Barbara Holder, Founder and Director
Liberty Springboard CIC has been long in the making; a dream become reality after 20 years! It was set up to promote the well-being of women in the community. When I was younger, I had dreams of being an air hostess; looking back, I don’t really think I did! My mom is a strong woman who worked hard to provide as a single parent with no family support—long story! She instilled priceless values in my life, but I rejected them in exchange for wanting to fit in, be accepted by my peers and being popular. I also experienced some negative experiences that led to me becoming an angry, disruptive, destructive and chaotic teen/adult. The foundation of those values Mom instilled are not wasted and now being used as a proper ‘Grown up’’!
After having 2 children and being in a relationship tinged with domestic abuse, I became addicted to crack. My dark times included time within the criminal justice system, rehab, poor mental health and endless counselling. What seemed at the time dark, endless and pointless has actually been my caterpillar-to-butterfly moment. I have to state that I have faith in God, who brought me through it all and who I trust in; my journey now continues into a purpose. I remain in the crucible, where I continue my journey of refinement. I have since had twins, now teenagers and have been blessed with two beautiful grandchildren—our future generation.
The name Liberty Springboard has significance. Mom had a very dear friend who is no longer with us; he was like a father figure. A short Ghanaian man, full of wit and humour, always with a smile on his face, is fun to be around. He was a straight talker; I loved Uncle Frank. When I was about 12, one thing I will never forget him sharing one day in his soft Ghanaian tone: ‘’ you use your past as a springboard to your future’’. He never got to see me become better or use my past as a springboard to my future. This organization is in memory of Uncle Frank.
I have over 23 years of experience within the health and social care sectors, including criminal justice, Youth work and Youth offending, Substance misuse, supported accommodation and more recently, Veterans within the criminal justice system. My knowledge, skills and ability to work with this cohort are essential to the delivery of Liberty Springboard.