Joyce Irvin is not one to seek attention or applause. Throughout her 49 years of service to children and families in our community, she has quietly led with compassion, determination, and a deep belief in the mission of Head Start. But as she steps into retirement, her extraordinary contributions simply cannot go unrecognized.
At a recent ceremony honoring her decades of dedication, Joyce reflected on her career and the work she’s poured her heart into for nearly five decades:
“I’ve loved it. It’s a hard thing to do- but the right thing to do [especially] with good staff— and we’ve always had really good staff.
Joyce Irvin
We couldn’t do the job (and do a great job) without them. I always knew that they could carry out the program and do what needed to be done.”
Her words reflect the humility and gratitude that have defined her leadership, even as she has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
A Community’s Gratitude
During the ceremony, the Clatskanie Head Start building was officially renamed The Irvin Building, a lasting tribute to her legacy. In announcing the dedication, Erin Skaar, President of the Community Action Team Board of Directors, noted:
“We will miss you and have a hard time filling your shoes for sure.”
Joyce also received a gift from the Oregon Head Start Association, recognizing her as an outstanding leader whose work has strengthened Head Start programs throughout the state. Staff members presented her with a plaque commemorating her service, along with a scrapbook filled with messages, memories, and photos collected from colleagues and families she’s impacted over the years.
“Joyce has been a great leader and role model. As a parent who has been active in my child’s experience, I can say that her leadership brought out the best in all of us. We will truly miss her.”
Parent
Reflections on a Remarkable Career
Even as Joyce began transitioning into retirement in recent weeks, she continued to offer her support, helping tie up loose ends and ensuring the program was left in good hands. Her dedication is evident in the enduring success of Head Start locally, where her guidance has shaped not only families and children but also the staff who have been fortunate to work alongside her.
“Joyce has always been the backbone of this program. She has been our mentor, our leader, and the person we’ve all looked to for direction. Her passion for this work is unmatched, and her presence will be deeply missed.”
Staff
The Legacy of Head Start
Joyce’s nearly five decades of service are deeply intertwined with the history of Head Start itself. Created in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, Head Start aimed to break the cycle of poverty by providing children from low-income families with access to early education, health services, and family support.
Joyce joined Head Start during its early years, when the program was still growing and finding its place in communities. Over time, she helped it evolve into the vital resource it is today, ensuring that families had not only access to services but also the tools and confidence to thrive.
As Joyce embarks on this next chapter of her life, her influence will continue to echo through the generations of children, families, and staff she has inspired.
Thank You, Joyce
From all of us at Community Action Team and beyond: thank you, Joyce, for your decades of leadership, your unwavering commitment to families, and your belief in the transformative power of Head Start. Your legacy is woven into the fabric of this community, and it will continue to guide and inspire us for years to come.
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