After 16 years at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, Program Assistant Judith Rasmussen is leaving her position to begin her next stage in life. Judith has been an invaluable member of the Council team, often serving as the first face or voice people encounter when they reach out to the Council for the first time.
Judith started working at the Council in 2008 after hearing about the job opening from a friend. After a single interview, Judith was hired on the spot to work at our front desk and produce braille copies of our Council Courier newsletter, Annual Report and other important Council documents.
Judith has also represented the Council at the Latino Health Council in Madison, serving alongside healthcare leaders from around Dane County to reach out to historically underserved communities. Judith also took on educational roles with the Council, visiting Dane County elementary schools to teach children about braille. But the thing that Judith will remember the most is the calls that come in every day. “I’ve known some people for years before they first reached out to the Council,” Judith says. “It’s a pleasure to hear them on the other end and to help them. And sometimes I meet new people for the first time and watch them come back and grow over time.”
Another thing Judith will remember fondly about the Council is the kindness of her colleagues. “Some people at the Council really have a good sense of humor!” Judith says. “That’s not just very pleasant, but when those tough phone calls come through where someone is having very serious issues with their lives, that sense of humor can really help to process those issues.”
“I’m so grateful for everything Judith has brought to her work at the Council, from the kindness and warmth extended to our visitors and callers to her genuine curiosity and love of learning to her joyous laugh and her appreciation and respect for all of her colleagues,” says Executive Director Denise Jess. “We will miss you, Judith, and wish you all the best in the next phase of your life’s journey.”
All of us here at the Council would like to say thank you, Judith, for your years of dedication to making our organization a warm, welcoming and supportive place.
