CHERAW – Anyone who knows Cheraw native Catherine Faulkenberry Thompson of Chesterfield, Marlboro-Darlington Counties One-Stop Career Centers, also knows that she has worn many hats throughout her 34 years of service with the state of South Carolina. She is now ready to hang up a few of those hats as she embarks on a new chapter in her life, retirement. Since 1975, Thompson has worked with the S.C. Employment Security Commission for 31 years and also the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Dept for three years prior. In 2001, she filled the position as a Career Specialist with the Workforce Investment Board (WIA). Prior to her retirement, she served as Business Services Representative for the Chesterfield-Darlington Counties One Stop Career Centers. In 2006, Thompson was chosen as the Outstanding One-Stop Employee Award Recipient for South Carolina, from the Governor’s State Workforce Investment Board. Thompson said that she cherishes the ups and downs of her experiences, as this has been a most rewarding career for her.

“My success as a career specialist is only as good as the successes of the clients we serve. If I do not strive to help them achieve excellence, then how am I going to achieve a successful career? My greatest accomplishments have not been in good performance ratings, promotions, or pats on the back but in the successes of our clients. Their success is my success and their challenges are also mine,” Thompson stressed.

On June 23, a retirement banquet was held at Johnson’s Old Fashion Buffet to honor Thompson for all of the hard work, dedication and loyalty that she has provided to her profession and to her clients. Even though she is officially retired as of June 29, Thompson continues to give of herself. You never know where you might find Thompson. You may see her at a fundraiser for the Mercy in Me Free Clinic, Cheraw Rotary Club, Chesterfield County Coordinating Council, or Chesterfield County Economic Development Board meetings. Her goal now is to help with community projects, especially helping to promote Chesterfield County jobs.

During the event, her coworkers and friends surprised Thompson with a donation to the Free Medical Clinic in Cheraw and showered her with gifts. Trying to hold back her tears while opening those sentimental gifts, she said, “I love my work and I am going to miss everyone. I have been very blessed to know so many wonderful people and to be a part of such a rewarding profession and this community,” said Thompson. According to Thompson, Business Services Representative Levi Baxter of the One-Stop Career Center in Florence will officially fill her seat in the Cheraw office as of July 1.

“I am looking forward to working here in this location and with the community,” said Baxter. Thompson continued, “I still will try to help out whenever I can. I just love helping others and want to see them accelerate in achieving their goals.”

Thompson stressed, “I want to see this county prosper and grow and it can only be done by increased jobs, providing employment to so many who are currently out of work. The Free Medical Clinic is also a true passion of mine since there are so many people affected by the high Unemployment Rate we are experiencing.”

“Even though I am retiring, I want to urge others who want to better his or her lifestyle to come into the One-Stop Centers and take advantage of the resources we offer. All it takes is a little effort and determination and there are professional people here to get them started,” said Thompson. “I will never forget the place where I felt the most at home away from home as well as those that I had the privilege of knowing during my tenure. However, I am looking forward to being able to sit on my porch and enjoy watching the birds and looking at the beautiful flowers in my neighbor’s yard in the mornings.”

For more information about the One-Stop Career Centers call 843-320-9760.