Nina’s L.I.F.E. Lessons
Introducing Nina’s L.I.F.E Lessons, a multi-faceted program dedicated to the work and legacy left behind by Nina Herendeen, a dedicated Children’s Friend employee for 23 years.
Nina Marie Herendeen
August 16, 1952 – April 8, 2018
Nina was often described as a positive, authentic person that cared deeply about those around her. She was always inspiring and pushing people to be their best. She passed away suddenly on April 8, 2018 from medical complications.
Over the summer and fall of 2018 several volunteers came forward to join a task force to ensure that Nina’s legacy lived on at Children’s Friend.
In January of 2019, the task force presented Nina’s L.I.F.E. Lessons to the Board of Directors for approval. The board unanimously approved the program.
The initial members of the task force were –
- David Caprio
- Carrie DiPietro
- Susan Dounetos
- Sandra Frankel
- Susan Grant
- Renee Herendeen
- Mina Interiano
- Susan Kane
- Cheryl Lancellotta
- Christine Rego
Paid Self-Care Day:
Each year employees of Children’s Friend will be selected via a raffle to receive a paid self-care day. This day will include a part-day seminar, lunch, and self-care activities.
To participate in the raffle, employees will need to fill out this form with their request to be included in the raffle and agree that they will fully participate in the activities and intent of the day if selected. At least 15 days after the annual application announcement the 3 winners will be selected and announced via email. All those who apply will be entered into a random drawing.
Programming and date will be selected by Nina’s Legacy Task Force or by Professional Development if/when the task force ceases to operate.
Inspirational Speaker Series:
Future topics to include Positive Thinking, Resiliency, Emotional Intelligence, and Enneagram and Your Life.
Individual Speaker:
At an agency-wide staff event each year, a relevant motivational/inspirational speaker will present for 30-60 minutes to all staff present on a topic selected by Nina’s Legacy Task Force while it exists, and by Professional Development if/when the Task Force ceases to operate. The first speaker, Renee Herendeen, presented at the ALI Agency Retreat on August 19, 2019.
Lunch and Learn Events:
Throughout the year at least 4 workshops/seminars/presentations will be held on-site at Children’s Friend for employees of Children’s Friend, with the name/track above by Professional Development and along the lines of topics developed and submitted by Nina’s Task Force.