It was a special evening at the Temple Shalom Brotherhood event, “Service with a Heart,” as community members gathered to honor Cathy Barker, President & CEO of Jewish Family Service of Dallas, as the 2026 Shalom Award Honoree. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders, the evening celebrated Cathy’s leadership, values, and the lasting impact she makes on our community.
The evening brought together many voices who have walked alongside Cathy throughout her journey — each offering reflections that were heartfelt, personal, and full of warmth.
Julie Gothard, Chair of the JFS Dallas Board of Directors, shared five adjectives to describe Cathy’s leadership style, each correlating to a letter in her name: compassionate, authentic, tenacious, heart-drive, and yes-oriented. She finished with a powerful reminder of Cathy’s impact, saying, “Cathy reminds us all that one person can make a huge difference in the lives of many.” Artie Allen, former CEO of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas, captured Cathy’s unique ability to lead with both heart and humor, noting that “Cathy is the only person who can turn a simple meal into a therapy session, a strategy meeting, and a comedy show all at once.”
Some of the most memorable moments of the evening came from Cathy’s family. Her father, Robert Brunkenhoefer, shared sweet and funny stories about Cathy growing up, reflecting on how he knew from a young age that she would do something special and important, and that she would always lead with her heart. Her husband, Don Barker, and her youngest son, Riley, shared remarks that were both heartwarming and funny, offering loving and personal insights that highlighted the deep compassion Cathy brings to both her family and her work.
In her remarks, Cathy spoke about her journey into nonprofit work and how the values she holds dear — values deeply rooted in Jewish tradition even though she herself is not Jewish, such as repairing the world, welcoming the stranger, and caring for others — have guided her leadership at JFS Dallas. She shared how JFS Dallas embodies those values every day by providing whole-person care that addresses physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being.
Cathy reminded the audience that JFS Dallas serves as a “catcher’s mitt” for those in need, offering support at every turn for individuals and families across the lifespan. From food assistance and career coaching to therapy, senior services, and medical care, JFS Dallas reaches people at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Her remarks also looked toward the future, sharing a vision of JFS Dallas continuing to expand its reach, grow its medical services, and serve tens of thousands of clients each year — all while remaining grounded in compassion and community.
The evening was a true celebration, not only of Cathy Barker, but of the mission and values that define Jewish Family Service of Dallas. We are deeply grateful to Temple Shalom Brotherhood for this honor and for bringing together a community that believes so strongly in caring for one another. Congratulations to our compassionate, authentic, tenacious, heart-driven, and yes-oriented leader, and thank you for serving with a heart.
