Imperial County director of the Department of Social Services to retire after 25 years

After serving 25 years in public services, the director of the Department of Social Services announced her retirement.

While Peggy Price plans to retire at the end of March, she hopes to still do her part in helping the community.

Price said, “I have a passion for the work that we do here. I have a passion for helping people. I know what that’s like to need help. You know that’s one of the most gratifying things in doing this work. Is that when you know what it’s like to be in their shoes.”

During her tenure, Price was innovative in finding ways to reach out to residents in rural areas.

Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ryan Kelley said, “Having that outreach and getting out to where people live that actually need those services. Very important. In fact, that mobile van concept is being copied in other jurisdictions across the state and country. It’s something that’s been shared and shown to be effective.”

Under her care, a shelter for children restructured its policies and improved its procedures.

Pablo Cerda, the Program Manager for the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home, said, “We’ve done a lot more to be on the same level as the department of social services, child services workers and social services assistance. So that we do have that extra training and that we have the extra abilities to do a better job in caring of our children.”

Price was hands-on with projects and made sure they were completed.

Betty Jo McNeece, who the shelter is named after, said, ” Peggy made sure that that was done. Working with the Board of Supervisors and checking on everything, she would not just try and put things in place. She would follow through and see that it was done.”

The county is currently in the selection process and hopes to find a new director for the department by March.