Employee of the Month: Ginger Goodrich

Ginger Goodrich

This month we're pleased to feature Ginger Goodrich as our Employee of the Month.

What originally made you want to work with EA?

I was looking for an agency that recognized that my quirkiness is actually a strength and would continue to help me develop my skills as a social worker. I was actually sitting in an interview for a county position and was thinking that it just didn’t feel like a job I would enjoy...when I looked out the window and saw the EA Family Services sign on a nearby building! I remembered that several people I know have been working for EA for years and seemed very happy. As soon as I got home from the county interview, I sent my resume to EA, and the rest is history! I have found my home.

Describe what your best day on the job looks like:

The thing that I love about this job is that no two days are ever the same! The Eureka office is very busy, and I love the fast pace, even if I feel a little crazed at times. I am most satisfied at the end of the day if I got to spend some time with a sweet kid from my caseload...or if I managed to come up with a creative solution to a complicated problem (so satisfying!)...or, if one of my foster parents has reached out to me for support. The relationships I build with the people I work with is what makes the challenges worthwhile.

What do you wish people knew about working in your field?

So many people seem to think my job must be sad all the time, or that I work with kids that no one wants. Yes, we hear and see some very sad things...but we also celebrate victories, see families pull together and grow in unexpected ways, and laugh more than I ever imagined I would. I have watched some amazing young people rise above the difficult times, and work hard to make their lives better so they can help their siblings or their own children have a better start than they did. It has been my honor to be part of that journey.

How do you practice self care?

I admit, this is something I will always have to work on. I am not good at letting go of this job. I am working on putting away my work phone during my time off, and letting my families call the on call social worker if they need something! But I always feel my stress fall away when I spend time in nature—and Humboldt County provides some incredible places to explore. A little hiking or kayaking on the weekend, or cooking up something I grew in my own garden, and I’m usually ready to tackle a new week. And on a tough day, taking a few minutes to connect with my wonderful colleagues and supervisor to vent, and more importantly, laugh, and I’m usually ready to go again. I am also grateful for the generous time off package we receive here—and I need to start using it!

What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?

Hmmmm... I would say my ability to laugh at myself is my super power. I play the banjo...knit silly animal hats for my loved ones...sing at the top of my lungs in the car regardless of who else is in there with me. If I took myself too seriously, life would be dull. Oh, and I am a survivor myself. I am a whole lot tougher than I look.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am thrilled to be part of the EA family. I plan to be here a long time.

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