Judy Cavcey submitted an application to volunteer at the OUR Center in Feb.1987, only months after the organization’s founding. She was honored by the OUR Center for her years of service on Friday.
Cavcey had always worked prior to moving to Longmont in 1986.
“I was going nuts with nothing to do,” Cavcey said.
Looking for an outlet for her energy, Cavcey found an announcement in her church bulletin asking for volunteers at the OUR Center.
“I decided this might be something I should try,” she said.
She did more than try. Cavcey has helped in many areas at the OUR Center, according to Julie Lupien, director of volunteer services. Cavcey has volunteered in the market and the food line and she ran the clothing bank for many years, Lupien said.
“When I think about what she does, it is more about who she is that is valuable, that’s contributed,” Lupien said. “She’s a constant, compassionate presence … When I think about what’s most valuable about Judy, it’s in the little things. She’s an excellent listener … she really pays attention to people.”
Cavcey was honored at the OUR Center’s annual volunteer recognition event. Each year the event has a different theme that highlights the service its volunteers provide. This year, the OUR Center staff decided it was time to just let their hair down and had a party with catered food and dancing.
Cavcey received a special sweatshirt that highlighted her many years of service along with a plaque that will hang by the volunteer sign-in sheet, in hopes of inspiring others in their service.
“I feel like I have done something worthwhile,” Cavcey said. “I know it is necessary. With all of the things that have happened in the last few years, more and more people have needed help and I knew I could do it.”
Beyond volunteering, Cavcey said she has made many friends at the OUR Center. She said without the nonprofit she would not have met great volunteers, staff or clients.
“If it hadn’t been good, I wouldn’t have been here this long,” Cavcey said.
