Recarlo Williams Recarlo Williams, 25, of Colquitt, was named one of Southwest Georgia's "40 under 40" in the Albany Herald's Sunday edition on April 26.

Carlos is employed by the Miller/Seminole County Department of Family and Children Services. In his job description, he assists people by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. In addition he refers clients to professional or community services, assesses needs and develops response plans, and assists families with reunification with other family members. He also conducts research, advocates for improved services, engages in systems design, and helps clients who face a disability or a life-threatening disease or a social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse. Overall, all efforts are made to improve a client's quality of life.

"I enjoyed working with different people from different backgrounds. Making the initial visit with families at times is the hardest due to family members thinking the department is out to split or divide families. It's an agency goal to keep the family together and aid them if services are needed, Williams stated.

As a city councilman, Williams was elected to serve the people. "It gets frustrating getting citizens to understand that one cannot change things overnight, but it happens through a complete process," he said.

"Growing up in a small town where the same people are doing everything and making all the decisions, I had to think outside the box and consider myself one of the different persons trying to get in a different position to make some of the decisions. I was once told by my great-grandmother that life was about the choice after every action. In every puzzle you need pieces to put it together, and in my community I strive to be the missing piece of the puzzle," he said.

"I feel that people in my community respect me for the person that I truly am. Respect is not given, it's earned. We all can talk the talk, but when people in your community see you walk the walk, they create a different viewpoint in their minds. When the actions are positive and in all efforts to improve the community, people will grow to like you. My community is a giving community and pitches in when/wherever needed to make things better. There are pros and cons in every community, and in this case the pros are greater. I am dedicated to my community and devoted to various forms of community service," Carlos stated.

Williams is a single man with no children. He is a graduate from Darton College with an associate in criminal justice. He graduated from Albany State University with a bachelor's degree in social work. He is currently attending Albany State University pursuing a master's in public administration.

Williams is an active member of New Salem Free Will Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jordan Arline II. He is also an active member of the "Sons of Colquitt" Lodge #580, is an active member of the Colquitt/ Miller County Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Miller County Collaborative and a member of the Center for African American Males (CAAM) at Albany State University.

Congratulations go to Recarlo Williams for being one of Southwest Georgia's "40 under 40."