Who We Are & What We Do

The Bob Barker Foundation was established in May 2009 and now grants more than $1,000,000 annually to deserving programs that reduce recidivism.

Vision

Our Vision is to reduce recidivism by seeing the lives of incarcerated individuals changed forever by serving God, family and community.

Men of Valor Prayer — Mission

Our mission is to develop and support programs that help incarcerated individuals successfully reenter society and stay out for life.

What We Value

Incarcerated individuals have value in the eyes of God.
Bob Barker Foundation is giving back to the incarcerated community in order to prepare them physically, spiritually and emotionally for successful reentry into society.

Bob Barker Company has been serving the physical needs of incarcerated individuals since 1972.
Reducing recidivism reduces crime resulting in a safer society.

It all started in 1972...

Bob Barker Company is successful because they care about doing whatever it takes to solve their customers’ problems. Since 1972, Bob has personally asked thousands of customers about their most pressing issues, and the Company helps customers solve those problems.

Robert Barker Jr. became President of Bob Barker Company in 2005 and continued the tradition of talking to customers about their concerns. His conversations led to innovations for safer and more secure products for detention facilities, and they also led to an understanding that many of their customers were facing an enormous problem with recidivism. As more and more people in the criminal justice community explained the huge challenge that recidivism presents, he began to search for a way to help the Company’s customers face this difficult societal issue.

Each year, Bob Barker Company earmarks at least 10% of its net profits to fund two deeply held Company commitments. The first is an employer match of Team Member contributions, which enables the Company to support hundreds of local nonprofits and church ministries in our communities. The remainder of the money funds the Bob Barker Foundation, which was founded in 2009 to support efforts to reduce recidivism.

The Bob Barker Foundation works directly with nonprofits and governmental entities to encourage best practices in proven, cost-effective approaches to reduce recidivism.

Meet our Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BOB BARKER FOUNDATION

Kurtis Taylor

Kurtis Taylor is a person in long-term recovery. For him, this means he has not used alcohol or any other substance since December 23, 2002.

For many years, Kurtis has been a voice for citizens seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. He was an appointed member of Governor Pat McCrory’s Task Force on Mental Health & Substance Use. He has served multiple terms as chairperson for the North Carolina Substance Use Disorder Federation and as a member of the NC Departmental Waiver Advisory Committee (DWAC). He is a member of the board of directors for i2i Center for Integrative Health and a board member for the Emerald School of Excellence – the first recovery high school in North Carolina. Kurtis obtained his bachelor’s degree in social work from Shaw University in May 2019.

As the executive director of the Bob Barker Foundation, Kurtis helps organizations reduce recidivism rates nationwide. Under his leadership, the Foundation is committed to the elimination of stigmas attached to the subject of reentry and justice involvement. Kurtis is an extremely vocal advocate for all citizens faced with the challenges that accompany reentering society after incarceration, and he is proud to serve in this capacity.

Meet the Trustees

Bob Barker

Founder, BOB BARKER COMPANY
Bob Barker is the founder of Bob Barker Company, and currently serves as chairman of the board. Bob has always taken a creative and innovative approach to business while trying to find better ways to tackle difficult problems. Bob has served on several boards and held numerous professional titles including newspaper editor, mayor and state senator. Bob is passionate about supporting organizations that are faith-driven and who provide effective solutions to the problem of recidivism.
Pat Barker

Co-Founder, BOB BARKER COMPANY
Pat Barker joined her husband at Bob Barker Company in 1977 after a successful role with Almay as one of their only female product development chemists at the time. At Bob Barker Company, she was Executive Vice President through many years of very rapid growth of the company and was involved with purchasing, catalog, accounting and operations. Pat holds a Master’s in organic chemistry and a Master’s in business from Duke University.
Robert J. Barker, Jr.

CEO, BOB BARKER COMPANY
Robert Barker Jr. serves as CEO of the Bob Barker Company. He manages the day-to-day operations of the company with emphasis on the corporate Vision, Mission, and Values. Robert is especially interested in the innovation of detention supply products, improving processes, and making a difference in the lives of those who were formerly incarcerated. Robert’s passions are driven by his faith and recognition that a personal knowledge of Christ’s love can transform anyone.
Nancy Barker Johns

COO, BOB BARKER COMPANY
Nancy Barker Johns oversees all operations at Bob Barker Company as the Chief Operating Officer. She has also served as the chairperson of the board for the Bob Barker Company Foundation since 2012. Prior to her current role, she was the Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and led several major projects, including adding a 500-kW solar panel system to the roof of company headquarters to offset 55% of the energy that the company uses. Nancy advocates that all company decisions consider the many stakeholders of the company, and this perspective influences her leadership of the Foundation to seek long-term solutions to the issue of recidivism.