After 38 years in social work and 30 years with the agency, Beth Barry, director of the Gloucester Department of Social Services, will retire, effective the end of the month.

Barry took over the director’s position from Evins Goodwin in 2007. Prior to that, she had served for assistant director for eight years.

“Social work was in my blood as my paternal grandfather, a tremendous role model for me, served on the Gloucester Social Services Board (then Welfare Board) for many years,” Barry said. Her mother, also a role model for her, began working in the field for York County and then Gloucester. “I was raised to see her work in action and understand the needs of the community and the necessity for a public welfare system.”

Looking back on her years with Gloucester, she said there were approximately 23 employees and the office was located in the Edgehill Shopping Center. “The agency continued to grow as Gloucester County’s population increased...