While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak all of sorts of havoc across the state, Amy
Ruenzel of AFSCME Local 2663 is using the crisis as a teachable moment.
Having worked 25 years for the Department of Children and Families, Ruenzel, a social work
supervisor, has seen her share of crises dealing with broken families and abused or neglected
children.
“Our work isn’t glamorous, but it’s very rewarding and necessary. It’s helped me a better parent
and member of my community,” she reflected.
Ruenzel spends most of her days telecommuting, with periodic check-ins at the Norwich DCF
office where she works. She is deeply concerned about the impact of coronavirus on her family’s
health, on DCF clients and on the local economy.
At the same time, she has seized the daunting new world of working remotely, social distancing
and self-quarantining as an opportunity to deepen the bond with her two children, 10-year-old
Kate and 9-year-old Jackson.
“We’re trying to take stock in what we have around us. It’s beautiful,” she said. “I’m looking at
things differently now.”
Often, that translates into doing something for the community. In their spare time, the Ruenzels
have undertaken activities that range from donating toys and games to Stonington Human
Services for distribution to area families in need to organizing neighborhood trash pickups.
“We do these things to let the kids know they can do something good and give back to the
community,” Ruenzel said.
Ruenzel also makes sure there is a family hike or bike ride when work and school activities are
done. And she’s making sure to visit her mother, who suffers from dementia. “The time I can
spend with her is amazing,” she explained.
Through it all, Ruenzel maintains a deep appreciation for public service and the role her union
has played in making sure continues not only to remain employed, but to work safely during a
public health crisis.
“I feel thankful to work for the state and keep my job, and that I can find ways to contribute to
my community and be present for the kids,” she said.
