Q. What led you to Dayton, and why did you choose to stay here?
A. After completing my master of social work degree at Atlanta University, I came to Dayton to work at the VA Medical Center. Because I enjoyed doing social work with veterans and later with children at then-Children’s Medical Center and Day-Mont West Community Mental Health Center, I decided to stay here. I thought I was just passing through Dayton when I found my first job, but I fell in love with the area and stayed.
Q. Why is social work important to you?
A. I came to believe that people I knew needed an advocate to speak up for them, which is why I chose social work. It focuses on the dignity and worth of all people and advocates on their behalf to help them change their conditions and their lives.
Q. What has inspired your desire to give?
A. My desire to give to charity has been influenced by my Christian values and my parents. They had an attitude of caring and sharing with family, friends and neighbors. I also was taught ‘much is required from the person to whom much is given.’ (Luke 12:48)
I have been blessed by the generosity of God, my parents and others. Giving to charity is my way of giving back with a grateful heart of thanksgiving. My giving represents a legacy of faith — in the future and in aspiring social workers.
Q. Please share why you created a charitable fund in honor of your parents and how it is carrying on their legacy.
A. My parents were products of the Jim Crow South. They were peace loving and taught tolerance in their attitudes and behaviors towards others. There are many areas of conflict in our nation, as well as in our neighborhoods and communities. Each of us can be an ambassador of peace by teaching tolerance. Through the Willis and Mary Bluford Turner Memorial Fund I can support the work of peace and social justice in the Dayton community.
My parents gave me the great gifts of love and education. I can’t repay that debt, but I can encourage others to support love, peace and justice in the world.
Q. You also created a scholarship fund that has helped 14 students to date pursue a degree in social work.
A. Social workers make a difference in people’s lives. I am proud of the Wright State University undergraduate program and the work that they do in preparing the next generation of social workers to be advocates for people. It’s gratifying to plant a seed that enables someone to become a part of a profession I truly love and to help them realize their dreams.
Q. Both of these funds are established through the African-American Community Fund (AACF) of The Dayton Foundation. Why is AACF important to you?
A. The Dayton Foundation and its African-American Community Fund are showing the community the inclusiveness of giving, that it’s not just for rich people, but for all of us at every level. They’re teaching us that we all can give and collectively make a difference. The African-American Community Fund also is unique in its origin, vision and philanthropic practice.
Q. What advice can you share about giving to the community?
A. Giving is an action-oriented way to say ‘I care, I love you and I thank you.’ Individual giving is the foundation of a community. You can start small, and as your blessings and means increase, you can grow your giving. Start where you are. For so many people, all they need is a little help, a little encouragement. With that help, they can go on to do remarkable things.
Q. How would you complete this sentence, “My giving makes me feel ___”?
A. Connected to the lives of others and to the causes of peace and social justice.
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