If the live music and Circuit of The Americas don’t bring a person to Austin, the mild weather and nearby tourist stops will. That’s what brought Midwesterner Cindy Triggs and her husband of 39 years, to the Austin area, and eventually to Georgetown in 2014.
After 60 years of living in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Cindy has finally begun to thaw out. She is enjoying all that the area has to offer, including abundant opportunities to give back.
“I had worked in a thrift store for an organization that served the developmentally disabled for 12 years,” she said. So when she discovered The Caring Place, it was a natural fit.
“Our real estate agent told us about The Caring Place and we started bringing our donations there,” she said. Cindy had also attended a Georgetown fundraiser and sat across from Rita Turner, Community Engagement Manager for The Caring Place, who told her about the work the organization was doing to serve people in financial crisis.
“I love that The Caring Place offers so many types of services in one location,” she said. “The Caring Place really is a one-stop-shop for so many needs to be met.”
In preparation for the free time she would have after retiring in April from a national financial institution where she was a Risk Management Consultant, Cindy began her training at The Caring Place as a Client Service Advocate in February.
The timing and position were a perfect match.
As a recent retiree, Cindy finds that the skills she leaned in her career come in handy when she’s working with clients at The Caring Place. In financial services, Cindy had worked with people across the country.
“My job required that I have good listening skills and empathy – that I seek to understand other points of view.” These skills have served Cindy well as she helps assess client needs. She’s also taking a Spanish class to better communicate with our Spanish speaking clients.
“I enjoy volunteering at The Caring Place. The clients are really remarkable. Even though they may be struggling, they are so humble and are willing to make sacrifices for their children,” she said. “The volunteers and staff are all concerned about helping people and identifying each person’s unique needs. There is so much generosity and kindness here.”
Cindy volunteers one shift per week and the rest of the time enjoys exploring Texas.
“So far, we’ve visited Fredericksburg, The Texas Rangers Museum in Waco and the Waco Mammoth National Monument and dig site,” she said. “It was fascinating seeing real Mammoth bones in the ground.” What’s next on the couple’s list? A European River Cruise next spring! Big Bend and Houston are also on their bucket list.
Cindy and her husband also take time out to enjoy the live music scene in and around Austin. She enjoys blues, rock, classical, jazz. “And I’m starting to get into a little country music.” Good job, Cindy. Texas is starting to wear off on you!
