At the International Women’s Day luncheon hosted by the Soroptimist International Club of Central Alberta, Brenda Blanchard had the privilege of presenting the Ruby Award to a well-respected, much admired leader.
Esterina Manyluk nominated Barb for this award. She said, “Barb Barber has been one of the primary and most dedicated advocates for women and children. 2010 marks the 26th year of operation of the Women’s Outreach Society and Barb has been employed with the society for 12 of those years. She began as an outreach worker in 1998, dedicating her time and energy to helping thousands of women improve and manage their lives. There is no question that clients and client situations can be, at times, imcredibly challenging to deal with but Barb has managed to deal with situations with compassion, humour and an unwavering commitment to the best possible outcomes.
Over the years Barb moved from outreach worker to team leader, assisting in the coordination of all Outreach services, and finally in 2006, to the position of Executive Director. In her present role, she oversees 30 staff and has stewarded the growth of several, vital new programs. These recent programs include: Safe Visitation, Monitored Exchange Program, Rural Outreach, The Building Blocks Nursery School and Second Stage Housing “Julietta’s Place”.
According to Statistics Canada, Alberta has the highest reported rate of spousal assault of all the provinces and under Barb’s capable and effective direction, the Women’s Outreach Society is contributing to the betterment of women and children’s health and well-being in over 11 communities in Central Alberta.
Barb keeps the staff focused on client support, the board engaged, and the community aware of the contributions needed for these programs. She never loses sight of the organization’s mandate and the clientele who need and are receiving support. She frequently asks “Are we doing this for the betterment of a person who is struggling?” The answer is a definite Yes.
Thanks to Barb and her staff’s efforts, a large number of women and children in Central Alberta are receiving tremendous support and positive influences in their lives.
~ Combined efforts, Esterina Manyluk and Brenda Blanchard, in support of Barb Barber ~
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