Terry Johnson—Volunteering Changed Her Life

Terry Johnson is a dedicated, expert, jack-of-all-trades at Bailey-Boushay House (BBH). She started as a volunteer in 1992 at the height of the AIDS epidemic, then joined the staff and became a case manager, an assistant to Executive Director Brian Knowles and office administrator. After a break to travel, she returned to BBH, and for the last seven years served as volunteer assistant to the volunteer program manager.

Her 14 years with BBH has been filled with education, self-discovery and love. “When I first came to BBH, I was like most people and didn’t know a lot about AIDS,” says Terry. “But I was retired, and I wanted to give back to the community. BBH changed my life. I met so many wonderful clients and residents that I never would have met otherwise. I was so impressed and continue to be, with how BBH treated clients, residents, volunteers and staff. I came back here after my time off traveling because BBH has a special place in my heart. I love the people here. I really missed it.”

4,688 Hours of Support

In her latest volunteer work, Terry processes volunteer applications, sets up interviews and health screenings and insures that all volunteers meet their “fit for duty” requirements. She also works with BBH’s 120 current volunteers when they need to change their shifts. In the past seven years, she has provided 4,688 hours of support to Volunteer Services.

“I’ve gained so much from being involved in BBH, including learning about AIDS, self-discovery of my own biases and prejudices and just being around a very talented staff that I learn from each time I’m here,” says Terry. “I love working with the volunteers and seeing how they improve quality of life for our residents and clients.”

Now Terry will be taking another break to enjoy travel and the sun. She hopes to return to BBH in some capacity in the future. Meanwhile, she will be greatly missed by the volunteers, staff, residents and clients.

A Rare, Treasured Volunteer

“Only once in a lifetime do you find that rare volunteer with the skill, dedication, and loyalty of Terry,” says Volunteer Program Manager Stephanie Pietras. “I can’t imagine Bailey-Boushay House or Volunteer Services without her presence. She has been my right hand and right ear the past two years I’ve been here. She kept the Volunteer Services office going in the manager transition and keeps things running smoothly when I am out of the office. Her institutional knowledge is invaluable. She was the steady thread that has woven through all the changes in volunteers and Volunteer Services these past seven years. She will always be a treasured member of the Bailey-Boushay House volunteer team and part of our family.  I look forward to her possible next incarnation at Bailey-Boushay House.”

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