Judy Jones

Judy’s participation in the Boys & Girls Club movement began more than sixteen years ago when she signed on as a volunteer in a club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During those two years and more than 400 hours of volunteer service Judy fell in love with the club’s children and mission.  In 1989 as Judy departed on a journey that would lead her to Tacoma, she knew that if the opportunity ever arose she could satisfyingly work for a Boys & Girls Club.

Answering a blind add in the Tacoma News Tribune led Judy to the South End Boys & Girls Club.  She was initially hired as the Aquatics Director, coordinating the swim lesson program, coaching the swim team, supervising staff and maintaining the pool machinery and chemicals. Judy recalls those five years as some of the most memorable and meaningful with relationships with swimmers that continue to be on-going.  Judy’s swim team program, South End Aquatic Club, earned a Program Excellence Award and had children raising their own funds to support the team’s participation at the National Swim Meet for 10 years running.

Upon completion of her B.A. degree in 1995 from The Evergreen State College Judy was ready for a new challenge and moved into the Program Directors position at South End. Judy enjoyed supervising and guiding staff and was challenged to grow and learn as she was responsible for coordination of programs in all core areas.  It was less than two years later that the organization merged which left the Branch Directors position open at South End  and a new opportunity for Judy to continue her journey through the movement. 

Judy has been the Branch Director at South End since 1996 and continues to enjoy the challenges of building a staff, developing a board, providing coordinated, meaningful programs while positively influencing and affecting children. Judy believes that one of her current roles is to inspire and enable staff, volunteers and youth to realize their full potential.