A conversation with Amy Goodbar, Food Service Director, Liberty Hall, Indianapolis IN

West Caldwell, NJ August 10 -

“I love getting the residents ‘ready to go’ every day by making sure they have a good meal to start and end their day. I take great pride in preparing and serving healthy food on a daily basis. My goal is to make a difference in people’s lives, and attention to even the smallest details can uplift someone. Things we take for granted every day, a nice bowl or napkin… For the July 4th holiday I brought nice paper towels with an imprint of the American flag to acknowledge the holiday. If you value what you do, others will feel valued.”

How did you get your start working in corrections?

I was a homemaker and mom who began to think about what I can do to contribute to the world. I love to cook and prepare food so I found a job doing food service at a girls school, and then with a food company. I like to make a difference with my work so I came to Liberty Hall a little more than three years ago as an Operations Counselor and then Case Manager. The job for Food Service Director was open and I applied; it has become the most rewarding work I have ever done.

What are your responsibilities in your current role at Liberty Hall?

Currently I am responsible for all food service production, creating menus, ordering food, interviewing & training staff, kitchen maintenance and food storage. I also teach two classes per week to the residents, to help residents learn the essentials of kitchen operation and food service.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about a career in corrections?

My advice to anyone entering this field is to have a mindset that you are caring for individuals and they are human beings. You have to have a passion to care about the well-being of others, and a need to want to make a difference and help better society. If you are coming to work here just to get a paycheck, that won’t work in this environment. I am committed every day to providing the best I can in food service to help the individuals in our care.

What is your proudest moment at Liberty Hall?

I have many proud moments here at Liberty Hall. The first was in my role as a Case Manager. I became the first Case Manager to have 100% employment amongst my residents. I experienced additional proud moments when I won Quality Character Awards, and was the first to receive an award from the facility director. And, not a day goes by without a resident thanking me for a good meal, and that makes me very proud.

What motivates you to do your job?

Knowing that I am making a difference. My family is important to me, and I carry that caring into my work. As a mom and homemaker I believe food is key to physical and emotional well-being. I love getting our residents ‘ready to go’ every day by making sure they have a good meal to start and end their day. I take great pride in preparing and serving healthy food so our residents have a chance to be successful in their work release efforts and reintegration to society.

What do you do in your time off for fun?

I love spending time with my family; my son, daughter, granddaughter and my bulldog. We play co-ed softball together, go bowling and I love to shop.