Throughout her life, Charity Douglas has witnessed and experienced the transformative impact of social services on individuals’ lives.

These experiences have fueled her lifelong commitment to public service, where she empowers youth, adults, and seniors to overcome challenges and thrive.

From her beginnings working with teenage mothers during her first internship to her current position as the Director of the Department of Public Social Services in Riverside County, Charity has consistently emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity and not allowing barriers to define one’s future.

In her current role, Charity oversees over 4,700 employees in five divisions, including Children’s Services, Adult Services, and Sufficiency Services. Through her leadership, Charity’s staff worked to equip and empower over one million people annually, including children, adults, and families.

With over three decades of experience in social services and two decades of experience in driving innovative programming, Charity’s leadership has led to groundbreaking initiatives like the Office of Health and Wellness, prioritizing the well-being of her dedicated staff.

A commissioner with First Five Riverside County, Charity is driven by her belief in the power of community partnerships, Charity is a fervent advocate for strengthening prevention and early intervention pathways to combat poverty and abuse, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

Charity holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.