We are kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month by celebrating the heart of Options – our advocates. Every day and every night, they are the ones ensuring survivors feel safe, supported, and never alone.
To begin this series, we’re honored to highlight Barbara Bunker, our longest-serving staff member. Barbara has been with Options for an incredible 18 years and currently serves in one of our Overnight Shelter Advocate positions. Her dedication and compassion have made her a steady presence for countless survivors over nearly two decades.
Through this “Ask an Advocate” series, you’ll get a glimpse into the people behind the work – what inspires them, how they cope with challenges, and why they continue to show up, day after day, for survivors in our community.
If you’d like to revisit our previous “Ask an Advocate” series, you can find one here. And be sure to stay tuned – throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month we’ll continue sharing more advocate profiles, shining a light on the incredible people who make Options what it is.
Now, let’s dive into Barbara’s interview!
What is your name, title, and how long have you worked at Options?
Barbara Bunker, Overnight Shelter Advocate, I have worked here 18 years.
What does a “day in the life” of your role actually look like, and how does it change from day to day?
A typical day of work looks like: arriving at work at 11 p.m., having shift report, getting on the computer and checking my emails. Then I clean the shelter house for an hour or two and make sure the coffee is ready for the new day. I usually also unload the dishwasher and wipe off the counters in the kitchen. Rene’ and I catch up on each other’s lives and watch TV for a while. We visit with any survivors who want to talk during the night. We also do a little computer work. Each night, our main duty is to listen for the hotline and do transportations whenever necessary or go on SANE’s if we need to. Each morning we do a shift report and I go home for the day.
What’s the hardest part of saying goodbye to a survivor who’s moving on?
The hardest part of saying goodbye to a survivor who is moving on is the fact that you may never see this person again.
What’s a small “win” that makes you feel like the work you do really matters?
When the survivor goes on to live a successful life, you feel like you had a part in helping them.
What’s a behind-the-scenes moment you’re proud of but few people would ever know about?
Staying up late listening to a survivor to later hear them say “thanks” and that they appreciate you listening to them.
What’s a ritual or habit you use to transition out of “work mode” after a tough day?
On a tough day (or any day as a matter of fact) I head to the nearest McDonalds and get a French Vanilla Iced Coffee.
Who or what do you lean on when the work feels overwhelming?
I lean on my co-worker at night when the work feels overwhelming.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself because of this job?
I have learned I can be a pretty good non-judgmental listener.
If your younger self could see you now, what would they be most proud of?
If my younger self could see me now, she would be proud that I have found a job to support myself and I am helping others.
What’s your go-to “pick me up” song or snack at work?
My favorite snack at work is ice cold water from the refrigerator.
If you could describe your advocacy style in three words, what would they be?
My advocacy style can best be described by these three words – listen, love and laugh.
What’s one thing about you that your coworkers might not even know?
One thing about me that my co-workers might not know is that AC/DC is my favorite band.
If you need any additional information, have a question, or a concern, feel free to reach out to Options at our 24-hour toll-free helpline 800-794-4624. You can also reach an advocate via text by texting HOPE to 847411 or click 24-Hour Chat with Options.
This grant project is supported by the State General Fund for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, sub-grant number 25-SGF-07, as administered by the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Kansas Governor.