Making A Difference For United Way
Dr. Nancy Saunders
Published: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 1:32 PM CDT
For the past twenty years, Yankton has had an extraordinary woman promoting volunteerism throughout our community through action. The evolution of her volunteer efforts and her passion for service has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Nancy Saunders, Veterinarian at For Pet’s Sake, and Professor of Natural Science at Mount Marty College, is the recipient of the United Way & Volunteer Services’ Volunteer of the Month Award for May 2011.
Nancy got involved with volunteerism at the Yankton Care Center and local retirement homes, playing old hymns on the piano every Sunday morning. “I would play for thirty minutes at each place every week. The residents would request songs I did not know so I would go home, look them up, and play them the following week. They loved it.” Her volunteerism soon progressed to serving on the Board of Directors for Big Friend Little Friend, as well as delivering meals to seniors through The Center’s, Meals on Wheels Program.
Soccer was next on this volunteer’s to do list. Nancy has been coaching soccer in Yankton for the last 15 years, and although all three of her children play/played soccer, Nancy states, “I coach because I like to coach, not because my kids are in it. I enjoy it and plan on coaching even when my children are no longer in the program.” Coaching is not the only soccer related activity Nancy has put forth enormous effort. In 2004, Nancy started the local TOP Soccer program through Yankton Youth Soccer Association. The TOP Soccer season runs for five weeks in the fall beginning in September. TOP Soccer is for players with physical, mental, social, and emotional special needs. The success of this program has evolved into Dr. Saunders starting another program in Yankton called SNAP, Special Needs At Play.
Nancy’s passion for service and helping others does not end there. She is currently working alongside other agencies and volunteers on bringing a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, program here to Yankton. Nancy currently works with the CASA program out of Sioux Falls. The National CASA Association is a network of programs that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings.
Dr. Nancy Saunders’s resume of volunteerism is extensive as you can see. From her donated time as a veterinarian and care giver to abandoned and stray pets, to her gift of music and participation in Mount Mary College productions, to her passion for youth activities, Nancy is an inspiration to others. Her advice to those thinking about getting involved in our community through volunteerism is simple, “Just do it. There are so many things you can do to help this great community. You don’t have to do it all, just pick one agency you are passionate about and the people you serve will be so grateful.”
For more information on how to volunteer or participate in the programs mentioned in this article, contact the United Way at 665-6766.