The 1980’s brought us historic events that captivated our attention, changed history and continue to resonate today. Iconic happenings such as “Who shot J.R.?”, ruthless Darth Vader pursuing Luke and friends in “The Empire Strikes Back,” Michael Jackson releasing his groundbreaking, “Thriller” album, and the United States Hockey Team defeating the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice,” remain carved in our minds and impact our lives some three decades later.
Two events in the 80’s also transformed our lives, improving the quality of life, health and well-being of families, especially infants, children and women; Judy Gale and Sharon Campbell began their careers with MATURA Action Corporation’s WIC, Women, Infants and Children, program. At the end of February, both women will officially retire from the positions they’ve held for over 30 years.
“It’s the end of an era,” said Karla Hynes, WIC and MCAH program director. “I don’t know that it’s possible to wrap our minds around the profound impact they have had with the individuals, families and communities they have served in their years with WIC,” said Hynes.
Looking at the numbers alone, the local agency serves around 2000 participants each month, according to Hynes. “That’s about 24,000 participants served each year. Then take that number times 35 years. They have served 840,000 participants in the course of their careers. That’s dedication, that’s devotion, that’s incredible!” said Hynes.
Their service extends beyond nutrition counseling, according to Hynes, it’s about the caring and compassion they provide. Hynes said, “I think it was Teddy Roosevelt who said, ‘Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.’ Judy and Sharon provide wonderful education and direction with genuine concern for the participants who come to our clinics. They love our participants and our participants know it,” said Hynes.
Gale, a licensed dietitian, began part-time with MATURA 38 years ago. She officially became a MATURA employee October 1, 1985. Gale was named the, “Nutrition and Physical Activity Established Leader” by the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Nutrition and Health Promotion in 2015. She officially retired December 31, 2019.
Campbell, a registered nurse began her career with MATURA 4 years and 1 day later, starting full-time October 2, 1989. Campbell was named as one of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses in 2016. Her last day will be February 28, 2020.
Their combined experience equals around 70 years and Gale and Campbell have mastered all the changes in the program. According to Hynes, Gale and Campbell responded brilliantly to all the variations, alterations and modifications.
“It’s so much fun to hear the ladies talk about the early days of WIC. Sharon and Judy, along with Reta Sickles, June West and others put the ‘serve’ in ‘service.’ They held clinics in barns, using car headlights for lighting in order to reach families who worked late; they put up a card table in an alley and used flashlights to complete a certification. They went above and beyond,” said Hynes.
Gale and Campbell have also adapted to the technology changes, according to Hynes. “When Sharon and Judy started, they had to handwrite the items on a check for the participant to use. Then they went to checks that printed the items and now a small debit-type card holds the benefits. Sharon and Judy mastered each and every change splendidly,” said Hynes.
Hynes admits the clinics will be different once Gale and Campbell clock out for the last time. “Judy and Sharon are the beginning of our WIC story. They have been leaders in WIC, locally and throughout the state. Through their actions and achievements, they have guided and directed our agency. They have conveyed to us the feeling that we are a part of something bigger than just a job; we are making a difference. We know we have been standing on the shoulders of giants. They will be missed but they have prepared us to be the best we can be,” said Hynes.
Gale and Campbell will be honored at a retirement party Thursday, January 30 at the O’Riley Center in Creston from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Contact the local WIC office at 641-202-7114 with any questions. RSVPs to this event are appreciated.