Meet Ingrid Barber of Alleghany Highlands Community Services
Get to know Ingrid Barber, Executive Director of Alleghany Highlands Community Services (AHCS)!
A native of Clifton Forge and lifelong resident of the Alleghany Highlands, Ingrid graduated from Alleghany High School, James Madison University and Liberty University. She is also actively involved in the community and serves on a number of boards and state committees for her job as well as holds various board positions, associations and initiatives.
We also Ingrid a few questions, take a look at her responses below.
– Can you tell us about Alleghany Highlands Community Services and what you do?
For 13 years, I have been the Executive Director for Alleghany Highlands Community Services. Prior to this role, I was the Director of Budget and Finance for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. Established in 1983, Alleghany Highlands Community Services is part of a statewide network of 40 Community Service Boards working to provide behavioral health and wellness, prevention, developmental disability and substance use services where they are needed in the local community.
– How can people get involved in supporting our community?
People can get involved with the CSB by attending our community trainings and events which can be found on our Facebook pages – Alleghany Highlands Community Services and Alleghany Highlands Healthy Youth Coalition. The mission of the Healthy Youth Coalition, which serves under the CSB’s umbrella, is to heighten awareness and educate the community to promote healthy and safe lifestyle choices among youth in the Alleghany Highlands.
You can also support CSB financially! The CSB has a foundation which is set up as a 501(c)(3), and we accept donations for a client assistance fund which helps clients with housing, utility bills, transportation and small financial needs. AHCS also has a guardianship program in cooperation with Rockbridge Area CSB that serves approximately 18 individuals who are incapacitated, indigent, and in need of someone to help them make medical, financial, or daily living decisions, but do not have a suitable person to serve as their guardian. Learn more and give today: www.ahcsb.org
– What do you enjoy most about doing business in and supporting our Alleghany Highlands community?
I enjoy supporting and giving back to our community. The CSB is a huge part of economic development in the Highlands providing jobs to approximately 130 employees in soon to be 10 locations. Since taking on this role, our services have expanded to meet the needs of the community, especially in the substance use area. I especially enjoy seeing people who we serve make strides in their life during their recovery journey.
– Do you have any favorite things to do, places to go or dine in the Alleghany Highlands?
I enjoy traveling, shopping, volunteering, playing with my toy poodles, Bella and Mae, and hanging out with my family and friends.
Thank you, Ingrid, for all you do for so many!