Looking Back on a Life Changing Career

After 44 years of service to the community, retiring OneEighty Director Bobbi Douglas finds herself humbled and very emotional as she reflects not only on her career, but also the community’s response following her retirement announcement.

“So many people took the time to reach out to me with words of thanks, kindness, and good wishes for the next chapter in my life,” she said. “I am unable to put into words how much each message has touched me. But it is the conversations from the individuals whose lives have been impacted through our efforts here at OneEighty that have meant so much to me,” Bobbi said with tears in her eyes.

Starting with Women and Children

How did she come to these crossroads in her life? It began with a young, driven college graduate who knew she wanted to work with women and children. There is often crossover between addiction issues and family violence/sexual assault. with kids or women. She admittedly says she too bought into the “old stigma about people who got involved in drugs and alcohol” and felt she could accomplish more working with youth in the prevention field.

“What I discovered was that I was particularly drawn to the troubled youth as I began working in the schools,” Bobbi reflected. “I found them to be more interesting personalities as if God had given them a little extra spunk. I saw my challenge to be how to help them get clean and sober without them losing their spunk.”

Destined to Lead

Her career was driven by her philosophy of trusting her instincts which eventually led her into a leadership role with what was originally Wayne County Alcoholism. When Every Woman’s House attempted to replace its retiring director, she watched as three different candidates couldn’t move the agency forward. Understanding the relationship between addiction and domestic violence/sexual abuse, Bobbi went to the boards of both agencies and proposed that she serve as acting director of both agencies so that they could share back-office operations while a capital campaign was in the making. She saw this as an opportunity to not only maximize efficiencies but to make a difference for women and children in both organizations. 

 “Both agencies needed enhanced facilities, and working with the interest of both agencies, the $4.2 million campaign for Community Crossroads/Every Woman’s House and Wayne County Alcoholism Services campaign came to fruition. Thanks to the leadership of Stanley Gault, Clyde Webb and Carol Briggs, and many others, we were able to garner tremendous community financial support. We also used creative grant funding to build the facilities without incurring any debt. What a message we sent to our clients and staff – you and what we are doing here is valuable and important.”

The Hallmark of Her Success

Innovation and collaboration have been the two driving forces behind the successful career of Bobbi Douglas.

Finding direction in the African saying “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” Bobbi emphasizes that she has long recognized the importance of collaborative teamwork in achieving long term goals.  

“I have been passionate about building partnerships. As a community, we need to reduce duplication and build on the strengths of others,” Bobbi explained. “Without money one can’t pursue mission. By sharing resources, we can all stretch our limited financial resources and accomplish so much more.” Through partnerships with the Justice System, Wooster Community Hospital, and so many more local non-profits, OneEighty’s continuum of care has been able to build out full-circle care for its clients.

A partnership with area school systems brought the Youth Asset and Substance Use Survey (YASUS) to Wayne and Holmes Counties. This tool recently reported out that the risk and protective factors available to our area youth are helping them choose less risky behaviors thus increasing their likelihood of making better decisions. Along with a Drug Free community grant, community coalitions have been developed to help build on those assets.

Improving The Process

As a recipient of a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, OneEighty was able to work on process improvements leading them to build strategies that would produce better outcomes.

Yet, one of her greatest partnerships has been created within the walls of OneEighty. Hiring both the professional staff and the support team who work side-by-side as a compassionate, caring team who will always go the extra mile to help clients work towards rebuilding their lives. Our community has been told by companies who work with health and human service providers all across the country that innovation is a hallmark of Bobbi’s leadership.

“I have always been intrigued by new techniques. We have been early adopters of cutting-edge, evidence-based programming. While not all of them have been successful, many have provided our clients with new opportunities for success. Treatment must include not only compassion and good intentions, but it must be something that works for the individual,” Bobbi said.

Bobbi has also created innovative Board of Trustee partnerships. “I have been so lucky to have been blessed with wonderful boards. They have taught me a great deal and have been outstanding ambassadors for our agency,” she said. “They have only strengthened us!”

Our Future is Bright

Bobbi feels good about the future of OneEighty with the selection of new Executive Director, Fredy Robles.

“I’m excited to see where Fredy is going to take us,” Bobbi said. He’s an incredibly skilled professional who chose us! He brings years of experience and will bring a new perspective to this work. I know that he too will put his all into working to bring about effective community change all the while continuing to serve our people with respect, dignity, and compassion.”