Janalee Stock was recently named the 2017 Woman of the Year by the Women’s Fund of the Athens County Foundation.
Stock a retired Athens City Schools nurse and community activist was nominated by Rebecca Robinson – Miller and Andrea Reik. She will receive the Woman of the Year award for her courageous voice. She makes a difference in the lives of women and girls in Athens County.
Stock’s biggest impact was felt during her tenure a school nurse in Athens. In addition to countless other duties during that time, she was committed to educating girls and young women about their bodies, having respect for themselves and how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Before and after her retirement in 2016, Stock volunteered with many organizations in Athens County including: the organization of the local International Women’s Day celebration, with Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BB/BS) of Athens County serving as a “big” and in the Dancing with the Athens Stars to benefit the local Red Cross.
Stock is currently leading efforts to start a local Women for Recovery project to bring services and housing to the area for women transitioning from treatment back into the community. Stock cares deeply about the environment and is heavily involved with anti-fracking, Stroud’s Run cleanup efforts, as well as, organizing and getting training on road clean-up.
Stock is a long time participant, supporter and advocate for exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. She ran alongside elementary cross country teams and attended sporting events to support students she worked with while still a school nurse.
Other nominees for this year’s award were: Heather Cantino, Roxanne Groff, Kari Gunter-Seymour, Patti McSteen, Loralen Morgan, Laura Post, Andrea Reik, Wenda Sheard, Jennifer Siefert, Melissa Wales, and Lois Whealey. The mission of the Women’s Fund of The Athens County Foundation is to promote philanthropy among women, and to establish a permanent fund which will provide funding to programs and projects in Athens County which empower women to achieve their full potential. Each year the Women’s Fund awards grants to Athens County non-profits which benefit women and girls. The 2017 recipients are:
Athens County Child Advocacy Center – $ 2,000
The Appalachian Peace and Justice Network – $ 2,517
The Birth Circle, Inc. – $ 2,000