Each year, VOA Dakotas awards the Ballington and Maud Booth “Before Its Time” Award to one individual or couple who has helped shape VOA’s future through inspiring support today. The award is inspired by the pioneering spirit of our founder Maud Booth, who was described as a woman before her time for her efforts in prison reform and ministry.
This year, the “Before Its Time” Award was given to long-time board member and supporter, Tom Garry.
Tom’s connection to VOA Dakotas reaches back more than four decades to 1983, before the organization as we know it today even existed. He first served on the Threshold Youth Services Board, and when TurnAbout and Threshold merged in 1994 to form Turning Point, Tom continued his service on the board of that new organization.
Thereafter, Turning Point and Volunteers of America, Sioux Falls merged in 2000 to form Volunteers of America, Dakotas. Throughout these mergers, Tom’s commitment continued uninterrupted, and he has since served on both the Foundation and Operating Boards.
These four-plus decades of service, offering his time, talent, and treasure, are remarkable and deeply appreciated. Much more than a Board Member, Tom is a mentor and quiet advocate for this organization, generously sharing his story and support, which have helped extend the reach and impact of the work. Through his faithful leadership, especially on the Facilities Committee, Tom has helped shape the future of VOA Dakotas.
Tom’s connection to VOA Dakotas is rooted in a life spent in service to others. A graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University and South Dakota State University, Tom taught English and History at Whittier Middle School before becoming the school’s Guidance Counselor, a role that showed him, firsthand, how great the need for guidance and counseling was then, and is now.
When his own family’s needs called for more than a counselor’s salary could provide, Tom began selling real estate on nights and weekends, eventually building a full-time career spanning more than 40 years, all the while never stepping away from his service to VOA Dakotas. His example, aligned with the spirit of our founders, Maud and Ballington Booth, to “go wherever needed and do whatever comes to hand,” is one of steady, humble service that is always offered with purpose of fulfilling one’s calling.
Previous award winners:
Jim Wiederrich, 2015
Marian Sullivan, 2016
Curt Zaske, 2017
Glenn & Phyllis Jorgenson, 2018
Dick Corcoran, 2019
Bradford W. Benson, 2020
Lisa Marso, 2021
Bill Townsend, 2022
Shireen Ranschau, 2023
John Hart, 2024
Scott Weeldreyer, 2025