Nellie’s board member Dale Yurka first learned about Nellie’s when she was trying to find somewhere to donate her old couch. “I learned that there was a shelter named Nellie’s, and the origin of the name fascinated me,” explains Dale. “I’ve always admired Nellie McClung [who Nellie’s is named after], and her efforts to have women recognized as persons under the law.”

The name was the hook, but the important work that Nellie’s was doing was what kept Dale coming back. While she was still working full-time, Dale volunteered with some smaller fundraising events for Nellie’s, but once she retired from working at the Department of Justice in 2015, she decided to dedicate more of her time to the organization. Dale has been a member of our Social Justice committee and our board of directors. This September marks the completion of her three 2-year terms on the board.

Although Dale’s time at Nellie’s did not lead to working directly with the actual population that we serve, it was her own family experience with domestic abuse that acted as a driving purpose for her work here. She explains that her father was forced to retire early due to a cancer diagnosis, but that he then went on to live for a very long time afterwards. “He became really ornery and difficult to live with, and my mother suffered the brunt of that,” she says. “Looking back at it now, I really wish that there was something someone could have done for her to help her deal with that situation. Because even though it would have been the best thing for her, she never would have left him. And that really gave me an appreciation of what women in that situation have to deal with. So trying to understand that, and then at some level contribute to helping other women in that situation, has been really important to me.”

Dale considers herself to be an operational-focused person, and as such, she really enjoyed helping with interviewing new candidates for the board over the years. “I think my proudest achievement is that I’m leaving the board in really good hands,” says Dale. “Over the years I’ve seen us evolve into a professional and dynamic board. The breadth of experience that our board members have is incredible.”

Looking to the future, Dale plans on taking a well-deserved break from board member life — not only has she been on the Nellie’s board for the last six years, but she was a member of her condo board for the last seven years, as well. She plans on continuing to give back to her community by volunteering at a local food bank branch near her home.

Thank you, Dale, for your time, service, and dedication to Nellie’s over the years!