To say Sherry Baker is a force of nature is stating the obvious to anyone who has met her. The Executive Director of BC CRN since 2010, Sherry has helped build the organization from a fledging non-profit to a robust organization of 20+ contractors and 86 Community Response Networks (CRNs) serving 262 BC communities.
Along the way, Sherry has received numerous awards, spoken to dozens of organizations (including parliamentary sub-committees), and continued to serve on other boards including the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) and the Council to Reduce Elder Abuse (CREA) since its inception.
She is an extravert and a proud mother of three and grandmother of six. Now 84, Sherry remains fiercely independent and continues to look for the next opportunity that excites her.
The daughter of a WWII officer and a registered nurse, Sherry knew as a youngster that she wanted to remain active, thriving and independent. “My father died in the war, which left my mother to take care of my grandfather, my brother and me. I knew whatever I did, I wanted to make sure I was able to take care of myself,” she says.
Holding firm to that principle, Sherry excelled academically, earning several university scholarships. “I really wanted to be a doctor,” she recalls. “But at that time, school counsellors told me that I ‘couldn’t take away that opportunity from a man.’ It was a very different time.”
Sherry earned a degree in home economics from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Diploma in Education. On the side, she took pre-med courses, just in case.
What followed was a career in teaching Home Economics in high school and interior design consulting, launching a Cablevision community access network in the Fraser Valley, serving for 6 years as a city councillor and volunteering for, then working as the Executive Director of, Chilliwack’s community arts council to create a performing arts and cultural centre. She also earned a diploma in Business Administration at the University of the Fraser Valley, followed by a Master’s degree in applied behaviour sciences and organizational development.
After 10 years as the executive director for Ishtar Transition Housing Society, which included two years as the CEO of Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services (at the same time), Sherry joined BC CRN as executive director.
Since joining the organization in 2010, Sherry’s skills in networking, spotting talent and raising money helped the BC CRN secure a unique foothold in the area of supporting vulnerable adult populations.
“We were building a new kind of organization at the time,” she says. “Thanks to our contractors, CRNs and volunteers, we continue to grow and change. The dedication of our people and their commitment to the values of love, respect, kindness and generosity have made BC CRN the ‘gold standard’ in provincial and national circles when it comes to adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect awareness and prevention.”
Sherry leaves an enormous legacy as she passes the torch to a new executive director. Her dedication to keeping vulnerable adults safe has changed the way British Columbians think about our aging population.
It is with enormous respect and gratitude that we wish Sherry a fond farewell as our executive director. We expect this isn’t the last stop on the exciting path of Sherry Baker.
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
