Rita Lavender’s official last day at Younity was Friday.
But when coverage was needed at the Safe House over the weekend, Rita stepped in.
Because that’s who she is.
After more than four decades of extraordinary dedication, Rita Lavender is retiring from Younity’s Emergency Services team — though her instinct to make sure survivors and staff are supported clearly hasn’t changed.
For years, Rita has been a steady presence at the Safe House, stepping in whenever coverage was needed, ensuring there were no gaps in care, and creating continuity for survivors and staff alike. During the pandemic and in the years that followed, when staffing challenges were especially difficult, Rita showed up time and time again.
At Rita’s retirement celebration, colleagues reflected on the quiet but powerful role she has played in the organization for more than four decades.
President and CEO Nathalie S. Nelson described Rita as someone whose reliability became part of the organization’s foundation.
“After more than four decades of service, Rita, you’re not just a staff member who is retiring. You are part of the foundation of this agency,” Nathalie said. “You have been through different chapters, different leaders, and so many changes. Through it all, one thing has always remained consistent — you always show up.”
Nathalie reflected that Rita was often the first person the team called when something unexpected happened.
“She’s the person we call when we need coverage. She’s the person we call when something unexpected happens. She’s the person who steps in when a shift needs to be filled or when a client needs extra compassion,” she said. “Even when we tell her not to worry about it, somehow she still finds a way to show up.”
That commitment extended through difficult moments in Rita’s own life as well. Nathalie noted that even while experiencing profound personal loss — including the loss of her husband and sister — Rita continued to show up for the work and for the people around her.
“The kind of care she brings cannot be taught,” Nathalie said. “It comes from the heart.”
Reflecting on Rita’s legacy, Nathalie added, “Her impact is woven into the fabric of Younity and will remain long after her final shift.”
Susan Victor, Chief Operating Officer of Client & Community Services, echoed those sentiments, describing Rita as someone who embodies the very best of the profession.
“In life you come across extraordinary people who take your breath away and make you say, ‘I want to be like her,’” Susan said. “Rita is one such person.”
Susan reflected on Rita’s joy for the work and the way her presence lifts those around her.
“It is not just that she has been part of Younity for over 40 years, but that for all that time she has thrown herself joyfully into the work — and that joy shows,” Susan said. “Rita’s love for her family, her colleagues, and the people we serve spills over into a huge zest for life that makes her wonderful to be around.”
Susan also noted that Rita has always had a remarkable ability to notice what needs to be done and quietly step in to make sure it happens.
“She creates a seamless bridge so there are no disruptions or gaps in service,” she said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing shortages created enormous challenges for programs like the Safe House, Rita repeatedly stepped in to ensure survivors continued receiving care.
“For 40 years, Rita has given so much to this work,” Susan said. “Thank you does not seem sufficient.”
Crystal Guerard, Director of Client Services, who works closely with the Safe House team, reflected on the many lives Rita has touched over the years — from colleagues to the victim-survivors and families who found safety through Younity’s programs.
She also spoke about a phrase many staff members associate with Rita.
“Rita is known for saying, ‘It will all work out,’” Crystal said. “While the rest of us might be stressed, Rita stays calm. And somehow, it does work out — because Rita has a way of stepping in, stepping up, and making sure it does.”
Crystal described Rita’s calm presence, compassion, and unwavering support as anchors for the team through difficult moments.
Reyna Carothers, Housing Navigator, who worked alongside Rita for 30 of those years, spoke about the reassurance Rita brought to the Emergency Services program.
“You have always been that consistency that provided this entire program what it needed,” Reyna said.
When difficult situations arose, Reyna recalled, Rita often offered a simple reassurance.
“She would say, ‘It’s going to work out,’” Reyna said. “And usually that meant she had already stepped in herself to make sure it did.”
Reyna reflected that Rita’s humility, kindness, and steady presence helped shape the culture of the program.
“You have always placed the needs of others before your own,” she said. “The care you have shown, the standards you have set, and the example you have modeled have influenced not only our work, but the lives of those around you.”
When it was Rita’s turn to speak, she reflected on the path that led her to spend more than four decades with the organization.
Rita first joined the agency in 1984 while pursuing her master’s degree. Although she initially hoped to be hired as a full-time counselor, she began in a part-time role and quickly found herself drawn to the work and the people around her.
Over the years, it was the mission — and the relationships built along the way — that kept her here.
“I love the work that I do,” she says, “Because when you give back, you feel good. When you know you’re making a difference in someone’s life, it makes you want to continue.”
Rita spoke about the connections she formed with colleagues over the years and the shared commitment that has guided the organization’s work.
“Everyone has always shown love and support,” she said. “And everyone has always cared deeply about the mission.”
Rita’s work cannot be measured only in years or shifts covered. It lives in the survivors who found safety, in the colleagues who relied on her steadiness, and in the culture of care she helped create and sustain.
Her legacy will continue in the lives she touched and in the quiet example she set for all of us.
