Sandy Castek’s Mission for Mothers

October 14, 2024

By La Crosse Community Foundation

Empathy for struggling single moms stems from experience

Sandy Castek’s journey from struggling single mom to founder of the Sandy Castek Fund for Empowering Women is both profound and inspiring. Her story begins with a personal trial that ignited a lifelong mission: to help single mothers navigate the challenges of self-sufficiency and education.

“I was one,” Sandy recalls of her days as a single mother to three boys. Her life took a dramatic turn when her husband of 21 years left her unexpectedly, leaving Sandy to fend for herself and her children. Despite the shock and hardship, Sandy pursued her master’s degree, relying on some child support to cover the costs. Her experience laid the foundation for her compassion toward single mothers striving for a better life. “It’s harder to deal with a divorce than a death in many ways,” she reflects on the emotional turmoil that followed her separation.

Understanding the needs of single mothers

Driven by her struggles and realizing that childcare was paramount among single parents, Sandy’s academic work focused on a single-mother needs assessment. This project not only earned her a master’s degree but supported the inception of the Self-Sufficiency Program at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

“I have a great appreciation for women who truly have nothing, who work, go back to school, and take care of their kids. I don’t know how they do it,” she muses. Her admiration for the resilience of single mothers is palpable as she recounts the obstacles she faced, from finding a job at a critical moment to making ends meet on a modest teacher’s salary.

Aiming to help mothers wearing the same shoes she once wore, Sandy established the Sandy Castek Fund for Empowering Women a few years ago to support programs that aid single mothers in building their self-sufficiency through education and emergency support.

“I was lucky and made some financial decisions that now enable me to do this,” Sandy explains, acknowledging her fortunate position that allows her to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives.

Designed to help and inspire single moms

Her fund has already had a significant impact. Sandy fondly remembers funding UWL’s Self-Sufficiency Program, praising it as hope for single mothers.

She says, “I’m happy to do anything I can to support SSP, which is headed by Andrea Hansen, a true miracle worker.”

Sandy’s vision for the fund is one of continued support and lasting impact. She plans to keep donating annually and has arranged for an endowment to sustain the fund after her passing.

“I hope that it truly helps women in need and inspires them to know there are people who are willing to help them and very much want them to succeed,” she says.

You don’t have to walk alone

For Sandy, the ultimate goal is to open up a world of possibilities for single mothers through education, thereby offering them the means to support themselves and their families.

Sandy’s story is not just one of overcoming personal adversity; it’s a narrative that champions the power of education and community support in changing lives. Through her fund, Sandy aspires to pass on the message that, even in the face of daunting challenges, success is attainable, and no one has to walk that path alone.