonderful tribute.''
McCarthy, who has held elected and appointed offices in the United States and abroad, is closely connected with family in Ireland and enjoys playing the bagpipes and dancing and singing with relatives on yearly visits.
``I've had a very busy life,'' said McCarthy, who lives in Portsmouth. ``You can't ever stop studying. Life never stops evolving, and education is lifelong.''
The ever-busy psychologist already has an idea for a new project. She plans to develop a service network to assist families that are relocating to the city.
``As Chesapeake expands, more young families are coming here,'' she explained. ``Relocation can cause some problems, like establishing new friendships and just adapting to a different place. That's just one of the new social services we're going to need in a larger and more diverse city.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by SCOTT McCASKEY
Maureen McCarthy's current project is to update a directory of
community services in Hampton Roads, highlighting Chesapeake's
programs. She hopes to have the directory completed by the end of
June.