WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Turner House has been helping veterans succeed in the community for nearly 13 years. Now it's hoping to find some new blood to help rejuvenate its mission.
"We're now a well-established organization. We're looking from some new energy," said program director David Cullen. "We're looking for some new folks who might take it in a new direction."
Richard A. Ruether American Legion Post 152 was left the house on Simonds Road in 1992 by World War II veteran Ferman Turner. It was renovated and reopened four years later as a place for homeless veterans to receive counseling and support for addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional and physical problems.
More than 100 veterans have made their way through Turner House's programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the state Department of Veteran Services. Nine veterans currently reside at the facility.
The 17-member board of the nonprofit Turner House Living Center for Veterans has three current vacancies. Cullen said many of the directors have been with the nonprofit since its inception.
"In 2000, we didn't even have a full house," said Cullen. "Now we place two to three guys a year into the community. We have a little community of people who went through the program."
The volunteer board is looking for some dedicated people who will help further Turner House's mission, who can bring some needed skills, such as in finance, and who have ideas on how better to serve the veterans both in and out of its programs.
Meetings are once a month although candidates should be willing to work on subcommittees and other projects. You don't have to be a veteran, nor do you have to be a Williamstown resident.
"It's helpful to be in the general area but if somebody really wants to come from Sheffield or Great Barrington, we'll talk to them," said Cullen.
Anyone interested in serving should contact Cullen at 413-458-8234.
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