Norine Hemphill has dedicated her life’s work to showing up for people who need a helping hand. From her career to her volunteerism, she has walked alongside those who may benefit from some support. Now, in retirement, Norine stays busy doing the things she finds to be fun.
To Norine, fun includes experiencing new activities and outdoor adventures with her family and two amazing granddaughters.
It also includes finding additional ways to extend a helping hand.
Prior to retirement, Norine spent 44 years as a pediatric nurse. She loves working with children and adolescents. Norine’s twin sister is a CASA Volunteer in Georgia, and Norine knew that once she retired, she wanted to follow suit.
“I have had many good examples of people who have volunteered and made a difference for kids and families,” said Norine. “I felt prepared to do the work, but I was worried about connecting with youth.”
However, Norine did not need to worry. The immediacy of Norine’s connection with her assigned CASA youth took her by surprise.
“We connected right from the beginning,” said Norine. “Showing up every week – listening and finding connection in the things that we both care about – made it go way better than I could have expected.”
Norine and her assigned CASA youth built a strong relationship over the course of seven to eight weeks. They first met at a park. Norine thought the visit would end in a matter of minutes, but they chatted for an hour. The youth walked home from school on Tuesdays, so Norine started picking her up on those days instead. They would grab a coffee, catch up, and talk about the youth’s goals.
However, due to changes within the youth’s case, she had to suddenly move out of state.
“I was very sad when she moved away,” said Norine. “She had been moved around so much – it seemed like every time she got comfortable, she had to start over again.”
A bond as strong as the one between Norine and her assigned CASA youth does not dissolve with distance. They do their best to keep in touch, and Norine has focused her efforts on connecting the youth with a CASA Volunteer in her new home, recognizing that the youth benefits from having a consistent person close to her – even if it can’t be Norine.
“All you have to do is show up,” said Norine. “It sounds like a little thing, but it means so much to kids. You’d be surprised by what they remember.”
As Norine supports the youth from afar, she plans to continue doing what feels fun in retirement – including taking on another CASA case.
Recent Comments