In 1988, Judy Casteele began doing sexual and domestic violence work at the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. There, her supervisor introduced her to the Action Alliance and she has been helping us fulfill our mission ever since!
When others say, “I don’t know how you do this work,” Judy’s response is, “I don’t know how I couldn’t.” She continues, “every day we make a difference in the lives of survivors.” Despite the challenge of not always knowing if our work is re-shaping how society sees this issue, Judy is motivated to continue because she understands the importance of her work.
Her support doesn’t stop at the Action Alliance! Judy is the Executive Director at Project Horizon in Lexington, Virginia and also supports many other local agencies across the state. But she does believe that the Action Alliance has a special place in this work by providing support and guidance to local agencies in Virginia. While local agencies are providing direct services and creating safe havens for survivors, the Action Alliance is able to reach legislators and funders who can help support the movement.
So why does Judy give? She loves being able to support the Action Alliance on a regular basis and encourages others not to lose sight of the importance of continuous giving. Judy hopes that she can help future generations understand just how important this movement is and how much of a difference they can make, even by helping just one person. She urges people to continue to push for change saying, “I’ve seen how far we’ve come over the last 30 years, but there is still much more to be done.”
This dedication to the movement even pours out into Judy’s personal life. When she’s not working with Project Horizon or serving as the Action Alliance’s Finance Officer, Judy can be found hanging with friends and family or doing work with her church. Her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, has partnered with Project Horizon to serve as advocates for domestic violence in their community. For Judy, this work is not just a job, but it is truly a calling.
Thank you, Judy, for your hard work and dedication!
Ki’ara Montgomery is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, and minors in business and gender, sexuality, and women’s studies. She is currently working with the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance as Member and Donor Liaison.
Joining the Action Alliance adds your voice to making change in Virginia. Start your membership today or call 804.377.0335
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