Summary

For over three decades, Barbara Langdon has served as a lifeline and advocate for women and families fleeing abusive relationships.

Story

Retiring LifeWire Executive Director Barbara Langdon (center) with Councilmembers after the members declared May 23, 2016 as “Barbara Langdon Day” in recognition of her three decades of aiding survivors of domestic violence.”

For over three decades, Barbara Langdon has served as a lifeline and advocate for women and families fleeing abusive relationships. Today the Metropolitan King County Council recognized Langdon, who is retiring as the Executive Director of LifeWire, by declaring May 23, as “Barbara Langdon Day” in King County.

“Barbara Langdon has devoted her career to supporting domestic violence survivors,” said Council Vice Chair Rod Dembowski. “Her leadership at LifeWire has made immensely impactful differences in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am honored today to recognize her service.”

“Barbara Langdon is an amazing woman. We share a common passion of working to prevent domestic violence and helping those who are survivors,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Her remarkable career has resulted in increased awareness of this issue and many survivors getting help and services so that they can move on with their lives. I’m delighted that we are able to honor her lifetime of service.”

“Barbara has been the constant force of stability that many individuals throughout King County rely on each and every day,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “Throughout her years at LifeWire, Barbara has been dedicated to helping those who have experienced and survived domestic violence by providing them the services they need to feel supported. Her legacy will live on through the work she has built at LifeWire.”

Langdon started her advocacy for domestic violence survivors in California and came to Washington state where she has been instrumental in the development and growth of LifeWire, a nationally-recognized program for those fleeing abusive relationships.

Since 1982, LifeWire has provided safety and services to survivors of domestic abuse, offering a range of services that include housing and shelter, counseling, education and outreach.

Langdon has also become a strong voice for the homeless, since fleeing domestic violence is one of the primary causes of homelessness for women and families.

WHEREAS, Barbara Langdon has served as the Executive Director and remarkable leader of LifeWire, a leading organization serving survivors of domestic violence in King County; and

WHEREAS, she has been a phenomenal change agent in King County and has had community-wide impact in her vital work at LifeWire; and

WHEREAS, her career in public service, working with vulnerable women, children, and families, both here and in California, has been committed to systemic positive social change in the area of domestic violence prevention and survival; and

WHEREAS, her career also has been marked by leadership in organizations helping survivors of domestic violence, locally, regionally, and nationally; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Langdon’s leadership has been recognized by awards and recognitions commending her for her dedication, strength, courage, and commitment; and

WHEREAS, she is now retiring after 35 years of making a difference in the lives of countless women, children, and families;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim, May 23, 2016, as