ElderChicks

By profession I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, otherwise known as an LCSW.  I went to Adelphi University when I was 42 years old.  My youngest child, Geoffrey, was in his senior year of high school and I couldn’t bear the thought that all of our three children would be living away from home at college. So, I decided to go back to school and in two years received my masters degree in Social Work.  Best of many good ideas I thought up!

I was hired by the psychiatric division of Hillside Hospital, which later became part of Long Island Jewish Hospital and even later absorbed by North Shore Hospital. This was a very long time ago. I remained in their employment for 30 years.  I worked in a locked unit, in aftercare, and finally was made director of an off campus clinic for substance abusers.I was the first woman and the first social worker to become Director of one of the Hillside Clinics. For many years I remained the only woman to be seated at Directors’ meetings at the hospital and at the many meetings I attended with other heads of substance abuse clinics throughout Nassau County in New York. I hope that has changed by now.

I finally retired after all those years and wondered how I could spend so many hours without a purpose.  I found the most wonderful answer.

Hillary Clinton was running for senator of New York and I became involved in her campaign.   When she won the election I called to request a place in the new Senate office but was told that Senate offices do not have volunteers.  “Sorry,” they said.

However, within a few days I received a phone call which was an invitation to become an intern in the newly formed office of New York Senator Hillary Clinton. I was overjoyed! I had found a place in a job to which I was dedicated. I was able to use my social work skills during Hillary Clinton’s two terms, working in the health care unit with the title of Senior Fellow!

I am still working in the office with the same title but now for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The Senator was nice enough to telephone me while we were vacationing in Florida this winter to say, “Thank you for all your good work.”  After all these years I am still the only volunteer and the only Senior Fellow.  The Senate office has become my second home.  I love being there, and I do believe they love me. [Leave a comment here.]

By – Louise Garin (age 84, social worker, political activist, happily married for 66 years to Milton Garin, grandmother of 7 grandsons and 1 granddaughter )