Addie-Grace Cook ’26, a politics major with a double minor in Middle East and South Asia studies and poverty and human capability studies, is spending her summer as an intern with Project Horizon.
PHOTO: Addie-Grace Cook ’26 at Project Horizon
Cook credits an internship and volunteer experiences at Project Horizon with preparing her to pursue a career in law.
This summer, I am working at Project Horizon, an organization that works to eradicate domestic violence and sexual assault in Rockbridge County. Project Horizon has a 24-hour crisis hotline, a shelter, outreach and legal assistance and free counseling.
I am part of the Bonner Program, which has led me to pursue a volunteer opportunity at Project Horizon in January of 2022. During Spring Term, I participated in the Washington term program taught by professor (Brian) Alexander, in which I interned in Virginia Senator Tim Kaine’s office. That experience taught me about issues that affect Virginians on a national level and how policy decisions are made, which has given me a better understanding of the policies and funding that Project Horizon adheres to and receives.
I am originally from Columbia, SC and I honestly can’t think of a better place to spend the summer than here in Lexington. It feels like being a kid again. My friends and I spend our weekends and evenings outside — swimming, hiking, watching the sunset and eating a concerning number of popsicles. I love to be outside, and the summer schedule has given me more time to explore places that I haven’t had a chance to during the school year, like Saint Mary’s Falls, the Appalachian Trail and Douthat State Park. There is something special about experiencing Lexington in the summer that gives a deeper appreciation for the place and the people here.
I enjoyed my time as a volunteer at Project Horizon. As an intern I start my day at the front desk, answering hotline calls, conducting intakes, and welcoming clients. The front office is a hub of activity, and I love to talk with other volunteers, staff members, and visitors who come in. Some days, I also help in the shelter—interacting with clients, helping them locate shelter resources, cleaning bedrooms, and organizing cabinets. I am also working on a longer-term project to increase community outreach by connecting with local faith organizations and civic groups. I love seeing committed community partners come together to address local needs in an individual and personalized way.
I feel really proud to be working for an organization like Project Horizon. It is the only organization of its kind in Rockbridge County. It was started as a truly grassroots effort by a group of women around a kitchen table in 1982. I have loved learning about how Project Horizon has evolved to best serve the community. Also, because I am stationed at the front desk, I get to talk to so many interesting people and learn about their experiences and lives, which has allowed me to learn more about Rockbridge County and the unique challenges that our community faces.
We have been so lucky to have Addie-Grace for 8 weeks this summer. She has brought such great energy, enthusiasm, and a great level of hard work. Addie-Grace plans to continue as a volunteer through her next two years at W&L.
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