Today, our featured volunteer, is Jerry Hurley

1.      How did you initially become involved with Cope Family Center?

I don’t honestly know when I first became involved with Cope. I believe it was quite some time ago, perhaps even when I was at Domaine Chandon ( some 22 years ago ), and we were involved in some kind of fashion show. I do know that it was the first local charity I became aware of and it has stayed close to my heart for that reason and because of the extent of its’ influence. I am a big family person and believe that problems solved at the family level have much greater implications later.

2.      What gave you the greatest satisfaction when you were affiliated with Cope?

Knowing that it was local serving, and seeing with my own eyes where and how my efforts were channeled into the foundations of the community in which I live.

 3.      How have you seen Cope change over the last 40 years?

I’ve seen it grow to help support more diverse causes under the same umbrella.

4.      Where do you see Cope Family Center going in the next 40 years?

Just keep it local, keep focused and stay the course.

Our  spotlight today is on Judy Waggoner:

1.      How did you initially become involved with Cope Family Center?

I became involved with Cope in response to a newspaper ad for a part time Executive Director.  That was in 1976.  Linda Thomas was the founder and first Exec and then a man named Bob and I was hired after him.  After me was Ardis Troedsen whom I recruited and she stayed until the current Exec. Joelle.  I was interviewed by Carlee Leftwich and Dan Corsello in Carlee’s home.  I was fairly new to Napa, had a Master’s degree in Early Child hood Education, and was looking for a job in Napa.  I had been Director of a private school in Benicia and taught part time at Napa College. They hired me and I was the only paid employee.  Two years later I convinced Ardis to act as a coordinator of volunteers (unpaid) and when I left she was hired as ED.   Dan worked for CPS at the time and Carlee was with the Health Department.

 2.      What gave you the greatest satisfaction when you were affiliated with Cope?

The greatest satisfaction I had in my affiliation with Cope was the way the agency responded to community needs over the years.  Always showing up with effective, affordable programs to help Napa families.  The Board members, volunteers and paid staff have always demonstrated high integrity and commitment.

3.      How have you seen Cope change over the last 40 years?

Cope’s biggest change in the last 40 years has been to move from a volunteer agency to one with paid staff, providing vital services with government funding.   Cope was entirely dependent on community donations and fundraising for a long time.  Cope obtained the Home Visitor funding when Ardis was ED and  it created a big change for the agency.  It was also a big move obtaining its’ own building.

4.      Do you have any recommendations on other people we should speak with about Cope’s 40^th anniversary?

I know that the founders are still around and also Jim Featherstone and maybe Renata Wright.  Nancy Irving , Judith Nelson

 5.      Where do you see Cope Family Center going in the next 40 years

I think Cope Family Center will continue to play a vital role in Napa.  The services might change to adjust to current needs for children and families as they have adjusted in the past 40 years, but I think the agency will still be doing business.