Child, Youth and Family
Retirement means change in leadership
When Margaret Leitner hired Wendy Barker to take over the helm of Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services almost 15 years ago, the organization was quite different than it is today.
It didnt have nearly as many programs, there were fewer staff and it wasnt well known by the community.
"It started as a pilot project," explained Barker, who will retire in June from her position as administrator. "It was a vision of the Ministry of Health and Social Services to have a more integrated set of services for children and families."
PREP (Powell River Employment Program) put in a proposal and was successful. A year later, when an administrator was needed for the program, Barker was hired. "She was one of the best hires I ever did," says Leitner, PREPs executive administrator.
Under Barkers leadership, Child, Youth and Family has grown to include 13 programs and a number of projects. Programs include a Student Moms Support Group, the Youth Advisory Council, Parent-Teen Mediation Services, Sexual Abuse Intervention Program and the Youth Justice Worker Program.
Barker smiles when she looks back to her early days with Child, Youth and Family.
"My husband moved here from Port Alberni before I did. He faxed me an ad and said: 'This looks a lot like what you do in Port Alberni.'
At the time, Barker was working with the Port Alberni Association for Children with Developmental Disabilities.
It was challenging figuring out how all the programs would work together at Child, Youth and Family but Barker more than managed. Through the years, the programs and projects have coalesced while some have changed. "We have a much stronger family focus now."
Barker says the people she has worked with over the years have been wonderful. "Theyre committed, creative, resourceful, caring of each other and their clients."
She also speaks highly of board members, community leaders and volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of youth and families.
It is evident that Barker is proud of her staff and the programs administered by Child, Youth and Family and when she is given feedback by former clients who say her staff changed their lives, she knows they have done their job well.
"Not long ago a former client came up to a staff member at a gathering and said: 'When I was 18 you saved my life.'" At times like this, Barker knows just how much of an impact Child, Youth and Family has on the community of Powell River.
Barker looks forward to her retirement. Shell have more time to spend with her grandchildren and travel across Canada. Although shell miss the busy pace of the agency she knows it will be in good hands under the capable leadership of Heather Gordon.
Friends, coworkers and well-wishers are invited to attend a retirement dinner for Wendy Barker on June 11 at 5 pm or a party at 7 pm at the Town Centre Hotel. Please RSVP by May 14 at 604 485-3090.
