Author: Drake Sapigao

Barbara Fitzwater was among the first group of people to become involved with Joshua’s House in 2017 after reading about it in a local newspaper. “I believed that my experience in volunteer program management and my compassion for those who are dying and homeless could be beneficial to the Board and to Joshua’s House,” she explained.

Barbara has over 40 years experience in volunteer program management and was the Area Director of Volunteer Services at Kaiser Permanente for 33 of those 40 years. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in psychology and sociology from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), a Master’s Degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco, a Certificate in Applied Gerontology from CSUS, and a Certificate in Graphic Design from the UC Davis Extension Program.

“Volunteers will be key service providers in Joshua’s House and a well-organized professional volunteer program will play a major role in Joshua’s House success,” she said. “We will need to all work together to develop a strong program to recruit, train and effectively manage the volunteers so that Joshua’s House will be a valuable community resource!”

Even though Barbara and Marlene, our founder/CEO, share the same last name, they are not directly related, but have enjoyed working together. “I feel blessed to be part of the Board,” she shared. “I know there is a lot of work to be done, but I’m up for the challenge!”

A native Sacramentan, Ms. Sharon Jennings grew up in the military and is a proud U.S. Air Force brat. She retired from the California State Legislature after serving 31 years as a Senate staffer. With an eye toward the future, she is passionate about the process by which today’s youth will be assured the quality of life we all deserve. 

She is the president and founder of the South Natomas Improvement Association, a newly established nonprofit neighborhood association with a vision of fostering the art of community.

She is also a board member of the Natomas Garden and Arts Collective. As a life-long beneficiary of mental health care services, the availability and quality of services to all those in need is a strong passion for her. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Mental Health Services Act Steering Committee for the County of Sacramento.

When asked about her decision to join the new Board of Directors for Joshua’s House Volunteer Hospice, she said, “Because I can and I want to be part of a solution to the ongoing homelessness crisis.”

“It’s an opportunity to bring my unique blend of 31 years of legislative service to the California Senate and 50 years of experience as a mental health consumer to address the alarming increase in homelessness in our community,” she added.

Sharon offered how she would like to see a Youth Board or more youth recruited for the new Board of Directors, “I would like to encourage the recruitment and involvement of youth in Board membership for Joshua’s House. It is a unique opportunity for the youth in our community to gain experience in civic responsibility and to be of service to those who are suffering.”

We are grateful to have Sharon willing to serve on our Board to help us be a significant resource and good neighbor in the Natomas community.