Commitment to the Mission
Inspiring fellow employees and changing the lives of many children and families, Cary Moore looks back at her successes here at EOCF before taking her next step into retirement.
Cary began her 35-year career at EOCF as a Classroom Teacher in 1987 with a single-session of children four days a week. With experience in home childcare, she knew she wanted to work with people and children. When a Head Start opportunity was listed in the paper, Cary took the leap.
During Cary’s first years at EOCF, she was already making an impact within her classrooms; most notably with a little girl with sad eyes, whose attendance was poor. “Sometimes she got to school because her fourth-grader sister walked her out to the bus. Her parents were using and dealing,” Cary explains. Shortly after this little girl had finished her time at EOCF, the organization was introducing Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) to the programs offered with long-term studies conducted by the Teachers.
“This family was one of the families selected for this study. I met Mom and noted that the house was clean and orderly. Many of the questions were related to the child’s successes in school, the parents’ involvement, the family’s positive interactions together, etc. The final question was whether anyone in the family had undergone drug/alcohol cessation. She said they both have with nearly three years clean between them.” When Cary heard this, the mom interjected: “I thought I was functioning fine. Do you know what made me realize that I wasn’t? My failure to live up to the expectations of this program.” Just then, the little girl came home from school, bouncing into the house with bright, happy eyes.
Trusting The Process
When reviewing the change within her classrooms and retelling these successes from her time at EOCF, she highlighted that it is difficult to judge effectiveness and impact of these Early Childhood Education programs solely on what is seen today. “We can’t judge our successes on what we see in the moment. We have to keep doing what we know is right.”
Cary has witnessed an abundance of change within the years of her career, especially that of EOCF as an organization. She’s seen Child & Family Development staff evolve into Teacher & Family Advocates, and has supervised within our Child & Family Services component, using her expertise to empower our staff to offer the best possible support. Cary is stepping away from her current position as Education Manager for EOCF, offering the opportunity for a rising star to fill the role.
Next Steps
What are Cary’s plans now that she has made an incredible impact at EOCF? “In retirement, I will be waking up according to my own body clock instead of the alarm. My hobbies will continue, like walking often and completing crosswords and sudokus. I’m also looking forward to spending time with family and friends, mostly outdoors. Even taking trips to various places to enjoy nature in our area, like an occasional trip to our favorite spot near Depoe Bay.”
“Cary, thank you for your years of service at EOCF. You built this agency. You helped develop this organization for us to be able to serve the kids and the community as a whole. Thank you for your commitment – what an incredible impact you have made.” – Rekah Strong, CEO
Written By Sarah Cooke, Communications Manager