I am both honoured and humbled to be given the job of Program Director for TAP. Sharon Walkom has left an indelible footprint in this community. Her compassion and vision have served to help so many, in her gracious and unassuming manner, leaving a hole to fill that seems unfillable. However, I have felt the call to continue on with her passion and to further carry on and develop the mandate of TAP. That is, to help anyone in our community through that ‘rough patch’ that we all endure at some time in our lives. TAP’s mandate is to assist, not to sustain, through the generosity of our friends and neighbours. It is my desire to be a small part of this assistance.
I come to this position with a great deal of experience working with people, in a variety of capacities and situations. I have lived in the Tavistock area for over 30 years. Many are not familiar with me. Other than the family that I married into, I do not have family in the Tavistock area. We are proud to have raised our three sons, with lots of support, in this community. We are very familiar with the arena, and soccer and baseball fields in our area. My experience working with people may be one reason for my appointment. I have worked with people of all ages, many of whom had challenges (specifically as Activities’ assistant in group homes and nursing homes), and with local schools, as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. I have served in many capacities in the community, also as coach, volunteer, on different boards, and in my church. I have volunteer experience with TAP, which should help make this transition a bit smoother.
It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. I further believe that it takes a village to raise a village. No man is an island, and we all want to help each other, even if it is as simple as a smile or a kind word. Please know how much your support is appreciated, no matter how small or in what form it may take. Sharon and I have worked closely together to create a smooth exchange from her to me. Your thoughts, prayers and kind words are highly valued.