A Message of Love by Joan on her Retirement
How can it be over 24 years already?
I remember the beginning like it was yesterday.
In 1999, I had 19 years of full-time corporate office experience that I was giving up to find flexible, part-time work so I could help take care of my terminally ill brother and my young children. The search led me to NAMI Racine County.
I have learned a great deal about mental illness during my time here…actually, right from day 1, because I did not even know what NAMI Racine County was when I applied & quickly realized I was actually part of the stigma surrounding mental illness.
At that time, I did not know what NAMI would end up being for me and meaning to me. At that time, I did not know that I was meant to be here.
I’m a family member, and NAMI was here for me. What I learned (from the staff) about mental illness and the support I received from NAMI Racine County helped me when my sister-in-law took her life in 2012.
“My departure will be bitter-sweet. I am excited to move on to my retirement, but it is hard to leave a team I love so dearly; yet, it is because of the team being so great that I am at peace with the timing.”
My knowledge of mental illness and my relationships with our board members helped me connect a family member to Dr Bergs. I often thought, “How would I have known how to navigate these challenges without NAMI Racine County?” so I am very thankful that fate stepped in and kept me here.
My departure will be bitter-sweet. I am excited to move on to my retirement, but it is hard to leave a team I love so dearly; yet, it is because of the team being so great that I am at peace with the timing.
I have gotten to know and love so many of the members, and it will be hard not seeing them, too.
I have also worked closely with our President, Pat Bohon, and Treasurer, Julie Feiler, for many of my years here.
NAMI, to me, is like having another family, and I am so grateful to this NAMI Racine County family for all it has given me. I am a better person because of it.
Love,
Joan