
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!