Retired teacher keeps families out of crisis

Patient. Caring. Inspirational

Judy Martin has always felt compelled to help those in need.

In 1994 an opportunity arose to open an op-shop with volunteers from different churches and the local community to raise funds to provide food vouchers to people in need.

Judy jumped at the chance and has been volunteering for more than five days a week ever since.

Judy’s involvement has expanded over the years, and she now leads a team of more than 100 volunteers from various professions who provide a range of services for families in crisis in the Endeavour Hills, Lysterfield and Doveton communities.

She feels “honoured” to have been voted a Westfield Local Hero.

“It’s nice that the community values what we’re doing. The organisation has been of help to a lot of people, and it’s encouraging that they want to recognise that.”

Judy’s family are also involved in Endeavour Ministries. Her daughter is one of six psychologists, and her solicitor husband provides free legal advice.

Her mother ran the Monday Meals program for more than eighteen years. As a retired teacher, Judy provides educational services.

Endeavour Ministries services include support groups for people with mental health issues, financial and material crisis aid, emergency accommodation, meals, group outings, no-interest loans and education programs.

Judy and her husband have opened their home to homeless people at different times – including a girl who needed a safe place to live for eighteen months to complete her schooling.

“I think my main achievement would be bringing together such a talented team of volunteers who use their particular expertise to help people in a whole variety of ways,” says Judy, who has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contribution to society.

Endeavour Ministries’ grant will help Endeavour Ministries provide emergency help for families in need, especially preventing homelessness.

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __