A New Year, A First Step: Meet Tyler Smith
Every year, hundreds of new volunteers take their very first step into service at Senior Services—and almost every one of those steps begins with a simple “hello” from Tyler Smith.
Entering the New Year is more than turning the page on the calendar—it marks a special moment in time that is rich with opportunities for new experiences and fresh starts. The start of a new year has a way of nudging us toward possibilities. It invites us to try something new, take a chance, or finally move toward the pull we’ve been feeling—whether that’s returning to school, exploring a new career, or doing something meaningful for others.
But taking that first step? That can feel intimidating. Often, it’s that first interaction that sets the tone for everything that follows. At Senior Services, that first hello—the one that makes things feel easy, welcoming, and possible—usually comes from Tyler Smith, Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator.
In his three years at Senior Services, nearly 500 new volunteers have joined our team. That’s almost 500 first days, each one beginning with Tyler’s kindness, encouragement, and smile.
Rooted in Community, Guided by Care
Born and raised in Forsyth County, Tyler spent much of his childhood with his grandmother (pictured below), whom he still considers one of his best friends.
“The way she approaches life is very positive,” Tyler shares. “She laughs and smiles more than anyone I know.” Her unwavering support and outlook gave Tyler the courage to embrace new beginnings, a perspective that continues to guide him today.
That spirit followed him to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he majored in communication studies. Curious as most college students are as to what his life would look like after graduation, and through involvement in community and social interest groups on campus, something clicked. The needs he witnessed, paired with the lessons he learned from his grandmother, helped clarify his path. In his words, “I just wanted to care for people.”
After graduation, Tyler took another bold first step by joining the Peace Corps.
He was sent to a small village in Fiji, immersing himself in a new culture, a new language, and a completely new way of life.
There, he built meaningful relationships and worked alongside community members to establish a freshwater supply.
Although his service was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience solidified his commitment to nonprofit work and service.
Helping Volunteers Find Their Perfect Fit
After returning to the Winston-Salem area and working with a few local organizations, Tyler found his way to Senior Services in January 2023.
Today, as Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator, he serves as both the first point of contact and the connector—matching people’s skills, interests, and availability with meaningful volunteer opportunities across our programs.
Have an hour in the morning and enjoy interacting with people? Meals-on-Wheels might be the perfect fit.
Want to support our mission and keep your computer skills sharp behind the scenes? Our Development team can always use help with spreadsheets and data entry.
Looking for a teambuilding opportunity with your coworkers or team? Tyler can coordinate a meaningful group activity session with program participants at the Williams Adult Day Center.
“I like being a support system for a lot of different areas of the agency.
Seeing that moment when a volunteer finds their perfect fit is just as impactful for me as it is for them.”
Your First Step
Every day, Tyler helps individuals and organizations take that meaningful first step into service. As the New Year begins, there’s no better time to try something new—and no better person to walk alongside you as you do.
If volunteering has been on your mind, let this be your moment. Your first call. Your first hello.
