Biography
Irene Barton was named the Executive Director of the Cobb Collaborative in September 2018 after serving as the organization’s Resource Manager since 2017. Since becoming the Director, Irene has diversified the Collaborative’s funding streams, doubled its membership roster, and overseen a revamp of the organization’s communications channels. Using the collective impact model, the Collaborative convenes community stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and families in Cobb County and is the local presence for the Georgia Family Connection Partnership.
“Most of my volunteer interaction arises from forming partnerships with other agency personnel who say ‘yes’ to an opportunity that adds another responsibility to their already-overflowing plates. For example, our Homelessness and Children & Family Strategy Teams are chaired by volunteers who also have full-time leadership roles at local nonprofits. Yet, that’s what makes it even more worthwhile! They see the value and want our collective work to benefit not only their clients and their organization, but our community as a whole. It’s a twist on the age-old maxim ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.’
In these continued unsettled and emotional times, I strongly encourage all of us to keep a watch on our own mental health, but also the mental wealth of our volunteers. There is an enormous psychological lift that comes from helping others, and that’s why ‘volunteering at a local charity’ ranks high on lists of how to add meaning to one’s life or give yourself a sense of purpose. However, many volunteers have been working nonstop for over a year. Some carry the weights of your clients on their hearts. So, take a moment to check in with them, thank them, and as hard as it might be, encourage them to take a break or a vacation. We encourage you to direct your team to the mental health resources on our website and training opportunities around self-care, trauma, and overall mental health. Our campaign is entitled ‘Mind Your Mind’ for a reason!“
