MPW.68 / 2016 Serving Cuba by Daniel Dreifuss
Photographer
Daniel Dreifuss Santa Barbara, Calif.

Team Chapnick

Story Summary

Barbara "Bobbie" Joplin, 75, has lived in Cuba for more than 40 years. Joplin has been a volunteer and advocate in the community for over 25 years. Two years ago, she became the director of food distribution for the Cuba Ministerial Alliance, a co-op of 13 churches in Cuba that donate to and support the food pantry. At the food pantry, Joplin helps community members in need of food, clothing, gas money, utility bills and one-night stays at the Super 8 hotel. Seven years ago, Joplin opened Re Enjoy Thrift and Consignment Store on North Park Place. After her husband, Rusty Joplin, had open heart surgery, a flood at Re Enjoy caused extensive damage. Bobbie Joplin juggles the needs of the community, her husband’s health and getting the store the reopened, and is still able to find time to spend with her grandchildren. "I wish I could do more," Joplin said after being approached by a young woman in need of help paying her utilities bill.