Volunteer Spotlight: Terry Dunn
Written by Jeffery Woodard
Community is built by people who are willing to show up for one another. Every volunteer who shares their time helps create something bigger than the task in front of them. For Terry, volunteering has never simply been about completing a project. It’s about building connections and making his community a little stronger every chance he gets.
Terry’s passion for volunteering began during his college years when he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Eventually, life got busy for Terry and between raising a family and building a career, volunteering had to be put on pause.
But the desire to return never went away. Now that his children are heading off to college, Terry has found the opportunity to reconnect with something he has always enjoyed. He’s now back volunteering with Habitat for Humanity while continuing to serve through his church and other local organizations.
Throughout the years, Terry has discovered that every organization offers something unique. Volunteering at his children’s school allowed him to watch students grow into young adults, while serving his church introduced him to people who shared the same passion for helping others. Habitat for Humanity, however, offers something especially meaningful.
Spending much of his weeks at meetings, Terry enjoys the chance to switch it up from a conference room to a construction site.
“Habitat gets me up, gets me active, gives me a hammer, and lets me take out some of my stress,” he said.
The physical work may leave him tired, but it’s the emotional reward that keeps him coming back.
“When I get done, I’m physically worn out, but emotionally I feel refreshed,” Terry said. “It gives me a feeling of accomplishment.”
That same feeling has stuck with him through other volunteer experiences as well. For the past five years, Terry and his wife have volunteered at their local high school’s after-prom event, providing students with a fun and safe celebration. The experience has become one of his favorite memories, not because of a single event, but because of the students themselves.
Too often, Terry believes younger generations receive unfair criticism. Volunteering has shown him something entirely different.
Each year, nearly 500 students attend the after-prom event, and year after year, Terry has been impressed by the kindness, respect and inclusiveness they show to one another.
“They had a great time, they included each other, and we’ve had nothing but respect from the kids,” he said. “That’s what I’ve loved most.”
Instead of pointing to one individual who inspires him to continue volunteering, Terry finds inspiration in something bigger: the people who serve alongside him.
Whether it’s tackling a project on a Habitat build site or working together during a community event, Terry says it’s the teamwork that leaves the greatest impression.
“It’s not just one person,” he explained. “it’s the different people I’ve volunteered with. You work together to overcome challenges. It’s a community coming together to make everything better.”
Terry’s experiences are a reminder that volunteering isn’t only about helping someone else. It’s about renewing the people who choose to serve.
His advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple: don’t overthink it.
Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, Terry encourages people to choose a cause that matches their interests and give it a try. If one experience isn’t the right fit, another one probably will be.
“Just pick one, he said. “Think about what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing. If it’s not for you, pick a different one. It’s that easy.”
Volunteering has come full circle for Terry. From discovering Habitat for Humanity as a college student to returning years later, still with appreciation for service. Along the way, he has learned that while volunteers may help build homes, organize events, or support local organizations, they’re also building stronger relationships, communities, and a sense of purpose.