Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Judy Slocumb as Citizen of the Year for 2025

The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce has recently bestowed the esteemed Citizen of the Year award for 2025 upon Judy Slocumb, who has served as the Executive Director of Independence Village for an impressive 19 years. Throughout her tenure, Judy has been a steadfast advocate for the residents of Independence Village, consistently emphasizing the organization’s mission to serve as the V.O.I.C.E. for those they support. In her own words, she articulated the significance of this mission by stating, “This signifies our commitment to Valiantly Overcome Individual Challenges Every day.” This powerful statement encapsulates the core values that guide the staff and volunteers at Independence Village, highlighting their dedication to empowering residents to fully embody their V.O.I.C.E. and navigate their personal journeys with strength and resilience.

In addition to her commitment to the mission, Judy has expressed immense pride in fostering robust connections with the broader community that has been instrumental in supporting Independence Village throughout the years. She remarked, “I take great pride in building solid relationships for our residents and with those who have embraced us as family.” This sentiment reflects her understanding of the importance of community in enhancing the lives of the residents, emphasizing how these relationships have transformed the community into an extended family. Judy's belief that “it truly takes a village to raise a family” resonates deeply, as it underscores the collaborative effort required to create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive.

As Judy prepared to retire at the end of May, she reflected on her nearly two-decade-long journey as executive director with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. She shared, “Being recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year is the most joyful moment I can recall in the history of Independence Village.” This recognition not only honors her leadership and dedication but also highlights the collective achievements of the entire team at Independence Village, who have worked tirelessly to uplift and support their residents.

Following Judy's retirement, on June 2, Janice Johnston, a respected board member, has stepped into the role of the new executive director of The Village. Janice brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served as a special education instructional specialist with the Texas City Independent School District, where she honed her skills in advocacy and support for individuals with diverse needs.

Judy has expressed her confidence in Janice's abilities, stating, “Under Janice's leadership, the Village will be in capable hands.” This transition marks a new chapter for Independence Village, as Janice is expected to build upon the strong foundation laid by Judy, continuing to foster an environment where every resident can thrive and express their unique V.O.I.C.E. with pride and dignity.