Tara Joyner joined Gaston County in 2006 as a foster care social worker and continued on her career path in child welfare. Over the years, she managed numerous areas in child welfare such as Foster Care, Foster Home Licensing, Adoptions, Quality Assurance, and Training. During her time with the Department of Health and Human Services, she also established the Gaston County Therapeutic Visitation Center while working to create a Family Justice Center. In 2020, Tara launched the Gaston County Family Justice Center, which led to the development of Hope United Survivor Network, a department specifically designed to support survivors across the lifespan, containing the Lighthouse Children’s Advocacy Center and the Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center. Tara is passionate about collaboration and creating ways in which help is attainable to all in our community.