After a lifetime of service and leadership in Greeley and Weld County, Barb and Rick Jenkins have been selected by the United Way of Weld County board of directors as its 2022 Humanitarians. The Jenkins were recognized at a reception on December 1 at Aims Community College in Greeley.
“The amount of good that Rick and Barb Jenkins have brought about is incalculable,” noted Melanie Woolman, United Way’s president and CEO. “This is important both for how it has improved their own lives and the lives of others as well as being an example to us all. The more we become people like the Jenkins, the more Weld County will be the kind of place that we all can prosper in.”
In addition to a commitment to their family and faith community, Barb and Rick’s history of service has been exemplary and extensive. Rick has served on a number of City of Greeley advisory committees as well as the board of directors for Community Grief Center, North Range Behavioral Health, United Way of Weld County and others.
Likewise, Barb has given a big part of her life in service, including time with Community Grief Center, Greeley Children’s Chorale, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Guild, Greeley-Evans School District 6 and Weld County School District RE-4 (Windsor/Severance).
Together, the Jenkins’ started THIRST (Trust Him In Relief of Suicidal Thoughts) Living Waters Fund to promote the prevention of suicide and to support those who have lost loved ones to suicide. This effort has brought its own meaning as well as helping Barb and Rick better understand the nonprofit world and the work of the philanthropic sector.
“We don’t do what we do to build a legacy. We do what we do to give back and make a difference,” Rick shared in summation of what he and Barb have done with their lives so far. “This includes a need for and commitment to excellence. Our lives are an empty vessel. Only by God’s grace do we use the gifts and talents that we have been given to make our communities better places for us all. The lives that we touch are opportunities for making a difference. Each life is so important.”
In 1989, the United Way of Weld County board of directors inaugurated the Humanitarian recognition. It was created to recognize those who have rendered outstanding volunteer and philanthropic service; it promotes voluntary community service and the value of contributing to those in need. Beginning with the first recipient, Kenneth W. Monfort, United Way has honored those who have demonstrated a record of exceptional generosity, outstanding civic or charitable responsibility and leadership and motivation of others in the roles of philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
Prior United Way of Weld County Humanitarians include:
- Judy and Rok Kron, 2021
- Scott and Holly Ehrlich, 2019
- Tim and Sally Warde, 2018
- Wes and Karen Goehring, 2017
- Stow and Maggie Witwer, 2016
- Bruce and Kay Broderius, 2015
- Dick and Reva Bond, 2014
- George and Betty Hall, 2013
- Dick and Irene Boettcher, 2012
- Lee and Colleen Yoder, 2011
- Jean and Pete Morrell, 2010
- Herrick and Diane Garnsey, 2009
- Dick Monfort, 2008
- Ken Whitney, 2007
- Dr. Tony and Sarah Fink, 2006
- Donald Cummins, 2005
- Dr. Richard Kemme, 2004
- Jean Hoshiko, 2003
- Norm and Bonnie Dean, 2002
- Frank and Donna Lakin, 2001
- Julianne Haefeli, 2000
- Harold and Carol Evans, 1999
- Kay Kosmicki, 1998
- W.D. Farr, 1997
- Don Cook, 1996
- Mike Geile, 1995
- Larry Menefee, 1994
- Joe Tennessen, 1993
- John and Tate Todd, 1992
- Harold and Florence Winograd, 1991
- Robert and Betty Tointon, 1990
- Kenneth W Monfort, 1989
