Meet One of our Associate Directors:
Sister Barbara McCracken

Sister Barbara’s merry eyes dance as she walks in the room. Just being in her presence one can sense her fiery spirit and spunky nature. “When I graduated from Mt. St. Scholastica College with a degree in Political Science I had a job all lined up. But, I wanted a challenge and I could think of no greater challenge than being a Sister so I joined the Benedictine Order one month after I graduated.” That determination has served her well for over 40 years with her involvement in the social and political issues of the day and her work with the people of Kansas City, Kansas.

In the 60s and 70s Sr. Barbara taught school moving from the elementary level on to high school and eventually an instructor at Donnelly College. “I especially enjoyed teaching the diverse population that Donnelly serves.”

But during that time Sr. Barbara was doing more than teaching. “I’ve always been justice minded so I became involved with many of the social justice and peace issues in the 60’s, 70s and 80s including demonstrations and supporting actions. I used the teaching of the Gospels and the life of Jesus as a guide and motivator. At times I gave support to civil disobedience actions, participating more in the background.”

In the 80s she also began working at Shalom Catholic Worker House, a 24 bed shelter for homeless men in Kansas City, Kansas, and teaching the Catholic position on peace and non-violence in the local parishes. “During that time I only had two skirts, one for winter and one for summer. I lived a pretty meager existence. The Peace Movement has always been very significant in my life. In the 90’s I continued the educational aspect when I served as a Social Justice consultant in the 21 counties of the Kansas City, Kansas Archdiocese.”

Sr. Barbara has continued her social justice work in the area which now includes weekly visits to the Wyandotte County jail. “I sit with the women and we talk about what brought them to this place and what their goals are, where they see themselves in the future. We also discuss issues like depression and sexual abuse. I don’t probe. That’s part of my philosophy. If they are ready to share they will share. They know I am there to listen and that I will not judge them.”

Then in 2008, when Sr. Barbara was asked to join the Keeler Women’s Center and share her background and experience with social justice in Kansas City, Kansas, she felt she had found a new niche. “Everything I’ve done up to this point has prepared me for the work I do with the women who come to Keeler. I’m comfortable with folks from various racial and economic circumstances. I have worked in the community long enough to know the social agencies that will best serve this population.”

Over the years, Sr. Barbara has discovered the crucial role that education plays in a woman’s life. “I tell the women I encounter that it is never too late to get an education. By educating the mother you educate the whole family because what the mother learns she will pass on to her children.” And that’s what she most appreciates about the services that Keeler provides. Every month there is a variety of learning opportunities from Basic Literacy and Easy English to Parenting and Nutrition classes; Keeler offers something for everyone who walks through their doors.

When asked what she would tell other people who are considering working or volunteering at Keeler Sr. Barbara shared, “If you decide to become a part of the Keeler experience, be ready to have fun. You will hear some sad things and you will see heartbreak but the experience stretches your heart.”


You can contact Keeler Women's Center:
Sr. Carol Ann Petersen, Director
Keeler Women's Center
2220 Central
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
913.906.8990
email: kwc@mountosb.org