After 12-plus years of service with Lacombe & District FCSS, Regional Parent Link Manager Donnie Tafts is retiring.

It was a day of celebration at the Lacombe Parent Link Centre yesterday (Oct. 30) afternoon, saying goodbye to someone who’s played an integral part in the growth of Parent Link in Central Alberta.

Since joining FCSS over a decade ago and opening up the centre in Lacombe in 2005, Tafts has been at the forefront of opening up centres in Rimbey, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka and Blackfalds.  

She said it’s been an honour and a pleasure working for FCSS.

“It’s just been exciting to see the growth over the past decade and to see how many families are taking part in the programs and services that we offer. It’s a great place for families, it’s a great place to connect with other families in the same stage of life, to make friends and to build a support system.”

Cora Hoekstra, who’s worked alongside Tafts for many years, is taking over the position and is looking forward to filling the shoes of her long-time friend.She said working with Tafts, has her well prepared to step into the role.

“Donnie had a real gift for vision, a gift for planning ahead and always making sure that we were very relevant in the programming that we were offering to the families. We were there kind of at the beginning of Parent Link so we always understood why Parent Link Centres existed.”

Tafts said she’s honoured to pass the baton to such a dear friend and said Hoekstra will do a great job.