![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cfsri.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/essentialworkers-1024x683.jpg\")
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A long line had formed at Newport Creamery. My daughter and I were midway in the line, waiting on our designated \u201cX\u201d when an older gentleman started talking through his mask to us about how he didn\u2019t mind the wait and it was nice to get to know his neighbors. After telling me that he was a retired plumber, he asked me what I did for work. I said I was a social worker who oversaw several programs at Children\u2019s Friend. He met my eyes and said, \u201cThat is hard work. You and your staff are essential workers. The job you are doing is important and necessary. Thank you for your service.\u201d <\/p>\n
This is the first time in my 30 years as a social worker that I can recall a person who was not in the social services field or a direct client recognize, as well as thank me for my service. I have had people tell me I was\u201d special\u201d and then quickly tell me how they could never do the work that I do, but not simply thank me. <\/p>\n
For all the staff, their supervisors, and managers at Children\u2019s Friend, I offer you his words, \u201cYou are an essential worker. The job you are doing is important and necessary. Thank you for your service.\u201d <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Valentina Laprade<\/p>\n
Director of Family Preservation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A long line had formed at Newport Creamery. My daughter and I were midway in the line, waiting on our designated \u201cX\u201d when an older gentleman started talking through his mask to us about how he didn\u2019t mind the wait and it was nice to get to know his neighbors. After telling me that he…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-8174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n