Next in our "Meet Our Board" series is Barbara J. Baum. Barbara has been a dedicated TASC board member for the past several years.
Barbara joined TASC after retiring as a Los Angeles Unified School District administrator. Her leadership and commitment to TASC's mission has shined throughout the years. Currently, Barbara serves as TASC's board treasurer.
Her story about joining TASC is endearing and is a testament to TASC's focus of providing services to clients these many years later. To the right is a photo of Barbara at a TASC gala with Councilmember Bob Blumenfield.
Why do you serve on TASC's board of directors?
Serving on the board of directors was initiated by Ethel Swanson (TASC's former board president and current board member). Ethel was persistent after I retired from the school district.
I thought about my very first encounter with Ken Lane (TASC founder/former executive director), while I was still working for the district. I was looking for a placement for a young adult whom had matured beyond remaining on a district campus. Her parents were dissatisfied with the efforts made by the district and were seeking alternatives in a safe setting.
I had made an appointment to speak with Ken. When I arrived, Ken had not yet finished working with his clients. It was late in the afternoon. I needed to get to my second job, and I was slightly annoyed. As I considered becoming a board member, I thought back to that memory and how I felt about my first encounter with Ken. I thought of how dedicated he was to put his clients ahead of the bureaucratic needs of the district. I thought of how lucky his clients were to have such an enthusiastic group of individuals working with them. Now, it's my turn to help.
What are your future hopes for TASC?
I look forward to the expansion of TASC in the area of supported employment. I feel strongly that it is the missing link for many capable individuals. Generalized approaches that were once used in the past do not always work. Clients that are given more individualized support will have a higher likelihood of getting a part-time and full-time job; providing confidence and the necessary adult socialization.
Since I have worked in both the educational field and the retail sector for many years, I have seen many groups of individuals come through the "working doors." Occasionally these individuals get hired on their own. TASC can help increase that possibility with individualized support and our ability to communicate directly with all parties. There is nothing more motivating and personally meaningful than even the smallest paycheck with your name on it.
What is one surprising or fun fact about you to share with our readers?
As a young eight-year-old, I was a "hands" model for the entertainment industry. I had long fingers, and mature looking hands. A photographer took pictures of my hands holding props to be used in movies. I would hold small fake revolvers, gloves, batons...any objects that might be seen in a close-up. A producer would then look at the pictures and visualize the leading actress with the objects for the larger film. My mother worked as a retoucher in the industry, and always supervised the photoshoot. It was fun as a kid and I met many actors of the day.
