As part of a community of about 250, The Barry Robinson Center’s employees represent diverse professions and experiences. And, they unite in a shared mission to improve the lives of children and families.

Recently, the Center sponsored two contests that encouraged employees to let their creativity shine – an essay contest and a T-shirt design contest.

Greg Thomas, director of Human Resources, said the quality of the entries made judging very difficult. Employee Engagement Committee members and several managers judged the entries. They used a blind process where all entries remained anonymous.

“We always strive to provide a workplace and culture so that our employees can say they are proud to work with us,” Thomas said. “The efforts and thought put in by the staff who participated in the contests represents what is best about BRC.”

Dorothy Mourning, who works in Food and Nutrition Services, won the “Why I Love Working at BRC” contest. Her winning entry, below, netted her $250.

Second place in the essay contest went to Faith Gilliam, who received a $100. Adrienne Mayo won third place and a $50 prize. Both women work in Residential.

Earlier this year, the Center provided gray T-shirts emblazoned with “RICH” – Respect, Information, Connection, Hope,” which is a communication model for staff and residents. Because employees appreciated these shirts, the Employee Engagement Committee provided an opportunity to design the next shirt.

Amanda Phelps from Therapeutic Recreation created the winning design, earning $100 along with choosing the color. Runner-up Teresa Williams from Nursing won $75 for her shirt design.

“Wow. I don’t know about you folks, but I just spent the last several minutes crying tears of appreciation for the heartfelt messages each of these individuals wrote or displayed,” Nancy Holcomb, compliance director, shared with her fellow judges.

Thomas expressed thanks to all participants for taking time to submit excellent entries.

Why I Love Working at BRC

By Dorothy Mourning

I love working at BRC, not because of the beautiful landscape, which includes a chapel and a military courtyard that offer refuge and serenity.

I love working at BRC, not because of the many educational programs and opportunities that are offered to all employees, or the employee benefits that can be compared to none.

I love working at BRC because during the past 20 years I have become a secret ingredient in a recipe that is a part of the BRC cookbook for transforming the lives of children and adolescents.

I love working at BRC because as residents dare to try our recipe, we offer them a scoop of respect, a dab of connection and a sprinkle of hope; that gives them a plate of safe and positive information to the mind, body and soul as they pass through on their journey.

I love working at BRC because I can see the changes that take place from the time of their first meal upon entering the program to the time they ring the BRC bell at discharge as a rite of passage to a new beginning in life.

I love working at BRC because BRC assists all who knock on the door of our hearts, which makes for an award-winning recipe. I can truly say that I am a part of something that has substance and my labor will not be in vain.