"Don't Call It Retirement. Call It Retrial." Celebrating Mar Smith's 36-Year Legacy of Changing Lives
- Fred Finch
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
There are some people whose impact can never be measured by years alone.
There was laughter. There were tears. There were stories spanning decades. And there was one unforgettable comment from a young participant that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
When Mar Smith told the youth she serves that she would soon be retiring after 36 years at Fred Finch, the participant had an immediate question.
"Permanently?" "Yes," Mar replied. "Permanently."
After thinking for a moment, the young person offered a different perspective:
"I think you should give it a try. And don't call it retirement. Call it retrial."
The room erupted in laughter when Mar shared the story during her retirement celebration, but it also captured something deeper: the relationships she has built, the lives she has touched, and the profound impact she has made over more than three decades of service.
For many at Fred Finch, Mar's retirement marks the closing of an extraordinary chapter in the organization's history.
Mar first joined Fred Finch in August 1988 as a supervisor in what was then an entirely residential organization.
What began as a job quickly became a calling.
Over the next 36 years, Mar served in multiple roles, helping shape programs, mentor staff, support families, and advocate for young people facing some of life's most significant challenges. Along the way, Fred Finch became woven into the fabric of her life.
"Fred Finch has been one of my longest relationships in life," she reflected.
Throughout her remarks, Mar spoke less about her accomplishments and more about the people who shaped her journey.
She paid tribute to former Fred Finch CEO John Steinfirst, whom she described as a mentor, friend, and one of the primary reasons she remained with the organization for so many years.
She thanked colleagues, friends, family members, and the teams she worked alongside throughout her career. But perhaps most importantly, she reflected on the youth and families who have been at the center of her work.
One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration came as Mar shared the story of Chad, a former participant who was sitting in the audience that afternoon.
Years ago, Chad received services at Fred Finch during a difficult period in his life. Mar worked closely with him and his family, helping navigate challenges and build a path toward a brighter future.
That future exceeded even the highest expectations.
Today, Chad holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition from UC Davis and serves as a professor, helping educate and inspire the next generation of students.
Looking toward Chad during the celebration, Mar reflected on his journey and the impact that caring adults can have when they refuse to give up on young people.
His presence in the room served as a powerful reminder of why Fred Finch's mission matters—and of the lasting impact that dedicated staff can have on the lives of youth and families.
You Make an Impact
One message stood above all others during Mar's remarks.
The work of changing lives belongs to everyone.
"No matter what you do here at Fred Finch, whether you're direct care staff, a therapist, a program director, accounting, or HR, you make an impact on children's and families' lives. That's something to hold dearly." — Mar Smith
For Mar, every success story is the result of countless people working together behind the scenes—direct care staff, clinicians, educators, administrators, support staff, and leaders who show up every day committed to helping others thrive.
It was a message that resonated deeply with the many current and former employees gathered to celebrate her remarkable career.
Much of Mar's career was spent supporting youth with complex behavioral health and developmental needs, including many who expressed their struggles through aggression, defiance, fear, or frustration.
She spoke candidly about the realities of residential treatment and the dedication required of staff who work directly with youth during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
"We've been in the trenches together."
Those years were filled with difficult days, unexpected crises, and hard-earned victories. Yet through it all, Mar remained steadfast in her belief that young people can heal, grow, and succeed when surrounded by caring adults who refuse to give up on them.
That belief became a defining characteristic of her leadership and a source of inspiration for many colleagues throughout the organization.
A Tribute Through Song
As the celebration drew to a close, colleague James Pugh delivered a heartfelt musical tribute, performing Wind Beneath My Wings for Mar.
The room grew quiet as staff, friends, and loved ones listened to lyrics that reflected the role Mar has played throughout her career—not seeking recognition for herself, but helping others rise.
For many in attendance, the performance captured what words alone could not: gratitude for a leader whose influence extends far beyond programs, policies, or job titles.
It is reflected in the lives she helped change.
In the staff she mentored.
In the families she supported.
And in the countless young people who found hope, healing, and opportunity because someone believed in them.
Watch the Tribute
James performing "Wind Beneath My Wings"
Thank You, Mar
After 36 years of service, Mar leaves behind an extraordinary legacy built on compassion, perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to youth and families.
While her daily presence at Fred Finch will be deeply missed, her impact will continue to be felt through the people she inspired, the programs she helped strengthen, and the lives she helped transform.
Or, as one young participant wisely suggested: Don't call it retirement. Call is retrial.
Comments