Neely Elizabeth Atkinson

321 Pettigrew Drive

Wilmington, NC 28412

(910)392-4265

Neely-beth@excite.com

September 19, 2000

New Hanover County Children’s Museum

Market Street

Wilmington, NC 28401

Dear Ms. Boyd:

I am very interested in learning more about the position available at the Children’s Museum that appeared in the Sunday Star News. I will graduate from UNCW in December with a double major in Criminal Justice and Applied Sociology. My speciality is children’s services and issues. I plan to begin a Master’s in Social Work program in January. I would like to be considered for part-time employment with the Children’s Museum. I would be available to work 20-25 hours a week, anytime Monday- Friday, since my MSW classes are only on Saturday.

I believe I am an excellent candidate for a position at The Children’s Museum for several reasons. As a graduate in Applied Sociology with a concentration in children, I have knowledge and experience that would benefit your program. Through my various community volunteering experiences, I have become familiar with many local programs in the area for children and I understand the needs of children. Additionally, as a Criminal Justice major, I am knowledgeable of the laws regarding children’s rights, court procedures, and an overall understanding of the criminal justice system.

I have experience in children’s services through an intensive internship with the New Hanover County Department of Social Services. As an intern, I observed and assisted social workers in advocating the needs of children by investigating abuse and neglect, determining the needs for children to be placed in foster care, and processing the legal terminations of parental right’s and the adoptions of foster children. I have also worked with children as an assistant dance teacher at Danceworks Studio for Performing Arts and as a Sunday school teacher, for second and third graders, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Wilmington, NC.

As a sociologist, I am knowledgeable of the social interactions in everyday life. I work well with children and families. I am empathetic to the needs of children and am committed to being their advocate for improved living and education. In addition, I work well within groups. I am a team player and bring to any work situation organizational skills, knowledge of community services and processes regarding children’s needs, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Please keep me in mind for any part time positions that you may have. I would be available to start working on January 1, 2001. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Neely Atkinson