Midwinter Beginnings

The poet Robert Browning knew about winter, “Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste, An’ weary Winter comin fast, An’ cozie here, beneath the blast.” Could he imagine the cozy here at Sally Kate Winters Family Services? We could tell him that even in the wintry blast there are beginnings here.

Jo Ann Petty began her 21^st year at SKWFS because “I love the children.” The children know they are safe and comfortable while getting to know the women who take care of them.

We celebrated the beginning of retirement for Lou Ann Golden. After 22 years taking care of the children, she wrote, “I’ve learned a lot, made good friends, enjoyed encouraging and working with the residents, and have a lot of memories that will last a lifetime.” Her co-workers remarked that Lou Ann is “really caring, a good listener and a good ear when you need someone to talk with.” As Lou Ann Golden retired, Lashonda Wells, Quatta Gandy and Doris Bigbee, began their employment as the most recently hired direct care staff members.

In January Pooja Shaunak will join the team, with her undergraduate degree in accounting and her master’s in business administration. Cindy Tucker will join Sally Kate Winters Family Services as Executive Director in February. Before returning to her home state of MS, she served as a case manager and program manager for Shiloh Place in McKinney Texas for 10 years. She is an alumnus of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s Degree and License in Social Work.

Jessi Sugg began 2024 as the newly elected president of the board of directors, following the 2023 able leadership of Scott Reed, during a challenging transition of staff leadership.

We invite you to begin the year anew with us. Begin to volunteer – visit our website; www.sallykatewiners.org, continue to financially support our vital service to children, youth and their families. We depend on you and others in our generous and thoughtful community to join us in our mission:

“To empower children and families to seek and experience an improved quality of life.”