Imagining a Future Without Inequalities

Jim and Kaye Barker put down roots in Darien more than five decades ago. There, they could tool around Long Island Sound on their boat, and watch horses, cows, and goats peacefully roaming local farms.

The Barkers embraced their idyllic new surroundings and earnestly juggled careers, children, and community involvement. Kaye, a social worker, became the executive director of Person to Person, a Darien-based human services agency founded in response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jim appreciated that Stamford— home base for his company—was experiencing a renaissance. He helped to bring theater to the city, and served on Stamford Hospital’s board for over two decades.

The Barkers also put their philanthropy to work through the Community Foundation. Kaye served on its grants committee, and the couple established a donor-advised fund. Driven to reduce the region’s widening wealth gap, they directed grants from the fund to nonprofits tackling issues including hunger relief, women’s job training, and reproductive health.

“I’ve always been impressed with the Community Foundation’s research on the needs of women and girls,” Kaye said. “So I have faith that my money is going to effective nonprofits and is addressing some of poverty’s root causes.”

The Barkers dream that every Fairfield County resident can reach their full potential and contribute to society.

That’s why they have planned gifts to benefit their beloved community. After their lifetimes, grants from their fund will forever aid the mental health of children and families and support educational programs to reduce inequalities in the Fairfield County region.