       
|
 |
        |
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
This is probably the most difficult article I have had to write for our newsletter, because it is my last one, and because it is a time for me to look back over 19 years of working at Rosalie Manor in the position of Executive Director.
As I look back on my life, and especially over my years at Rosalie Manor, I realize that one of our life tasks is to see the theme and meaning in all we have done. If we can do that, then we can continue to live our theme song even if we are no longer directly connected to the source of that song.
I think I always wanted to be a social worker, and because of knowing single parents in my family, my goal was to work directly with parents and children. That desire only grew stronger when I entered the Misericordia Sisters in 1961, a community primarily dedicated to working with single parents and their children. From 1967 to the present, I've been fortunate to work in social service agencies dedicated to that mission either in an administrative or social work capacity. Even after leaving the Misericordia Sisters in 1992, I have continued to work in an agency that was alive with their spirit and mission.
Getting my Masters degree in social work in 1975 from the University of Wisconsin helped me continue my theme song. Since then, in Toronto, New York and Milwaukee, I have worked side by side with wonderful, dedicated staff members who have responded to the same mission, and many have become close friends through our work together. I have learned much from them and I want to thank them for their support and encouragement, especially during the years I have been the Executive Director. I was also the social worker for many young women, and they taught me many life lessons in persistence, caring, dealing with life's struggles, and most of all, how we need one another to live our lives well.
I also want to thank the many wonderful people of Milwaukee that I have met during my years here: other professionals, the Board members of Rosalie Manor and the Boards on which I have served, and our many benefactors. Even though the position of Executive Director can seem to be a lonely experience at times, when there are so many people who care about the same issues that you do, you realize you really aren't alone. Thank you also for your support, example, and friendship.
You may be wondering what I am going to be doing with all of my new found freedom. As many of you know, for many years, I have been spending my vacations on a beautiful island off the west coast of Florida where I have friends and relatives close by. In 1997, I bought a house on Anna Maria Island where I had been vacationing, and also, have been renting it to people I know. Now it is time for me to leave Rosalie Manor and Milwaukee and begin a new part of my life in Florida.
How will I continue the theme song of my life there? As yet, I'm not sure of the details, but I will be looking for a job in social services, although not as an Executive Director. If I cannot find a position in my chosen field, I will take another job and try to sing my theme song through some kind of volunteer work. It is too much a part of me for it not to be part of my future! Rosalie Manor will continue to be part of my thoughts, and I have already made sure that I'm on the mailing list to keep up with the latest happenings.
As I leave, a part of me will always be here, I am also taking a part of all of you with me to my new home. Thank you for many exciting, challenging and rewarding years!