Taraja A. Barnett
Board
Treasurer
After years of battling her mother, Ms. Barnett
came to the conclusion that her mother did actually know what she was
talking about. Unfortunately this lesson was learned shortly after becoming an
unwed mother. She states "When I think of all the illegal and potentially
life-threatening situation from which GOD has delivered me, I feel obligated
to share my mistakes so that others may avoid the same pit-falls and lost
opportunities.
Ms. Barnett has proved her dedication by
working her way up to her current position as Board Treasurer, Grant Writer
and Data Analyst. In the past, Ms. Barnett served as Membership Coordinator
and Volunteer Advocate and was responsible for tracking, maintaining and
updating the files all of the registered participants. She also identified
scholarship funding and summer jobs for qualified program participants. In her
duties as Volunteer Advocate Ms. Barnett recruited and trained volunteers and
delegated volunteer duties for the organization.
Currently, Ms. Barnett’s duties include administering fiscal oversight for grant
funds awarded to the organization and compiling periodic productivity reports
along with other statistical data. As Grant Writer, she worked with Mrs. Epps
and Ms. Everson on the structuring, coordination and implementation of the
Survival Course pilot program at an alternative high school in 1999. Since then,
the Survival Course has been conducted at more than 20 schools and community
agencies throughout Essex County, NJ. In 2004, Ms. Barnett also spearheaded the
development and implementation of strategic business solutions for the
organization that led to a 406% increase in S4S’s operating budget.
Ms. Barnett brings over 14 years community
outreach, social service delivery/management and program development
experience through her diverse career with AmeriChoice of NJ. She also
possesses more than 12 years marketing and promotions, event planning
know-how, as well as five years highly successful business-to-business and
direct sales experience. Her knowledge of and expertise in the NJ FamilyCare
and Medicaid programs guidelines has made her an invaluable asset to the
organization.
