Welcome to our series “Getting to know the Anthesis Board”. Over the next few months, we will be introducing you to the dedicated volunteers who lead Anthesis in our mission to support independent and inclusive lives for adults with [dis]abilities through employment and community integration. Our first post in this series introduces Board President Doug Vincent.
Q: How did you first learn about Anthesis? How long have you been with Anthesis?
A: I first learned about Anthesis from a friend who had served on the board for years. I’ve been on the board for 6 years. I’m also on a number of committees and I am currently the board president.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Anthesis Board?
A: I was the recipient of services through organizations similar to Anthesis as a child and have done what I can to pay the kindness back over the course of my life. And I seem to have an inability to say no.
Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Anthesis?
A: I feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives. There’s also the opportunity to work alongside other wonderful volunteers. And most of all the community we serve is a joy to be around and have so much love for life and everyone around them.
Q: What is your current occupation (or what position did you retire from)?
A: I was a broadcaster for 40 years. Now I spend a lot of my time volunteering for various organizations.
Q: Favorite accomplishment?
A: There are many from different aspects of my life. But, top of the list is raising a wonderful daughter. She works for Easterseals and treats children on the autism spectrum. She recently became a mother and it so wonderful to see her interact with her daughter.
Q: How do you prefer to spend your free time?
A: I’m an amateur woodworker. I’ve been making different projects during my retirement. Tables, chairs, bookshelves. The next one is a little picnic table for my granddaughter.
Q: Where did you grow-up? What makes it unique? Where is home now?
A: I grew up in Santa Barbara. It’s a very Mediterranean city with easy accessibility to the ocean and the mountains. I live in Rialto now.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself?
A: This question always stumps me. What’s interesting? Back before there were smartphones, I had an uncanny ability to remember everyone’s phone number. How’s that?
Q: What skills/expertise do you bring to the Anthesis Board?
A: Being in radio for 40 years I was part of countless events. Concerts, marathons, walks, dances, home & garden shows, fairs, etc. So, I understand how they are marketed. I have produced a car show for a Kiwanis club for 10 years. I oversaw the marketing, sponsoring, vendors, cars, awards, logistics, everything. It helps when Anthesis puts on an event.
Q: What is something you wish the public knew about the participants that Anthesis serves?
A: Good question. The participants are just like everyone else. They have hopes, dreams, desires, disappointments, accomplishments, failures, triumphs… all of it. Like everyone they do their best and sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail. But they don’t give up. I would also like people to understand that they are much more capable than people give them credit for. They just need a chance.