The Eastland County Crisis Center is committed to helping our community and those impacted by the recent wildfires. If you need assistance, please call us at 254-629-3223 or complete this form to have an advocate contact you.
REmembering Deputy Barbara Fenley
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During times like these, when there is so much loss and still so much work to be done, it can be so difficult to even know what to say.
But we'll start here. We, as a staff, would first like to take a moment to thank all of the brave first responders, the volunteers, and the community who has rallied around those affected and stepped into the path of danger to save others. This has been so most deeply evident in the heroism shown by Deputy Barbara Fenley. As part of our Multi-Discpilinary Team, Deputy Fenley was committed to keeping children safe and creating healthier homes and families. She was the MDT Member of the Year in 2012 and even when she transitioned out of active investigations she continued to show her support- participating in the Child Abuse Awareness Month Wear Blue Day every year and in supporting our work whenever she could. The picture below is one lasting way her memory will live on with us. A few years ago, Deputy Fenley won a fully put-together Ferris wheel in a Christmas raffle, hosted by Love Oak Pharmacy. It was an event designed to not only celebrate the holidays, but to also raise funds for us. We were thankful for the event and even more thrilled when she decided to donate the Ferris wheel to our agency. Today, it still sits in our waiting room- a place designed to help minimize the trauma of the children and families who come to us for services. And as we look at it today, we are starkly reminded that her simple act of generosity with that one gift has helped so many children who walk in with fear and uncertainty and instantly become fascinated and interested when they see it. It has changed parents' expressions into ones of wonder and curiosity as they walk towards it. It has opened the doors to conversations and helped all of us find moments of laughter and comfort. And in that way, it truly embodies what we know of Deputy Fenley. A woman not only of strength and integrity, but also a person who made the lives she touched better. It was an honor to work with her and it will be an honor to keep her memory alive in the work we continue to do. To always be reminded that even in the smallest of actions, the impact of good can be felt for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who love and miss her, as well as those who have experienced other loss in this community tragedy. We find strength and comfort in those that give, serve, show up, and work to rebuild. It has always made this a great place to live and a true blessing to agencies like ours. "I see nothing in space as promising as the view from a Ferris wheel"- E.B. White -The Eastland County Crisis Center staff |