Compassion, understanding and energy are three indispensable components in community work and Marguerite Hind has plenty of each.
In the wake of about three decades of local employment, the supportive worker has reached the point where a change is in order although she has no plans to disappear from the scene.
Marguerite has turned the page on a multi-faceted 14-year stint with Castlegar and District Community Services. Prior to that she worked with the school district for 15 years. She now has a primary scheme to take some time for a bit of a rest, but she's got too strong a work ethic for a life of leisure.
"I've developed a number of workshops over the years," she related in a late-May chat at a picnic table near the Rotary skatepark at the community complex, "and presented quite a few of them in the school district. Then I have a number of parenting workshops I've developed. So I'm planning on doing those."
Hinde's experience and expertise will not be squandered as the months ahead will actually see a revised working arrangement rather than a discontinuation.
"It's an extension of what I was doing, I'm just not going to be doing individual kind of work."
Hinde says the feedback she's received over the years has helped her in the decision to keep up her work.
"It's just another way of spreading the message… take care of our kids… take care of our youth… our families. Parenting is an extremely challenging role."
Citing personal history, Hinde said the job outline of the parent was one she was "least educated or trained for."
The social worker makes a good point. All sorts of careers, professions and vocations require accreditation, not so for, arguably, one of the most important roles of all.
Residual rewards are some of the most treasured perks that have come with Hinde's work, in particular, when a young adult may get in touch with Marguerite, sharing positive memories from their childhood dealings with the worker. It provides a lot of satisfaction
"What it meant to them," she reflected, "…what they got out of it… sort of creating that safe place for them to come if they were struggling. The same thing for parents."
Looking back some more, Hinde indicated that what stands out the most have been, "…the people who have allowed me to walk beside them at some point in their journey, when it was difficult."
A celebration of Marguerite Hinde's retirement is set for Thursday, June 12, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Castlegar and District Community Services location: 1007 2nd St.
Organizers stress that everyone is welcome. "Snacks and refreshments will be served. Your presence is a gift and if you wish, bring a poem, story, smile, or hug."