Commissioners
Merle Dvorak – Commissioner
Dvorak lives and has worked in the Swan River Valley all her life. Her commitment to the health of the citizens of the Swan Valley has led her to serve the community on many boards and committees. Inadequate services for those with mental illness motivated her to join a small group of volunteers and establish the Canadian Mental Health Association (CHHA) in Swan River. She has served a total of 12 years on the CMHA Board of Directors and four years on the CMHA Provincial Board. Her concern for "at risk" youth led her to work as a youth group mentor and facilitator for the Youth Justice Committee. Merle also served on the F.A.S.D. committee, the Swan Valley Interagency, spent nine years as a school board trustee and is currently in her 15th year on the Adult Literacy Board. Her concern for the plight of the Sudanese refugees prompted her to form a committee which raised money and provided both financial and moral support to one of the Lost Boys of Sudan who is currently residing in Calgary. Throughout her career, Merle spent four years in the office of Community and Youth Corrections and 12 years administering social assistance. It was in this capacity that she was witness to the issues of those dealing with poverty, oppression, unemployment, disability and other social issues.
