10 Years of Service to the Community

Ralph Barker Celebrates 10 Years of Service

“My duties include raising funds from nongovernment foundations, businesses, churches, and individuals. I’m a people person, so I love meeting people and fellowshipping with the great people of our community. And, this is a very unique and wonderful community.

No pregnancy center can survive without a deep connection to the community. The more we connect, the more we’re able to serve. One of the big reasons the North Georgia Pregnancy and Family Resource Center has the community involvement we do is because of our Development Director Ralph Barker.

August 2018 marked the 10th anniversary of Ralph coming on board at the North Georgia Pregnancy Center. To celebrate Ralph’s 10th Anniversary with the Center, we asked him to say a few words about his time here.

“It has been an amazingly quick 10 years it seems, 10 years peppered with many changes and challenges, not just for me, but for the whole team. But, it's all good.

“I was the first development director to be hired at the center and my job description has changed a lot over the years. I am very appreciative to our current Executive Director Pat Page, who has streamlined the Center and made all of us more efficient.

“After a time of working with me, Pat was able to clearly see what my strengths and weaknesses are. She then crafted my duties to coincide with my strengths. This, of course, made me much more efficient and much happier in my career. Who doesn't love doing what they are good at?

“It was somewhat of a culture shock coming to work with a group comprised of only women. I am the only male staff member in the Center. In one way, it’s like having the sisters I never had. I have survived all these years and they still love me. “There is no better feeling than knowing you are helping someone who is in need. This is what keeps me going and makes me happy. All of us need help at times, but the pregnancy center is unique. It reaches out to anyone who needs help, people from anywhere, without any requirements. They can use and enjoy all our free services. We are the only faith-based pregnancy center within 20 miles in any direction. We always try to share the Gospel with all who come through our doors, however, there are no religious tests.

“Our moms and dads are not just clients, they are friends, people we care about. One wonderful thing about the staff and volunteers is that most of them go the second and third mile to help our moms and dads.

“For example, Pat and I performed two weddings one year to help some clients who couldn't really afford a wedding. We put together a church, food, and music. For one groom, we even supplied a nice shirt. Other volunteers and staff members have bought gas for clients so they can get home from the Center or helped them on their own time outside the Center.

“I want to thank everyone for their love and support of me as part of this ministry. I have been blessed that God led me to the North Georgia Pregnancy Center. I