Hunger And Health Coalition: A Family- Friendly Workplace By Sherrie Norris Clients coming and going at the Hunger and Health Coalition, Inc. in Boone are often treated to an extra smile when 10-month old Zachary Winebarger comes to work with his mother. Kim Winebarger, director of client services and the friendly face at the front desk greeting visitors to the agency, has been employed at the Coalition for two years and states that being able to bring her child to work with her as needed helps decrease a mother’s stress level and helps make up for the lack of fringe benefits that other less-flexible companies can afford. “What a blessing to work for a family-friendly agency,” she states, as she describes the advantages her work-place offers. “We have a very supportive board which has allowed both me and our Director, Compton Fortuna, to bring our children to work with us when many times we are unable to make other arrangements for childcare and would have otherwise missed a day of work.” Working together is a family affair for Kim Winebarger and her 10-month old son, Zachary. Photo submitted Winebarger strongly feels that by “getting the word out” that the HHC is family-friendly and “sharing my story” might encourage other businesses to follow the lead. Fortuna adds, “Since we cannot offer high salaries or impressive benefits, we try to be flexible to the needs of our employees and their families. Kim has taken advantage of this with her son, who will be one in a couple of months, and I was allowed to bring my daughter for several months during her first year, as well. I believe it makes for more productive and happier employees.” The proof is in the pudding, Winebarger agrees. “It is not always easy for a parent, and especially a mother, to juggle family and work-related responsibilities. I have been bringing Zachary to work with me since he was eight-weeks old and it has been wonderful for me not to worry about leaving him in an expensive day-care where he would also be more susceptible to childhood illnesses. Rather, we have a separate room behind my desk for family interaction, away from a lot of heavy traffic and germs where I can see to his needs and spend quality time with him during the day.” When asked about the hundreds of clients who walk through the Coalition’s doors each month and the added exposure to illness that they might bring, Winebarger simply smiles as she replies, “He’s had one cold in his ten months of life.” Winebarger’s mother, Crystal, is also employed at the HCC, so leaving Zachary at home with his grandmother, like many can do, was not an option from the beginning. However, Zachary doesn’t miss out on his nana’s daily visits and affection. “I usually bring him in about two or three days a week,” Winebarger shares. “My sister, who is a registered nurse, keeps him on her days off. It works well for all of us.” The “family room” includes a crib/playpen and all the amenities a mother knows is necessary to keep her little one happy during the day. “He loves being here and the clients are always asking about him and they love to see him. Many have said he is like a ray of sunshine in their lives. “ Fitting in at the HCC is not difficult for the little guy at all, his mother emphases. “I worked right up to the day I went into labor with him. He was right at home the first day I brought him in – it’s like he knew he belonged here and was familiar with his surroundings.” Winebarger does not “call in” for family issues, doesn’t have to worry about her child’s safety and wellbeing when she’s at work nor does she miss out on the “milestones” he makes along the way – his first step, his first words, etc. While she knows the family-friendly workplace is not something that every business can offer, Winebarger is “blessed,” she states, that her employers provide her with the opportunity. “I really want our board of directors and our community to know what a wonderful benefit this is for us and how much we sincerely appreciate it.” The Hunger and Health Coalition, Inc. located at 141 Health Center Drive in Boone, serves others through its mission “to relieve poverty and hunger in a compassionate manner for families and individuals who are experiencing immediate, but temporary economic hardship and food shortages.” The agency is supported by the High Country United Way.