Tom Dekker

​In 2002 I met former long time Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center Executive Director Sister Jeanne at a community meeting. Subsequently, Sister Jeanne and I served together on the Board of Directors of the Natomas Chamber of Commerce. In September 2004 Sister Jeanne asked me to serve on the Stanford Settlement Teen Center Building Committee. At the time I knew little about Stanford Settlement but gladly accepted based on what I knew of Sister Jeanne and her dedication to the mission of Stanford Settlement.

Over the course of the next few years, and through a very tough economic economic downturn, the Teen Center Building Committee was able to raise the necessary funds to successfully build the current 10,600 square foot Teen Center. While serving on the Teen Center Building Committee I became familiar with Stanford Settlement and its mission of building healthy communities through individual, family, and neighborhood services. I also got to know the staff and I learned of the outstanding work of the Children's Program, the Teen Program, and the Senior Program. What impressed me the most was the dedication of Sister Jeanne and her staff in managing these three Programs and meeting the needs of the Gardenland-Northgate Community that Stanford Settlement serves. 

With the completion of the Building of the Teen Center Sister Jeanne asked me to serve on the Stanford Settlement Board of Trustees. Without hesitation I accepted. I have filled many roles as a Member Board of Trustees including President of the Board of Trustees. The most rewarding experience being a Board Member is being able to give back to the community and to be part of an organization that assists individuals and families within its service area.

Today I continue to serve as a Member of the Board of Trustees and my dedication to Stanford Settlement and the community it serves remains strong and resolute. I consider it a privilege working with current Stanford Settlement Executive Director Julie Rhoten, her staff, and my fellow Members of the Board of Trustees.

I would encourage any one interested in becoming a Board of Trustee candidate or Committee Member please contact Julie or a current Board of Trustee Member. Click here if you'd like to support this organization.