In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re putting the spotlight on some of the best volunteers we know: our Board Members! These seven individuals give their time and talents to support and strengthen our organization. Today, meet Phyllis Montrose!
1. Why do you serve on the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities Board? I enjoy working with our clients and ensuring they receive all the needed services.
2. What do you like about serving?
I like when clients come to the board meetings, and they share the services and experiences they receive from the staff. I like the commitment of the staff working with the clients. I like that we are making a difference in people’s lives.
3. What is something you have learned about ACBDD that you want people in the community to know?
I have learned about the commitment of the staff and the clients. I like that the staff looks at the clients where they are and asks them what they want to do for their lives, instead of thinking they know what is right for the client.
4. If you could meet one person who has inspired you, dead or alive, who would it be?
I’ve always wanted to meet Andy Griffith. His character on the Andy Griffith show portrayed him as a passionate person and a wonderful father figure. I’m a little old-fashioned, and I like the idea of family back in that era.
5. What was your first volunteer experience? How old were you, and what motivated you to volunteer?
I cannot remember the first time I volunteered. When I was in high school, we visited the Head Start program in Urbana, Ohio, which developed my passion for working with preschool children. My Junior and Senior year of high school, I attended Ohio High Point vocational school. I have worked with the Head Start program for 30 years – two years in Urbana and twenty eight years in Lima.