After 65 years in the workforce, Connie Blake finally decided it was time for a break.

For almost 16 years, she has worked for Churches United in Ministry in McPherson in its office and at the age of 80 is retiring.

After 65 years in the workforce, Connie Blake finally decided it was time for a break.

For almost 16 years, she has worked for Churches United in Ministry in McPherson in its office and at the age of 80 is retiring.

“I’ve worked since I was 15 years old, I think it’s time for a break,” Blake said.

As a teenager, Blake worked as a waitress to save money to go to nursing training. After gaining her certification, she spent the next 47 years in the nursing field. When she became a mother of boys, she decided to become a Boy Scout leader and spent 26 years providing leadership to adolescent boys. About 16 years ago, she began working in the CUM office as a volunteer. It wasn’t too long after that she became the office manager.

“By God’s design nurses are caregivers,” Blake said. “Working with Churches United in Ministry allowed me to continue that nurturing and providing help.”

Over the years, some things have changed for Blake, and others have stayed the same. The clientele at CUM has changed, but the fact that there are always people in need of help has stayed the same.

“I’ve been able to make a difference in people’s lives,” Blake said. “I really enjoyed being able to help people.”

Years ago Blake and her family lost their home not once but twice. The first time she lost her home was due to a propane explosion. It took her family 12 years to fully rebuild. Within six months of being completely finished, her new home was again destroyed in a house fire. The community rallied for her family and helped them during such a hard time.

“I didn’t even have a bed of my own to lay my children in,” Blake said. “I can’t ever give back to those people who helped me during that time, but I can pass on the blessings that God has given me.”

Churches United in Ministry has been around for 44 years. In that time, it has grown and continues to provide for people whose demands in life have exceeded their resources. Blake has been instrumental in furthering that agenda throughout her tenure.

Blake recalled a time when she was involved in a case in which a family was stranded in McPherson. They had gone cross country to retrieve ailing family members to bring them home to Kentucky to care for them. During the trip back, their car started to have trouble. They reached McPherson before the vehicle finally died altogether. One of the travelers was in need of medical attention, so Blake arranged for her to see a doctor. In addition, she and the other members of CUM acquired lodging and food for the duration of their stay. The family had used up all of their funds during the trip. CUM also managed to replace the motor in the vehicle and obtain funds for fuel to get the family back home safely.

“It took a lot to pull that whole project together,” Blake recalled.

Another accomplishment of Blake’s was a $20,000 grant she was able to obtain for McPherson. The federal government was at one time giving away up to $10,000 to help the needy in each county. The catch to the program was that in order to receive the funds an extensive amount of paperwork was required for each client. Blake spent what she estimated to be almost six hours on each application for different clients to receive that funding. Once it was submitted, the program responded and asked her if she was willing to apply for another $10,000 and, of course, she did. The funds went to families in the county to help in many areas. such as housing and outstanding medical and utility bills.

“We gave people a helping hand when they felt like they were drowning,” Blake said. “I remember how that feels.”

Even though she is officially retiring from CUM, Blake has agreed to stay on as a volunteer and mentor incoming members, but she will be giving less of her time and spending more of it with her greatest priority, her family. To celebrate her achievements and dedication, CUM will be honoring her at its luncheon on Nov. 3.

“She’s a dedicated individual,” said CUM treasurer Roy Wash. “We wish her well in her retirement, but she will be very hard to replace.”