Cathy's Vision
Former West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice has left an ever-lasting mark on West Virginia’s youth through her visionary leadership in Communities In Schools of West Virginia (CISWV) and the Friends with Paws therapy dog program. The students have benefited from her unwavering commitment to creating supportive, nurturing school environments. Supported by her husband, former Governor and current U.S. Senator Jim Justice, Cathy’s work has made West Virginia a national leader in student support, with CISWV operating in all 55 counties. Friends with Paws has been recognized as the first statewide therapy dog program in the U.S. Her appointment to the West Virginia Board of Education in 2024 further solidified her educational legacy and impact.
A Shared Vision for West Virginia’s Youth
Cathy Leigh Comer Justice, born in Beckley and raised in Prosperity, West Virginia, graduated from Marshall University in 1975 with a degree in secondary education. Her early career as a substitute teacher in Raleigh County schools and her involvement in local reading programs shaped her passion for children. She met her husband, Jim Justice, at Woodrow Wilson High School, and they married in 1976 after both attended Marshall University. Jim, a business entrepreneur in many areas including coal, served as West Virginia’s 36th governor from 2017 to 2025 and was elected U.S. Senator in 2024. Together, their shared commitment to community and family values drove their efforts to uplift West Virginia’s students.
When Jim became governor in 2017, Cathy seized the opportunity to address systemic challenges like poverty and trauma affecting students. She launched CISWV as a three-county pilot in 2018, with Jim’s support as governor ensuring resources and visibility for the program and with the support of the West Virginia Department of Education. By 2019, CISWV began expanding, providing at-risk students with academic support, basic needs, and mental health services. Under Cathy’s leadership and Jim’s advocacy, the program grew to 285 schools across all 55 counties by 2024, serving 117,000 students with a 99% success rate in keeping students in school. Jim frequently praised Cathy’s qualifications and dedication, noting her role in making West Virginia the only state with CIS in every county.
Pioneering Friends with Paws
In 2022, Cathy introduced Friends with Paws to address emotional challenges exacerbated by the opioid crisis and post-pandemic anxiety. The program, supported by Jim’s administration and CISWV, places certified therapy dogs in schools to provide comfort and companionship. The first dog, Jasper, was placed at Lewis County High School in 2022, marking the start of a transformative initiative. By December 2024, Cathy celebrated the placement of the 45th and final therapy dog, Bear, at Huntington East Middle School, completing the program’s statewide rollout.
Jim played a key role in amplifying Friends with Paws, promoting it during his administration briefings and ensuring funding through state partnerships. He often joined Cathy at “Pup Rallies,” school events where therapy dogs were introduced, boosting community engagement. The program’s impact—improved attendance, reduced behavioral issues, and stronger student connections—reflects the couple’s shared commitment to student well-being.
Key Milestones
2018: Cathy launched CISWV as a three-county pilot.
2019: Cathy was awarded the CIS Policy Champion Award for having the largest license expansion of CIS in the Country. CISWV expanded to 11 counties, offering food, clothing, and medical services to students.
2022: Cathy introduced Friends with Paws, starting with three therapy dogs.
2023: Placed 19 therapy dogs, and expanded CISWV to all 55 counties.
2024: Reached 45 therapy dogs. Cathy was appointed to the West Virginia Board of Education citing her CISWV and Friends with Paws achievements.
2025: As Jim transitioned to the U.S. Senate, Cathy reflected on eight years of service, with Friends with Paws recognized as the nation’s first statewide therapy dog program.
A Lasting Legacy
Cathy’s hands-on leadership—visiting schools, speaking at the 2024 CISWV Student Supports Institute, and engaging communities—amplified her initiatives’ success. Jim’s support was evident in his public endorsements, including his 2024 statement that Cathy “loves kids beyond good sense.” Her appointment to the West Virginia Board of Education in November 2024, sworn in on November 13, 2024, by Kanawha County Circuit Judge Stephanie Abraham, marked a new chapter.
Their personal involvement, including attending school events with their famous English bulldog, Baby dog, brought warmth to their initiatives. Cathy’s vision, supported by Jim’s platform, ensured that all kids received the tools to succeed. Cathy often says, “Every child in West Virginia deserves a safe, welcoming environment where they can thrive.”