Even though her job doesn’t officially begin until Feb. 1, Barbara Button has already hit the ground running in her new role as Humanity House director. Button is dedicating her Thursdays and Fridays to learning the job while still working as a case manager for SEK Mental Health. “Unless you invest in something you’re just not as likely to sustain it,” Button said.
With a passion for community service and a background in addressing substance use disorders and homelessness, Button aims to bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to the organization.
Button, a Colorado native born and raised in the small town of Burlington, had spent 37 years in Denver before moving to Chanute with her husband three years ago. Her dedication to community service began as a youth leader, where she witnessed youths struggle with substance use disorders. The experience prompted her to become a certified addictions specialist.
Button’s career includes several years working in the non-profit sector, focusing on addiction counseling. She received her certification at the Colorado School for Family Therapy, where her training covered not only addictions but also family dynamics. With a particular interest in youth-related issues, Button has dedicated eight years to the field.
IN DENVER, Button worked with methadone clients, many of whom were homeless. “I’d walk to the parking lot and people would have pitched their tents outside on the sidewalks,” she said.
“I got to know many of them pretty well.” Her experiences witnessing homelessness in the big city have fueled her determination to address the unique challenges posed by rural communities such as Iola.
“I want to bring some of the things I saw in the city that helped there to the rural setting,” said Button. Her vision includes broadening the safety net, offering educational programs on substance use disorders, and creating a supportive environment for those struggling with generational poverty.
Acknowledging the prevalent issue of food insecurity in the community, Button plans to reintroduce classes at Humanity House, including a grief support group. Moreover, she aims to collaborate with local resources to establish a more comprehensive safety net for the community.
Expressing her goals for the organization, Button emphasized the importance of addressing challenges faced by individuals who struggle to afford basic utilities. “We have a lot of folks who are experiencing food insecurity,” she noted. “Folks needing utility bills to be paid. Humanity House gives them an opportunity to give back. They can do volunteer work or pay part of it back to participate in helping fill their needs. This helps retain dignity, which is important.”
She also plans to initiate cooking classes to teach people how to prepare nutritional meals using pantry items. “This could help them extend their food dollars by utilizing food from the food bank,” she said.
Button ultimately wants to stress the importance of investing in the community through organizations like Humanity House. “It changes your view of things when you invest in something,” she said. “It gives you a different perspective.” Hoping to bring a healthy dose of compassion and understanding to the role, Button is eager to help those in need attain the resources they are seeking.
