Barbash: 'Force to be Reckoned With' in Serving Those in Need

Every March, in conjunction with Women's History Month, the recognizes one local woman who demonstrates the same fearless drive, leadership and humanitarian advocacy as 19th century Peabody suffragette Mary Upton Ferrin.

This year's honoree is Haven from Hunger Executive Director Alyse Barbash. She is the 19th person to receive the Mary Upton Ferrin Award, which will be bestowed on her March 21 at a ceremony at .

Barbash lives in Middleton and was hired as the director of the city's food pantry in 2010, but she was active in charitable efforts in Peabody long before she took her current job.

But first, who was Mary Upton Ferrin? History tells us she was a women's rights leader in the 1800s in South Danvers (current-day Peabody) who worked on behalf of women who didn't have a voice.

Ferrin (1810-1881) overcame many obstacles in her lifetime -- finding herself in an abusive marriage, she broke from tradition to advocate for women’s rights, traveling 600 miles (mostly by foot) to change laws in Massachusetts at the time that prevented married women from retaining rights to wealth and property.

You can read more about Ferrin's life here.

Embodying the role of a local advocate for those in need and engaging in different forms of community service over the years, Barbash is lauded with having that same spirit as Ferrin's.

"I'm very surprised, humble and honored," Barbash said. "It's nice that people feel I'm a role model. It's a wonderful award."

"For anyone who knows her, Alyse is a force to be reckoned with," said Deanne Healey, president and CEO of the Chamber. "She has demonstrated that over many years. She started off as a volunteer in the Jewish food pantry. She's active in her children's schools. She was the driving force behind [the Peabody] Relay for Life."

Healey noted that the local version of the American Cancer Society's signature relay started off as a single school event, but grew over the years into one of the largest relays in the area largely due to Barbash's passionate support. Her team was also the top fundraiser in Peabody for five consecutive years, Healey said.

In addition to the relay, which Barbash poured her time and energy into -- she lost loved ones to cancer -- she also believes in the , which works with children who have a rapid aging disease, and is an integral part of her life. Barbash served on the board of directors for the temple, in the religious school and a fundraising committee.

"I do what I do, because I care," Barbash said. "I teach my children they should do it for the same reason."

She said she finds the time to serve because it's important to her.

And of course, when she is not volunteering her time in Peabody, Barbash is busy running the Haven, which serves the largest client base in the North Shore area. Since joining the pantry, Barbash has expanded the services offered to clients and forged new partnerships with other community organizations.

Mary Bellavance, administrative assistant to the mayor and a friend, nominated Barbash for the award. .

"The main reason I nominated her is she volunteers more than anyone I have met in my life," Bellavance said. "Whenever a volunteer is needed, she is the first to jump and help. On a personal level, she is the first person at my door when I have a problem. When I was laid-up, she was the first person to bring me food and take me to my doctor's appointment."

Their children also went to the and together.

Healey agreed Barbash has a big heart and goes the extra mile for those less fortunate. That's why she does what she does.

Barbash now joins the company of past Ferrin recipients, including Holocaust survivor Sonia Weitz, Audrey Gordon (who founded the Progeria Research Foundation), former city councilor Judy Selesnick and her predecessor at the Haven, Trudy MacIntyre.

Barbash graduated from in Waltham with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in child development in 1987, where she was a member of many community service councils.

In addition to the Ferrin Award, the Chamber also gives out three other awards to influential community members.

The Business Leadership Award goes to Phil Richard Insurance (Richard lives in Peabody and operates his firm in Danvers), the Desiree King Award to Wendy Pearl (who owns Community Greetings in Danvers and is a Chamber member) and the Community Spirit Award to Evelyn Rauseo, a teacher.

The Chamber will also present the Peabody Fire Department with a special Distinguished Community Service Award in honor of , who was killed in the line of duty in December.

"Though struck with tragedy late last year, the men and women of the Peabody Fire Department showed an outpouring of unity, pride and bravery for our community and are a tribute to public service personnel across the nation,” said Healey.

The award ceremony is scheduled for March 21 from 6-8 p.m. in Wiggin Auditorium at . Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, call the PACC at 978-531-0384, or email .

Mary Upton Ferrin Award Winners

• 2011 Mary Bellavance
• 2010 Sonia Weitz
• 2009 Dr. Mary Yutzy
• 2008 Cathy Gravel
• 2007 Elaine Kirby
• 2006 Audrey Gordon
• 2005 Grace Martins
• 2004 Camille Bartlett
• 2003 Natalie Maga
• 2002 Judy Selesnick
• 2001 Sgt. Sheila McDaid
• 2000 Trudy MacIntyre
• 1999 Mary Richardson
• 1998 Nancy Crowder
• 1997 Paula Alexander
• 1996 Donna Healey
• 1995 Susanna Levine
• 1994 S. M. "Sudi" Smoller
• 1993 Karen McCafferty