“It’s not goodbye…it’s see you later,” this Labor Day weekend, as our team here at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley will bid a bittersweet adieu to one of our most long standing employees, Irene Davis.
Moving to Woonsocket from South Carolina in 1959, Irene has been the beloved NWBRV Executive Assistant, receptionist and Director’s Assistant for over 25 years. Starting as an AmeriCorps member and working her way through community organizing, Homeownership and reception, Irene has been privy to a true and thorough lens into the world of NeighborWorks and Woonsocket–the matriarchal eyes and ears of the organization.
“NeighborWorks is over 30 years old and I’ve been here for about 25 of them,” Irene said. “Living here since 1959, a lot has changed. Years ago, there was no money to keep up necessary things like housing. Tons of buildings, apartments and streets closed. The majority of my large family, always ended up living in two housing developments in Woonsocket. But by the 90’s, when NeighborWorks was formed, the city got help from the government to start repairs instead of tearing homes down. That was the most important change that I have witnessed as the years have gone on. I am so proud of how far housing has come.”
A single mom in her thirties, one of Irene’s greatest accomplishments has been her daughters. Through her dedication and tireless work, both girls were able to achieve the education and careers they desired–one becoming a lawyer and the other a clinical social worker.
“I was always thinking, what do I have to do to take care of my children?” Irene said. “Living around family and in the small, close knit town of Woonsocket, gave me the support I needed to be able to go to work to support my daughters. The neighborhood helped me raise my children. And then I was given the opportunity through NeighborWorks to help the neighborhood.”
Having lived in NeighborWorks apartments for over thirty years, Irene spent some time with us reflecting back on one of her very favorite sources of happiness–the stunning apple, pears and peach orchard that was planted over 20 years ago.
“We’ve seen some real happiness in the years I’ve been with NeighborWorks,” Irene expressed. People don’t always have the money to spend on outdoor living. My sister and parents have both lived in the same apartment complex that I do. But with the help of United Way, we were able to build an orchard next to the two cherry trees by my apartment. They brought the country into the city. What began as a little baby twig when it was planted is now over 20 feet tall, and the most beautiful shade tree, that the neighbors gather fruit from and can even make applesauce.”
Irene’s retirement may mean the the end of an era for NeighborWorks, but despite not being stationed at the office reception desk, Irene and all her wisdom will never be far away. With plenty of family and friends surrounding her in Woonsocket, Irene looks forwards to reveling in the love that her extended family is looking to share with her, while remaining a loyal friend and honorary member of our NeighborWorks community.
This is my home. Since 1959. I know every corner. I’m so excited to be a retiree and enjoy my sisters, their grandkids, babysit and do absolutely nothing with my wonderful family–my sisters have been waiting for me to join them in their retirement! I never plan to truly say goodbye to Joe in the office. He knows whenever he needs me as a resident and ex employee, I will be here to help, with housing or anything else. Everyone knows, my door is always open–they can leave me a note, a message, or just knock on my door. We are one very large family here in Constitution Hill, thanks to NeighborWorks. To stay in a job for 30 years, you must be very comfortable. The job was content with me and I was content with the job. I’ll still be right here.”
Irene Davis, NWBRV
On behalf of the entire staff at NWBRV, we’d like to thank Irene for her dedication to NeighborWorks. Irene, you are one in a million and we miss you already. We wish you health, relaxation and peace in your retirement–and we promise, we’ll see you soon!
