One of the most active and enthusiastic volunteers in Weld County for the past 30 years, Judy Kron has tirelessly devoted her time, her energy, her care, and her sensitivity to the well-being of this community, advocating for children and families in countless ways. When Judy and her husband, Rok, moved to Greeley in 1976, Judy believed that, “Greeley was the right size city to raise a family and be able to make a difference.” Indeed, Judy, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, has been making a difference since her early days in Weld County with her husband and two children, Amy and Rob.
Judy’s involvement began with her tenure as president of the League of Women Voters in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, Judy began working with local area nonprofit agencies. Having worked for 20 years with UWWC, Judy was instrumental in establishing and sustaining many important organizations. Jeannine Truswell, current President and CEO of UWWC, says about Judy: “There are literally many organizations in our community that might not exist if it were not for Judy’s tenacity, leadership and ability to bring people together. A Kid’s Place, The Greeley Transitional House, The Weld Food Bank, The Weld Child Abuse Coalition and Promises for Children are just a few organizations and community collaborations that are providing help to children and families, thanks to Judy’s vision for a better community.”
Indeed, Judy has been involved in initiatives to benefit children and families through her work with a progressive United Way (agency) that (has) allowed her “to focus on and coordinate the expertise of various agencies” smoothing the wrinkles and furthering each agency to work to its full potential. Recognized as a leader whose initiative and motivation to work with others has benefited so many programs and people, Judy is quick to appreciate the support she has received from her family to do the work that she does.
Judy attributes her desire to be involved and make a difference to the role model provided by her mother, a woman involved in her church and her community, caring for those in need. In 2005, Judy volunteered to serve on the board of the Faith Community Service Fund, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization serving people who are experiencing financial problems. The challenge as Judy sees it, “is not to accept the status quo, but rather to work with others to find creative solutions” that result in a change for the better.
Judy’s care for children, which began with UWWC’s Promises for Children, an early childhood initiative, has now extended to her work with Greeley-Evans School District 6 as a dedicated board member. She believes that this work with our schools may be the most important and challenging work she has been involved with.
Indeed, Judy’s care for children and their education is reinforced by her understanding and love of her own grandchildren. Certainly, Judy’s advocacy for the needs of children and families in our community has been a model of a meaningful life, a gift generously shared with the people of Weld County for over 30 years. She has been called “an example of working from the ground up to make Greeley great.” Judy has been an outstanding, energetic, and dedicated leader in our community who has made a difference.
