This year, we would like to thank, recognize and honor, Barb Campbell as Hospitality House’s Volunteer of the year. Each year, we carefully and thoughtfully assess a long list of incredible candidates that have positively impacted Hospitality House with their time, talents, and service. While there were many amazing nominees to choose from – Barb Campbell’s long standing history of advocacy and investment in Hospitality House is what confidently moved us to our final decision.

Des Moines United Methodist Church is one of the local churches, that have partnered alongside 11 other churches to ensure that the Residents of Hospitality House have access to delicious hot meals every day. Barb has served as the meal coordinator at Des Moines United Methodist Church for over 12 years. Not only has Barb served as the Meal Coordinator there, but anytime there were not enough volunteers to fulfill DMUC’s meal commitments – with no hesitation, Barb stepped up sometimes preparing an extra two or three meals, on top the original meal she had already planned to give.  

Hospitality House has been successful in coming alongside thousands of homeless women over the years, because of people like Barb. Barb has worn many hats at Hospitality House, supporting and championing anything that she believed would better serve women experiencing homelessness. For example, years ago when times were changing and society was becoming more dependent on technology and the connectedness off the world wide web – Barb helped spearhead setting up the launching of Hospitality House’s original website. Barb wanted to ensure that homeless women had 24 hours a day access to information to who Hospitality House is, where we are located, who we serve and all the services we provide. Barb has also chaired the Silent Auction for many years procuring, cataloging, storing and setting up hundreds of items for Hospitality House’s biggest annual fundraiser. Not to mention, Barb actively contributed to policy review and formation, bylaw reviews and updates – always confirming that the rules, regulations and policies of Hospitality House stayed relevant and informed by the needs of Hospitality House’s clients and staff.

We here at Hospitality House are in awe of Barb! We are blown away by how she has managed to spin so many plates at Hospitality House over the years, doing it all with style and grace – serving as anything ranging from Board of Director’s Vice President to an Overnight Volunteer, she’s done it all. For all of it, we are thankful!