Every month, we'll interview one of the people who makes AVP so special. This time, we sent our questions to Julie Rausch, who has served as our Executive Director (before retiring once), our Interim Executive Director (after returning from retirement) and now guides us through grants (as she prepares to retire again):
What's your job title at AVP and how would you describe what you do here?
I am currently grants director at AVP. I have held several roles over the years including Executive Director and (originally) SAVE Program Director. SAVE was the precursor to YVO.
Why did you decide to get into victim services?
I started out while I was a computer consultant (hard to believe) as a volunteer in my community of Northwest Philadelphia providing court accompaniment to victims of various crimes such as robbery and assault.
What part of your job means the most to you)?
Although I’ve spent the majority of my time with AVP working with numbers and writing, it’s the people and the relationships that are most rewarding and mean the most to me. It really is an honor to provide help to people whose lives have been devastated by violence as well as to work together with so many wonderful and dedicated professionals.
Is there anything you'd like to focus more of your effort toward as you continue with AVP?
Nothing specific. I continue to be impressed with the dedication and hard work of AVP staff and think Tracey is off to an amazing start as executive director. I see only growth and success in AVP’s future!