Meet April O'Neal from our Foster Care Program

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a 43-year-old mother of two children. I have a 22-year-old son Kobe and a 16-year-old daughter Kennedi. I am from Drew Ms located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta ( Sunflower County) 7 miles from Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman). I graduated from Drew High School in 1996 and received a Bachelor in Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University in 2012. I have worked in the Mental Health setting as well as Head Start setting and Child Protection Services. I love helping people and giving them assistance in becoming self-sufficient.

What do you like most about your position?

What I like most about being a Case Manager is I get to meet and help many families and children from all backgrounds and cultures. Not only am I helping families and children, I'm also helping myself in becoming a better person.

What brought you to Apelah?

I was searching Indeed and noticed a Case Manager position open for Foster Care. I googled and read a little about the agency and applied for the position. I thought the position would be a great fit for me considering my background working with children and families.

What advice would you give to new hires at Apelah?

The advice I would give to new hires would be to make sure you have a love for people and their situations to help them become better. As well as stay positive and ensure that you are bringing your best to the agency.

What is something valuable you’ve learned in your career?

The valuable thing I’ve learned in my career is to never judge or condemn people for the choices they have made. Work with them to help better their situation. 

What is a fun fact about you that most people may not know?

I am a big cry baby.

What is one thing you currently cannot live without?

I can not live without my children Kobe and Kennedi, my parents and siblings.

What’s on your bucket list?

One thing I want to do is Parasailing. I’m scared so I don’t know if that will happen.

What are you currently loving?

I am loving being a peace with living my life.