Media Contact: Heather Vidulich
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
Heather@SlatkowHusak.com or (561) 278-0850 Ext. 2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL NONPROFIT HOMESAFE ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY
Laura Barker joins organization that helps South Florida victims of child abuse and domestic violence
(Lake Worth, Fla.) – HomeSafe, a local nonprofit with a mission to help South Florida victims of child abuse and domestic violence, has announced a new Director of Philanthropy. According to Matt Ladika, CEO of HomeSafe, Laura Barker is now responsible for designing and implementing HomeSafe’s strategy for its comprehensive fundraising campaign and will oversee the organization’s philanthropy programs, including engagement with high net-worth philanthropists, mid-range gift contributors, foundation program officers and corporate executives.
HomeSafe is a nationally accredited non-profit dedicated to protecting Palm Beach County’s and South Florida’s most vulnerable residents – victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Through its results-driven approach, the organization has grown into a leading provider of prevention and intervention services, serving more than 14,500 infants, children, young adults and families each year. HomeSafe is one of just five specialized residential therapy homes in the state of Florida and currently cares for 50 percent of all of the children these organizations serve.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Laura Barker on board as our Director of Philanthropy,” said Ladika. “Laura’s success and career experience is rooted in her deep kindness and compassion that is combined with intelligence and a strategic mindset. At HomeSafe, we restore abused children’s hope by providing compassionate care, a safe and secure environment, and intensive therapeutic services that transform their lives and their futures. As a great parent and impressive fundraiser, I can’t think of anyone better suited to help us raise money for this vital cause than Laura.”
Barker comes to HomeSafe with a strong background in development. She most recently was Jupiter Medical Center Foundation’s Executive Director of Development where she was responsible for executing the Foundation’s major gifts strategy for a $300 million fundraising campaign. Prior to that she was a Major Gifts Officer with the American Red Cross. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Amherst College in Massachusetts. She is also a 2019 graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach and has her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. A South Florida native, Barker lives with her husband Charlie and two young children in Palm Beach Gardens.
“Working with children has always been my passion– as a babysitter, tutor, camp counselor, and a volunteer at children’s organizations,” said Barker “Now that I am a mom to two small children, I feel an even stronger sense of duty toward helping children in this community. I believe that every child should have opportunity to pursue their dreams and have the support system behind them to be happy and successful.”
For more information on HomeSafe or to donate, please visit helphomesafe.org or call 561-383-9800.
