It is a pleasure to introduce Barbara Berman. Barbara joined Impact100 South Jersey in 2019 after learning about Impact100 through her friend Kyle Ruffin, a founding member. She heard that Kyle was involved in starting up this “women’s giving group” and thought “what a bright idea of pooling your money.” In her desire to find out more, Barbara attended an information session hosted by Kate Williamson and joined on the spot! With her going through a personal transition, the opportunity to meet new like-minded women while also getting involved in the community was perfect timing. This would open a whole new world to her, especially to learn about the work our local nonprofits are doing here in her own community. Charities speak to her heart, what a perfect fit!
Upon joining Impact100, Barbara immediately joined the Grant Review committee where she served on the Women, Children and Families Focus Area Committee. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences for her as it was the best way to learn how nonprofits operate and to especially understand grant writing. She gives lots of kudos to the grant writers!
This year she will be moving over to the Education Focus Area Committee to gain knowledge about those nonprofits. In addition to the Grant Review Committee, Barbara also participated in the Data Management Committee’s search for a new donor management software, another opportunity to understand the internal operational needs of Impact100 SJ.
Barbara describes herself as a very caring, highly sensitive, and organized individual. In fact, it was her unique organized self that led her to founding her own organizing business in 2007, BB’s Clutter Solutions, and obtaining a Certified Professional Organizer certification. She loves her work as an organizer and helping people through the overwhelming task of decluttering. Though she is semi-retired, she still works with a few clients to keep herself abreast of the growing industry. Barbara also volunteers with a few other nonprofits –as Vice President of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey and as a volunteer with the Adler Aphasia Center, helping stroke victims communicate using their voices again. Barbara lives in Cherry Hill with her newly-acquired pandemic pet cat – Paka.