Before The Terraces of Boise opened its doors, team members knew they wanted to do more than just serve the seniors who would move in, they wanted to serve the local community as well. To fulfill this goal, Jud Severns, executive director of The Terraces of Boise and Deena Peterson, human resources director of The Terraces of Boise, started the Terraces Cares Volunteer Program. Through this program they have completed several successful projects. Currently, they are partnering with the Faces of Hope Victim Center and have collected much needed donations to give to individuals served by the organization.

Residents and their families, as well as team members and the public have donated personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, hairbrushes, as well as other items such as blankets, coats, hats and gloves for the families served by the organization. Faces of Hope offers trauma-informed crisis intervention services for those affected by interpersonal violence. Trauma-informed crisis intervention is a treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. It focuses on the physical, psychological and emotional safety, helping survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. They provide safety planning, protection orders, civil legal aid, medical care, support groups, empowerment classes, shelter, clothing and much more to people who desperately need help getting back on their feet. While they primarily look for donations to assist women, there is a need for men’s items as well.

“Our residents and team members are very generous and giving, and they find personal fulfillment in coming together to make a difference,” said Peterson. “Our first event was a book drive for area seniors and children. We collected books for seniors who cannot physically make it to the library or cannot buy books online. We also donated books to a children’s group supported by local schools. Our second project was with Boise Rescue Mission, and they continue to suggest wonderful organizations in need of our support. We spent five hours helping them organize and clean up their store. Now we are focused on the drive for Faces of Hope.”

On October 23 at 2:30 p.m., residents and staff sorted through the donations to create personalized care packages for the recipients. The plan is to deliver the boxes in early November before the holidays hit.

“When the holidays approach, I want to look into hosting a food drive or volunteering to serve food at shelters,” said Peterson. “We are so fortunate to have the ability to share resources and happiness with others. There are people in our community who do not know if they will eat during a day, and it breaks our hearts. Boise is a big city with a small-town feel, and everyone is connected in some way. When I go to the grocery store I might run into a resident, a family member or a colleague that I know. Giving back brings people together and builds meaningful connections in our community. It is gratifying to be a part of this collective effort.”

“It is rewarding to see our dream of residents and team members uniting to give back to the local community come to fruition,” said Severns. “We have been going strong ever since we started with these opportunities to volunteer. We are thankful that our residents and team members are so generous with their resources and their time.”