Beverley Baker is the director of community impact for the United Way of Champaign County. She and her husband, Dan, have been married for 16 years and have two sons, ages 8 and 14. She’s lived in all the Midwestern “I” states (Iowa, Indiana and Illinois), and is passionate about issues affecting children and families — she even made it her life’s work. When she’s not at work or with her family, she volunteers at church or school, serves on a local early childhood board, and as a Cub Scout leader.
See why we think Beverley is a Chambana Mom To Know!
Beverley Baker and her husband, Dan, take in a ballgame with their sons, who are 8 and 14.
Q: Tells us about your work at United Way. How did your career path lead you there?
Let me try to make a long story short — and for anyone that knows me, that’s not easy. My career path has evolved and changed as we have moved with my husband’s career, three times in 16 years. I originally started in early childhood education as a pre-school teacher, and eventually moved into the role of center director.
When we moved to Indiana eight years later, I coordinated a statewide professional development program at the community-college level for child-care providers. When we moved the Champaign four years ago, I found my current position, director of community impact, for the United Way of Champaign County. It has been the perfect opportunity to blend my experience working with children and families, human services, fund-raising, problem solving and community collaboration. I LOVE IT. Being able to bring people and resources together to make life better for the vulnerable, and to address concerns in our community, is a great reason to go to work every day.
Q: How does your work at United Way inform your parenting?
I am amazed everyday by how some people live, how others invest their time, money to help people in big and small ways and the amazing work that takes place in this community every single day. I’ve been able to have conversations with my children about choices and how they affect your life far beyond what you can see right now, how to treat other people with respect and compassion and even though people are different we all want and need the same basic things. We’ve been able to make service a part of the “norm” for them that will hopefully continue to be a part of their lives as they grow older. Perhaps the biggest life lesson that has been reinforced through my work is having a meal together as often as we can. It’s amazing what that simple act can do to build strength and resiliency in our children.
Q: Lots of moms are dealing with a wide range of emotions this week, as they send their kids back to school or to school for the first time. How do you cope with first-day jitters?
I’m one of those moms this year. I have a son entering high school so we (mostly me) have some jitters, of course! I think the same ideas hold true for pre-schoolers all the way through high school: talk about it. Talk about what to expect, visit and walk around, prepare together by buying clothes and supplies, ask them how they are feeling — and tell them how you feel, because they may not be able to put words to their emotions.
Go over the drop-off and pick procedures or bus stops. Be positive and reassuring but don’t brush off the way they feel. Listen and respond with understanding. I want all moms out there to know it’s OK to cry – just try to be brave until those kiddos (big and small) get to where they need to be, and then you can bawl your eyes out…or do the happy dance. If you are a mess, they will pick up on your feelings, and they need you to be the grown up.
When I was a child-care center director, I’d tell new parents they were welcome to come by my office after they dropped their kids off, and if they need to cry they could, or just ease their own transition by leaving in baby steps. I had quite a few moms, and even some dads, shed tears. It’s a milestone for the child and you, and it’s OK to have mixed emotions at all ages and stages.
Q: We’ve got some new moms moving into Chambana this month. What advice would you give them on getting plugged into the community?
Besides following Chambanamoms, get involved in your child’s school, pre-school or church, volunteer or join a professional club or service organization such as Rotary or Junior League. All are great ways to get involved in a new community. Join a book club or attend story time at the library. Ask people you work with for suggestions of places to go or things to do.
Q: What do you love best about being a mom?
Everything — except the poop, and the vomit and the stress and the sleepless nights!
Bedtime is my favorite. You get hugs and kisses, and no matter what has transpired that day, the slate gets wiped clean. When they are tucked in and sound asleep, I go in their room to check on them before I go to bed. They always look so innocent and peaceful, even at 8 and 14.
I think, ‘Whew another day has gone by so fast!,’ and I always feel a pang of panic. Did I talk to them enough to day? Did I do everything I was supposed to do? Did they get what they needed from me? The answer is always absolutely not, but they know I love them and they are safe and well, and that is good enough.
Then I drop like a rock.
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