Letter: Jane Farmer was up to challenge

To the Editor:

It was with a mixture of happiness and sadness that I read of the announced retirement of Jane Farmer, executive director of Turning Point of McHenry County. Under Farmer’s leadership, Turning Point has become a consistent, effective resource and refuge for mostly women and children suffering from spousal abuse.

Managing a nonprofit is not easy. Relying on a small, dedicated staff and volunteer labor to address client needs is a daily challenge. Couple that with constant fundraising campaigns adds to the challenges of meeting the needs of clients. Jane Farmer has met these challenges and led Turning Point to be the effective advocacy it is today.

McHenry County is blessed to have many nonprofits helping to build a better community. CASA of McHenry County (court advocacy for children), Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, Boys & Girls Club, to name a few, all are serving to address a specific need in the county. These organizations cannot be successful without the support of all of us. I urge everyone to contribute financially or volunteer some of your time to a local nonprofit.

I’m sad to see Jane Farmer retire, but I wish her nothing but the best in the next chapter of her life.

Phil Heil

Huntley