On October 3, 1994, Barb White celebrated her first day of work at Arbor Acres’ in the Housekeeping Department. Little did she know that 30 years later, she’d still be going strong!
Barb, originally from Detroit, was raised by her aunt and grandmother after her mother died. These family matriarchs taught Barb and her sister respect and inspired them to make a difference in their lives.
Barb’s aunt and grandmother were domestic workers. After Barb graduated from high school, they took Barb with them to the households they served. That’s where Barb honed her housekeeping skills, eventually picking up her own clients.
In 1994, bearing the responsibilities that come with caring for two young boys, Barb applied to Arbor Acres as a housekeeper. Not long after, her sister applied to Arbor Acres, too.
In 1998, with a stable job in hand, Barb qualified for a Habitat for Humanity home through United Methodist Home Build. She moved into her new home with Joe, who was then maintenance supervisor for The Salvation Army. A year later, they got married. Barbara adds proudly that she paid off the mortgage on that home six years ago, and she and Joe still live there.
Her family has always been close. At least 30 family members continue to show up at her home every Sunday for a traditional family dinner—sometimes she has as many as four seatings over the course of the day! “I don’t even know how many grandchildren we have, because between Joe and me, we have eight children who now have lots of grandchildren,” says Barb laughing. “All I know for sure is we have three great-grandchildren!”
Barb becomes sentimental when she talks about a sweet tradition her husband started. Every day, Joe washes and irons Barb’s work uniform and lays it out for her. Then, they spend quiet time sitting together over a cup of coffee in the mornings before she heads to work.
When asked what has kept her at Arbor Acres for three decades, Barb says she is motivated to achieve things in life, better herself and get ahead. She sets goals—to come to work, stay at work, remain focused, and like what she is doing.
“My life has been comfortable,” Barb says with ease. “I’ve had some health setbacks, but Arbor Acres has stood by me.”
“I first started cleaning houses at Arbor Acres and then apartments. When my doctor told me I needed a less physical job, Arbor Acres moved me to Laundry where I now take care of personal clothes in healthcare. I love interacting with residents in all levels of care.” When asked for a favorite story about working at Arbor Acres, Barb is quick to respond.
“One of my best memories is when Joe and I decided to get married. The residents I was working with at the time were so excited for our marriage! What we didn’t expect is that they would show up unannounced at the church on our wedding day to surprise and celebrate with us!”
Barb’s story illustrates the sweet spirit between residents and staff that makes Arbor Acres feel like home.