Devereux Arizona: A Servant Leader

Each month, Frontdoors News likes to spotlight nonprofit leaders in our community.
We like to get inside the minds of our great leaders and find out what they’re really like.  Who are these people, really? This month we chose Devereux for helping children and adults with emotional, developmental, educational and cognitive needs.
Often, great nonprofits arise out of the kindness of someone else’s heart, like Pennsylvania schoolteacher Helena T. Devereux. She came from a very privileged background and put her money where her heart was, a place that could serve the behavioral health needs of children, adolescents and families. Today, Devereux Foundation serves 11 states, including Arizona.
It is these great ideas that depend on dignitaries like Lane Barker, Executive Director of Devereux Arizona. Barker strives to be a servant leader who listens more than she talks. And she’s hearing a great need to provide foster care to Arizona’s most vulnerable children. We desperately need more people in our community to open their hearts and homes to kids in needs,” Barker says.
Finish the statement, I…

• I Crave…            dark chocolate.
• I Avoid…            negativity.
• I Desire…           to make a difference.
• I Battle…            on behalf of children and families everyday.
• I Lack…              the skill or desire to cook.
• I Hear…             my mother’s voice telling me to “keep laughing.”
• I Loathe…          reality TV.
• I Cherish…         my triplets – Lindsay, Max and Molly.
• I Miss…               my mom.

What is your mission statement? 
Devereux changes lives and nurtures human potential.  We inspire hope, ensure well-being, and promote meaningful life choices.
Tell us about the organization.
Devereux was founded in 1912 by Pennsylvania school teacher, Helena Devereux. Throughout the last century, Devereux has grown to provide services in 11 states including Arizona, which was established in 1967.
What’s your leadership style?
I strive to be a servant leader.  I always listen more than I talk and have a reputation for staying calm under pressure.
What are you working on now?
Its difficult to identify a single project given the array of services Devereux provides.  Two major initiatives that cross every program and impact every individual we serve are Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Trauma Informed Care.
Devereux provides foster care to over 350 of Arizona’s most vulnerable children but there are currently over 14,000 children in the CPS system.  We desperately need more people in our community to open their hearts and homes to kids in need.
OPEN THE FRONT DOOR TO   Devereux Arizona