We are greatly saddened by the passing of our board member and friend Barbara E. Jones.

Barbara became involved with Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley (FCS) as a donor in 2001. At the encouragement of friends, Barbara joined FCS’s Circle of Support Breakfast Committee in 2006. In 2012, Barbara was elected to FCS’s Board of Directors. As a member of the board, Barbara was instrumental in enhancing the organization's governance and board development functions, recruiting excellent candidates to the board, and providing thoughtful, informed counsel on strategic decisions. Always important to Barbara was understanding how a decision would affect clients and staff, as she knew people were at the heart of the work.

When FCS merged with Caminar, Barbara transitioned to Caminar's Board of Directors. She continued to be active in fundraising efforts, including through her involvement in the Circle of Support Committee.

Barbara had a wide circle of dear friends, and she inspired many of them to become involved in supporting FCS's and then Caminar's work.

Barbara cared deeply about ensuring people who were underserved had access to quality behavioral health care, educational opportunities, and help to heal from gender-based violence. She gave of her time and resources to advance causes, meet needs, and create change.

FCS, Caminar, and the community at large are the better for Barbara’s brilliance and generosity. She is missed greatly.

We extend our sympathies to Barbara’s family and friends.

We are profoundly honored by wishes to make donations in Barbara’s memory. Donations received will be invested in the work dear to Barbara’s heart. Please click here to make a gift and check the box “Dedicate my donation in honor of or in memory of a loved one.” We will pass along all messages received.

For any questions or assistance, please contact development@caminar.org or call 650.513.1509.

During our May Board of Directors meeting, San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley presented outgoing board member Carol Whitfield with a commendation for her service to Caminar.

Supervisor Horsley thanked Carol for the six years she served as a member of the Caminar Board of Directors, during which time she helped the organization increase in size by nearly 50 percent.

Carol’s energy targeting growth in fundraising and merger opportunities was unmatched, and her successful business career helped guide Caminar to become more efficient in its operations and marketing efforts. Her involvement with Caminar’s annual fundraising event, In Concert With Caminar, has resulted in over $1.4 million dollars raised for the organization. She guided and led the expansion of board member recruitment, attracting prominent community leaders, who expanded the organization’s fundraising capacity and network. As well, Carol worked tirelessly to create the merger opportunity with Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley.

We appreciate Supervisor Horsley’s recognition of Carol for her outstanding service to Caminar and commitment to help those in San Mateo County. We, too, are tremendously grateful for Carol’s unwavering support of Caminar. We are thrilled she will remain actively involved in Caminar as part of our Advisory Committee.