Donna Worsley-Hines, shown here on her job at Nassau County Department of Social Services, makes it her duty to get to know people at her worksite with the hope that she will make a positive impact on people’s lives.
UNIONDALE — CSEA member Donna Worsley-Hines spends her life, both on and off the job, helping others.
For her union and community activism, Worsley-Hines was recently honored at the county Department of Social Services’ recent Black History Month program, at which CSEA members actively participated.
Worsley-Hines is not only accomplished, but very busy. She works full time at the Nassau County Department of Social Services, is active in several community organizations and owns a daycare. Worsley-Hines is a member of both CSEA’s Nassau County Local and CSEA/VOICE Local 100A.
When county officials recognized Worsley-Hines, the room erupted with applause due to her colleagues’ love and respect for her.
From left to right, Donna Worsley-Hines and CSEA Nassau County Department of Social Services Unit President Jason Perkowsky at the department’s Black History Month program at which Worsley-Hines was recognized for her service and activism.
A positive force
Worsley-Hines returns that love and respect through engaging others every day.
“People want to be seen and feel like they’re being heard,” said Worsley-Hines. “I make an effort to learn everyone’s name and get to know them. You would be surprised how much you can change the trajectory of someone’s day by voicing genuine concern for their well-being.”
“It’s one thing to say, ‘good morning;’ it’s another thing to ask someone how they’re doing,” said Worsley-Hines. “We have to listen to hear, not to respond.”
As a social welfare examiner in the Department of Social Services’ Employment Unit, Worsley-Hines helps county residents learn marketable job skills and find careers.
Worsley-Hines often develops personal relationships with the people who seek her help. Many of the county residents she has helped have later given Worsley-Hines updates about the positive changes in their lives, often crediting her for being a positive force for them.
One such county resident expressed to Worsley-Hines her longstanding desire to go to college, but as a woman in her 80s, the resident felt she was too old to attend. Worsley-Hines encouraged her to enroll.
A few years later, Worsley-Hines attended the woman’s graduation from Nassau Community College.
“You should’ve seen her waving her diploma around,” said Worsley-Hines, with a smile. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Small gesture, large impact
Noting that she is a very spiritual woman, Worsley-Hines is very active in her church. She said she allows the power of the Holy Spirit to guide her through her decision-making, which makes every day for her Random Acts of Kindness Day.
One day, Worsley-Hines was in the worksite’s cafeteria when she noticed someone who appeared to be facing difficulty. Without identifying herself, Worsley-Hines bought the person coffee and went about her day.
The person later jumped into Worsley-Hines’ arms, crying and thanking her.
“This woman was scared because she was going into surgery the next day,” said Worsley-Hines. “You never know the impact that a small gesture can have on someone.”
Improving her community
Worsley-Hines is active in her community, including bringing food to those in need. She also volunteers for several organizations that advocate for local youths, which help them develop life skills, meet economic and educational needs and more.
“You have to make sure your community has what they deserve,” said Worsley-Hines. “Don’t give them a piece of the pie when they could have the whole pie.”
Despite her busy schedule, Worsley-Hines finds the time for her many philanthropic responsibilities because she strongly believes that people can make time for activities that are important to them.
“If I have to give up my lunch time to deliver a case of water, so be it,” said Worsley-Hines. “You create positive resources for yourself and others by being active in the community.”
— Wendi Bowie
