It’s about employees helping employees.

It’s about recognizing work, milestones and finding ways to boost morale.

This is what the city’s Benevolent, Awards & Recognition Committee is about.

“It came out of a staff meeting on how to do something positive,” Public Works Director Richard Parnell recalled during an interview with committee members Thursday.

That was in 1998 and while the organization eventually disbanded it came back two years ago and members intend to find new ways to keep it going this time.

Last year the committee formed an employee wellness program that included a boot camp. “We’re trying to get the employees healthy,” said Parnell.

Kathy Kearney said in an information sheet on the committee it is made up of representatives from each department. “By having representatives from each department there is better communication of the needs from employees in all departments,” she said.

There is no taxpayer money used, Kearney explained. “All City of Roanoke Rapids employees are BARC members whether they contribute or not. BARC is not funded by the City of Roanoke Rapids so no taxpayer dollars are used to carry out these efforts. It is totally funded by payroll deductions from employees who choose to participate on a voluntary basis and fundraising efforts.”

The committee’s efforts take many forms, members explained.

It might be feeding the city’s industrial basketball and softball teams. It might be taking food to an employee who has lost a family member, said Helen Reed of the fire department.

“It was very emotional when a family member called to say, ‘Thank you.’ They didn’t realize this what we do,” said Parnell.

“Other times BARC makes a monetary donation when there is a need for help with funeral expenses. It just depends on the needs of the family,” said Kearney.

Another thing the committee does is accept scholarship applications from full-time employee’s children who are seniors and plan to enroll in a full-time program of study at an accredited two or four year college, university or vocational-technical school.

The $500 scholarship was established to assist in furthering the education of an employee’s dependent by assisting in tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment and room and board of the institution. 

The committee doesn’t operate solely on employee contributions. Several times throughout the year BARC has fundraisers to add to the employee payroll contributions and replenish their funds. Outside contributions from companies and individuals are also welcome. “BARC tries to provide at least one or two free events for all employees each year. These events are usually scheduled at a time that does not interfere with the services that city employees provide to the citizens,” said Kearney. 

BARC has provided a Christmas luncheon, provided a picnic to welcome City Manager Paul Sabiston and his family as well as to honor Interim City Manager Pete Connet and his family.  

In January BARC provided a Service Awards Social for employees and their families.This social took place before the City Council meeting at which service awards were given to employees who had reached a milestone year.

One of the newest things is the BARC Patrol, said Kelly Manning of the Recreation Department.

Committee members find employees at work and reward them for the work they do. “We want to find different opportunities like the BARC Patrol,” she said.

The next event that BARC has planned is a Barbecue Brown Bag Lunch on Friday, April 30 at the Kirkwood Adams Community Center located at 1100 Hamilton Street from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

You do not have to be a city employee to attend and you are welcome to bring a friend.  The cost is $5 and you may eat there or take out. 

Tickets are on sale at City Hall, Roanoke Rapids Fire Station 1 or by calling 252-533-2800.

“BARC greatly appreciates the support of all who contribute through payroll donations and those who contribute by supporting BARC by attending the fundraisers,” Kearney said. “All of these efforts allow BARC to continue to carry out its mission to aid their fellow employees in time of need and recognize them for a job well done.”