By BETH CHAPMAN / Community Columnist

After retiring from the Department of Children’s Affairs in Montgomery, Barbara Williams came to Shelby County to manage the Children’s Policy Council (CPC). She had already established many of them across the state in her previous job so it was a natural progression for her to come here to lead ours.

In her job as director of the CPC, she mapped the resources available in our county for children and families and brought those resource agencies together to ensure that no services are duplicated. She served as the liaison between the Juvenile Court System and the community resource providers for children ages birth to 21.

Shelby County’s CPC was recognized as one of the best in the state. While Williams admits that the CPC has developed some outstanding programs, she quickly points out that it is never enough. “There is so much more to be done,” Williams said.

The biggest challenge has been funding for much-needed community programs and sustaining current programs has been the biggest challenge for the CPC. Williams said, “Our county’s people need more services now than ever before because of the current economic situation and we just don’t have the financial aid available to provide those resources.”

Williams has met many wonderful people along the way and has enjoyed her work with Judge Jim Kramer and all the different agencies and personnel in Shelby County.

“The front line workers strive every day to improve our community,” Williams said.

As most retirees, Williams wants to do all the things she hasn’t had time to do in the past: Spend more time with her grandchildren, arts and crafts, reconnect with old friends and relatives. She will continue her work with the Red Cross and her church. She hopes to further enjoy her new house on the river in Wilsonville because she loves the peace and tranquility it brings.

 

Beth Chapman, Alabama’s secretary of state, is a Shelby County resident and writes a weekly column for the Shelby County Reporter. You can reach her at bethchapman@bellsouth.net.