“Goodbye tension, hello pension.”
That’s the saying Leslie McLean is now living by after she retired after 45 years of service with Community Living Essex County (CLEC). McLean said she loved her job a lot, but it was time to call it a career.
“I love Community Living. You don’t work at a place for 45 years unless you love it,” she said.
A retirement open house was held for McLean last Friday afternoon at Channel Resource Centre, which is operated by CLEC.
“How could you not love it?” she asked, with a smile on her face, as she surveyed the amount of people in the room.
McLean retired 45 years to the day when she was hired. She started Oct. 18, 1979 in Leamington and has worked all around Essex County, the last 15 years in Amherstburg.
“I’ve had several different positions,” she said. “We are a county agency. You really are expected to embrace the county.”
Not only does McLean love the people CLEC supports, but she loves her co-workers as well. She said she enjoys watching the people supported develop relationships with staff and the community.
“I love fostering it,” she said.
As part of her retirement open house, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi presented her with a certificate from Premier Doug Ford congratulating her.
McLean, who had the title of manager of supports at her retirement, said she wants to spend time with her family and do a bit of travelling.
“I just want to relax and enjoy some day trips. Just enjoy life and be with my family,” she stated. “I haven’t had time for a lot of hobbies.”
McLean also encouraged others to follow in her footsteps.
“I’m very, very happy I stayed with Community Living Essex County all these years,” said McLean. “It’s a really good place to work. We are always looking for staff.”
Community Living Essex County supports over 700 people with intellectual disabilities and their families. For more information on the non-profit agency, call 519-776-6483 or visit www.communitylivingessex.org.
CLEC employee retires after 45 years of service to agency
By Ron Giofu
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