Meet Ann Barr: The 2023 Karen Viola Volunteer of the Year!
Ann Barr is the kind of volunteer that feels like she’s always been here. We couldn’t be more grateful for her passion for YWCA’s mission, and her steady commitment to join us in our work. Please help us thank Ann, our 2023 Karen Viola Volunteer of the Year!
Bringing her unique skills to YWCA
With her many years working in human services, Ann has the skills to interact with the clients and families we serve. She is a front desk volunteer, which means she is often the first person that people speak to on the phone or greet when they enter the building. She creates a welcoming, supportive atmosphere for staff and clients.
Ann is also a long-time friend of the Center for Safety and Empowerment, getting involved with the Rotary Community Action Against Human Trafficking Club and becoming a key member of the YWCA Day Center community. She continues to support survivors and CSE staff, stepping into any volunteer role necessary. We always know we can count on Ann!
Staff appreciation for Ann’s crucial role on the YWCA team
“From her first day at the Day Center, she has been willing to do every task that needs attention. She began seeing what needed to be done almost immediately, and dove right in. She is such a good listener, that clients gravitate to her, and often, clients just need someone to hold space with them. Ann is dependable, flexible, is pro-active, and an exceptionally hard worker. Most of all, however, Ann is compassionate, empathetic, patient, and understanding, both with the survivors we serve, and the staff she works with. For a woman of small stature, she has some of the broadest shoulders I have ever had the pleasure to lean on.” -Vicky, Day Center Advocate
“Ann’s long-time, consistent commitment means more to YWCA than I can describe. Being able to rely on her, and know that she is truly passionate about our work, is an invaluable asset for our staff.” -Becca Spielman, CSE Program Director
“I’ve learned so much working alongside Ann! She always has a great attitude, ready to meet any challenge! -Alex Williams, YWCA Volunteer Coordinator
“Volunteers like Ann create the safe and supportive environment necessary for a program like CSE. Just her calming presence plays a crucial role in empowering survivors, and she continues to show up, helping in any way we need from cooking meals to organizing the pantry. We couldn’t do this work without Ann!” -Kathleen Marker, YWCA CEO
We’re so grateful for Ann, and all our incredible volunteers who join us on our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all! If you’re interested in joining Ann as a volunteer, check out the volunteer opportunities and get in touch with Alex Williams, Volunteer Coordinator, by email or at 785-233-1750.
About the Karen Viola Award
Karen Viola is a longtime supporter of the YWCA and gave so much of her time and energy helping with our accounting when we were in a time of need. She was with us full-time as a volunteer during a transitional period for this organization. In 2016 we honored Karen by naming our Volunteer of the Year Award the Karen Viola Award. Since then, we have recognized former front desk volunteer Vickie Deaton, former Advocacy Chair Kim Montoya, former Concealed Revealed and Resource Development volunteer Carrie Riordan, Human Trafficking volunteer advocate and veterinarian Allison Crow, front desk volunteer Kevin Williams, and volunteer and Women of Excellence Committee member Marcy Weekley. All of these distinguished volunteers serve as an inspiration to staff and supporters alike for their incredible generosity and charitable spirit and continue to model our mission within the YWCA and throughout the greater Topeka community.