Barbara joined the SHIM Board of Directors in 2021 amid the turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic. As an active congregant of Temple Emanuel, she was familiar with SHIM’s work and had participated in numerous service projects benefiting our organization. Barbara especially appreciated SHIM’s vital work with immigrants and refugees as she values acceptance of all people. Lucky for us, she lends her seasoned event planning expertise and thoughtful problem-solving skills to guide SHIM’s leadership team.
Barbara’s father helped to shape her view of acceptance. As the owner of a clothing store in McKeesport, he demonstrated his commitment to treating people of all races and economic strata with dignity. This made an impression on Barbara as she recognized the value of a community encompassing many people with varying viewpoints and lived experiences.
Growing up, Barbara’s family valued tzedakah, a traditional Jewish value of giving back. Despite their busy schedules, Barbara’s parents consistently dedicated time to volunteer work. They also ensured that a portion of their volunteer efforts extended beyond their religious community, allowing them to build stronger connections with their neighbors.
Barbara feels passionately about caring for neighbors and values SHIM’s accessibility to people in need in our South Hills community. While Pittsburgh has many dedicated nonprofits, Barbara prefers engaging locally. She values SHIM’s interfaith origins while also recognizing its inclusive nature, extending a warm welcome to anyone in need or seeking help, regardless of their religious beliefs. Barbara also loves our holistic approach that empowers people.
“It’s not just giving help but helping people become who they want to be.”
Barbara feels deeply that people accessing services desire to be self-sufficient but may require support to build that foundation. She believes that SHIM programs grow self-esteem and enable people to perpetuate their own success with dignity.
Barbara is also passionate about supporting women and girls and has been a member of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh (JWF) for the last thirteen years, chairing and co-chairing the board for the last three years. She appreciates the power of group philanthropy that JWF embodies, awarding grants to multiple organizations each year. Barbara recognizes that women traditionally have not always been decision makers in philanthropy. Because of this, she takes pride in empowering women to take a more active role in charitable giving.
We are so grateful that Barbara is part of our dedicated team of neighbors helping neighbors. As a board member, she is an ambassador for SHIM helping to share information and encouraging others to get involved. If you’re interested in getting involved on our board, reach out to Seth at sdubin@shimcares.org or 412-854-9120 x109.
