Nathan Barbo found his calling in the health system, specifically in the work behind the scenes that keeps hospitals running and patients healing. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. But his deep appreciation for community health – not just the kind that is treated medically – extends far beyond his day-to-day work.
Nathan has lived in Baltimore City for most of his adult life and has made it home with his family in the last few years, reveling in the art, culture, and food scenes. That’s a big reason why he wanted to get involved in work outside of his nine-to-five job, and the United Way of Central Maryland gave him that opportunity.
“Being on the Region United Network (RUN) Board allows me to be actively part of the grant GIVING process rather than the side where you are always requesting funding,” Barbo told us.
He said that being able to bring change in this way is so rewarding. One of his favorite parts of being involved with UWCM is working with I AM MENtality, a nonprofit that helps Black youth in the Baltimore area. He was introduced to the organization through Changemaker Challenge. I AM MENtality partners with schools and provides programming to young people to focus on education, physical wellness, emotional intelligence, regulating feelings, and even visiting HBCUs.
“It’s great to have this awesome program that presents opportunities for community members to address the challenges they face. The earlier we engage young people and help them develop, they have a better chance to find success as they transition into adulthood.”
Working with UWCM, Nathan has seen that the organization has worked hard to ingrain themselves into the community. He relishes the opportunity to do the hard work and fill in the in-between places that can be missed. In the next 100 years, Nathan hopes that United Way of Central Maryland will continue to understand and listen to the community so they can provide collaborative solutions to the challenges they face.
“It shouldn’t be us coming in and saying ‘Hey, we’re going to do this for you because we think it’s good for you,’ but not taking into account what the community thinks and feels.” That’s why he loves programs like United Way’s Neighborhood Grants which have been thoughtfully created and implemented to do the most good for the community.
He believes that the organization can and should continue to be a connector within the community and hopes that in the next 100 years, it will continue to be nimble and adaptable when major issues arise.
And if you’re able, donate a few dollars to support United Way’s work—and the work of all of their employees and volunteers, as they celebrate 100 years of impact.
