Sue Bucy’s career at Connections worthy of recognition

People retire from their jobs on the Harbor every day, usually without much widespread notice. But every so often someone retires whose career deserves to be recognized by the greater community. Sue Bucy’s career at Connections, A Center for Healthy Families, is one worthy of such recognition.

Connections has served our local communities for a quarter of a century. Programs and service areas have varied at times. They’ve ranged from a daycare who took in the kids no one else would, to affordable counseling for abused children.

There has been a crisis nursery, parenting classes, supervised visits and a hosted home for a Parent Child Assistance Program. But the core of it all has been the Children’s Advocacy Center. The center serves as a neutral place providing forensic interviews of children suspected of being abused. It is a critical element in taking care of our community’s children.

This was the first service offered by what was then known simply as the Grays Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center. Among the early employees of the fledgling agency was Sue Bucy.

Regardless of which program, the clients served by Connections are all the same: a family or child in need of help. The work is often painful, often difficult, and far too often, simply ugly.

Watching a family struggling to stay together can be hard. Dealing with a child who is woefully crying because they cannot go home with their parents from a supervised visit can be heart-wrenching. Listening to a small child detail significant sexual abuse is both horrifying and draining to your soul. All of it takes a toll on a person and it never gets easier. Still, someone needs to do it. Through the years, Sue has done it all. She has done it with compassion and kindness; she has done it with professionalism and integrity.

It is not at all an exaggeration to say that thousands of children and parents owe her a debt of gratitude. It is not beyond reason to say that some children may even owe her their very lives. Absolutely the communities served by Connections owe her thanks. This is a remarkable woman, possessing one the biggest hearts I’ve ever known, coupled with a backbone of steel.

She was a hero to so many when they desperately needed one. She was far from just an exceptional employee, as she moved through differing roles there, she became an exceptional leader. Her leadership of Connections amazed me and as her deputy director for five years I was in a prime position to see that leadership in action.

Her passion for the work was palpable; likewise, her passion for caring for her staff was equally intense. I am absolutely certain of two things. First, Connections was very lucky to have her. Second, she was the best boss I ever had.

So, congratulations, Sue, on a well-deserved retirement. And for all the kids who never had the opportunity, I’ll thank you. For the greater community, thank you for caring, for your leadership, and for doing what so few could have done. For myself, thank you for an example to strive to follow and for your cherished friendship.

You are the best.

Anthony Airhart

Aberdeen