The outgoing Executive Director of the Social Service Agency BCMW was honored at a surprise retirement party on Tuesday.
Sue Castleman has been at the agency for 42 years, the last nine as director. As she exits, her replacement Jessica Backs of Addieville begins work on Wednesday.
Castleman arrived at the party after leaving the office thinking an employee’s mother had been in an accident and was taken by total surprise when arriving at the Calumet Street Christian Church where co-workers and friends were waiting.
Castleman notes agency’s like BCMW were started in 1964 with a goal of eliminating poverty.
“We’ve like to say we’ve really done something to eliminate poverty, but man it’s still among us. The cost of energy, it’s hard to keep up with the energy program. Housing assistance, people are really struggling and it’s hard to find an affordable house.”
Castleman says there have been some changes over the years.
“There’s a lot of new programs. A lot more programs to help with permanent housing for homeless. We always want to do more and make a bigger impact. I know we are providing those services, but we want to make a lasting impact for families and make their lives better.”
Castleman says she leaves strong program coordinators and will stay on temporarily part-time to help with the transition. She also hopes to travel and have more time to spend with family. Castleman first started at the agency in the energy program and later become coordinator of the Community Services Block Grant program before being named director.
Castleman’s replacement, Jessica Backs, has been working in the mortgage lending field the past 15 years and is also currently an instructor at SWIC.
“We will see what we can do to help others and hopefully new programs will come up to help those in need as well.”
Backs was drawn to the job to be involved in community development where her heart belongs.