A Few Minutes with Stacy Dertien

Stacy Dertien, Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement, The Salvation Army

Founded more than 150 years ago, The Salvation Army (TSA) has long provided much-needed social services that go way beyond those familiar bell-ringers during the holidays.

For Stacy Dertien, her role as Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement brings her closer to needy San Diegans who rely on those services, helping them build a better life for themselves in the process.

Now in her seventh year with TSA, she oversees volunteer programming at seven community centers throughout San Diego County, plus she serves as a LISC AmeriCorps supervisor.

Stacy has worked in the field of volunteerism for 15 years in a variety of capacities, including oversight of volunteer programs for national organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and, more recently, the YMCA. 

Prior to joining TSA, she spent five years with the YMCA as the director of a mentoring program for children of prisoners.

Originally from Michigan, she holds a BA degree in psychology/anthropology from Grand Valley State University (Michigan) and a master’s in health and human services from Springfield College (Massachusetts).

Away from work, Stacy enjoys water-related sports such as surfing and kayaking, plus tennis and volunteering to care for foster dogs for a local rescue.

What makes your role with The Salvation Army so fulfilling?
All of us here love to find the spark in our volunteers and then try to use that spark to inspire others who might be in need. We offer something that people can get excited about and help them spread that spirit of caring.

What is it about you that made you chose this line of work, that of helping others?
I’ve always felt passionate about finding new recreational pursuits and also helping people. Here, I’ve been able to marry those two professionally, overseeing a volunteer force that helps enhance the lives of the people we serve.

What have you learned in those dual roles?
I’ve always known that recreation is where you can really bond with people as a way to build meaningful life-long relationships. We offer such programs as cooking, memoir-writing, art classes, English-language skills and try to offer activities that appeal to a range of ages and incomes. In this way, we’re also able to challenge them about their notions of what’s possible in their lives.

What’s been your involvement with LISC AmeriCorps?
Between my current position and my previous job at the YMCA, I have overseen a total of 18 AmeriCorps members. I’ve always been a fan of the program. The people we’ve worked with are some of the most amazing, creative, passionate people I’ve ever known.

How has working at The Salvation Army changed you?
It’s helped me realize that there’s really no difference between “us” and “them.” We’re all in this life together. I truly believe that most of us are just one bad life decision or circumstance away from being in someone else’s shoes, those who have fallen on hard times. Here at The Salvation Army, we treat everyone who comes through our doors with the respect and dignity we all deserve.

Stacy Dertien
Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement
The Salvation Army
619-446-0238