Farewell from Valerie Haynes, District Administrator

Dear District 12 Guardians ad Litem,

This is a hard letter for me to write.  The time has come for me to leave the Cumberland County Guardian ad Litem Program.  Last week, Administrative Office of the Courts employees were given the option of taking Voluntary Reduction in Force separations from employment.  This offer was coupled with the opportunity for eligible people like me to combine this separation from employment with retirement.  A provision of the agreement required all participants to leave their positions by February 28, 2011.  Unfortunately, the District Administrator position will be frozen indefinitely.

As many of you know, my dear husband is already fully retired from the Army, so this is another very personal motivation for taking an early retirement.

It has been my great privilege and honor to be the leader of this District's vital, energetic child advocacy program for the past 9 and one half years.  I have served a total of 14 years with the Guardian ad Litem Program.

As Guardians ad Litem, you are the backbone and the strength of this organization.  I have never worked with a more professional, dedicated and caring group of people.  Each day, I am amazed anew at the profound impact your zealous advocacy has on the lives of our abused and neglected children.  You are so instrumental in making sure our precious youth achieve the better futures they deserve.

I have complete confidence in all of you.  And, I have full faith in the abilities of your bright, energetic Program Supervisors; Dwight Torrey, Sharon Scott, Crystal Bennet and Dawn Nicholas-Roberts.  They will continue to lead you with honesty and integrity.  They and our efficient Program Assistant, Carla Beverage, and our terrific Volunteer Recruiter, Kristie Kelley, constitute a strong team with proven ability.  They will carry this program forward to ever greater credibility and respect.  You can rely on and trust this office team.

So, with humble and heart-felt thanks, I bid you all a fond farewell.

Sincerely,

Valerie Haynes
District Administrator
Cumberland County Guardian ad Litem Program