Shelley Fisher says she’s “one of those people” who came to Terrace for a change of pace and planned to leave after a year or two. She’s now lived here for 30 years, raising a family and supporting the community with a career in healthcare.
“Who can’t fall in love with Terrace?” she says.
Shelley volunteered for community clubs and her children’s activities over the years, but a little over a year ago she took the leap and decided to volunteer on the board of Terrace and District Community Service Society (TDCSS).
“I didn’t know a lot about TDCSS at the time. A friend of mine was employed at TDCSS, and I also had an acquaintance on the board. When my friend retired I joined the board and started learning more about the many things TDCSS does.”
TDCSS is a community organization that serves vulnerable people in Northern BC with a wide range of services, including addiction services, rental assistance, mental health supports, legal assistance and more. Shelley says all of the services TDCSS offers are fantastic, but she’s been particularly impressed by the Foundry, which supports youth ages 12-24.
“I wish we’d had something like Foundry in town when I was raising my kids. So many youth could use a place to go, to get advice and connect with community. What a fantastic thing for Terrace to have.”
New volunteer board members welcome
The volunteer board’s role is to oversee, guide, provide suggestions and oversee financials to ensure TDCSS is serving the community in the best possible way.
“We have a really awesome executive who do all the heavy lifting. The board always has lots of questions, but the executive always has answers!”
Shelley believes the board works best with a variety of volunteers representing many different perspectives. Right now there are former teachers and broadcasters on the board, as well as people from the building industry and Shelley with a healthcare background.
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” she says.
The time commitment for volunteer board members is as much or as little as you want. There is a two-hour meeting once every month, and a bit of supplemental reading. For those with more time to spare, there are opportunities to sit on committees or contribute in other ways.
“There are no special degrees or diplomas required. You just need a desire to help people in your community.”
TDCSS has over 150 employees and volunteers, and Shelley says it’s a great group to be a part of.
“Everyone clearly has huge hearts. I see the emails rolling through, and they’re all so very positive. People are encouraging, and definitely care about what they’re doing.”
Learn more about TDCSS at tdcss.ca, call (250) 635-3178, email info@tdcss.ca, follow them on Facebook or stop by the main office at 101-3219 Eby St.
what is tdcss? it’s so many things!
really awesome executive who do all the heavy lifting