The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2011

A F S A N E W S J U L Y - A UGU S T 2 0 1 1 / F OR E I GN S E R V I C E J OU R N A L 45 2011 AFSA OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNERS W hat do rebuilding computers, making dress patterns, growing vegetables, directing plays and hosting auc- tions all have in common? Terry Farrar, a Foreign Service family member in Havana, and one of two winners of this year’s Avis Bohlen Award. “I volunteer. That’s what I do,” declares Farrar. “Before coming to Havana, I knew working would not be possible. But I was a bit surprised to learn that volunteering could also be difficult, as many local churches and organizations tend to shy away from fraternizing with Americans.” That did not stop Farrar, however. In fact, you might say it inspired her to reach out. Her first endeavor was to support a local nonprofit for children with cancer or in remission. After visiting the children in the hospital, or hosting parties and pre- senting children’s plays for them, she turned to Cuba’s artist and diplomatic mission communities for additional support. Her warmth, charm and integrity inspired others. Local artists donated more than 40 pieces of work for a benefit auction she hosted for the international community. The results were so staggering that the nonprofit donated 10 percent of the proceeds to Haiti’s earthquake relief efforts. Last year, another embassy stepped in to host the auction, and another has volunteered for next year. “My hope was that fundraising for the children’s nonprofit would become sustain- able, and it seems it is on its way,” explains Farrar. Next, Farrar turned her sights to creating a vocational pro- gram at a local church aimed at teaching sewing to impoverished women. Using the ties she had forged with the artists and the international community, she was able to raise enough funds to purchase 20 new sewing machines, desks and chairs. Today, Farrar serves as instructor and mentor to more than 50 women, inspiring them to establish their own small businesses or become independent seamstresses. “We are blessed and feel privileged to be able to give back after 31 wonderful years in the Foreign Service,” Farrar says of her husband, chief of mission Jonathan D. Farrar, and herself. Residents of Havana aren’t the only ones to have benefited from Farrar’s tireless efforts to engage and support people. The high morale of the official American community, despite Havana being a hardship post with limited access to goods and services, is a direct result of her hospitality and generosity. For example, she created an exten- sive vegetable garden at the resi- dence and invited American families to take whatever they wanted. Farrar’s warmth extends to the mission’s local staff as well, as she includes them in her massive family bar- becues and swimming parties. The nomination states: “These examples serve to illuminate Farrar’s unique commitment to creating community at post, but they hardly reflect howoverwhelming her commitment has been, particularly within the politically complicated Cuban con- text. I can think of no other American diplomat in Havana who gave so much time and energy to all the communities at post, or who so patiently and profoundly inspired good will towards America and its role in Cuba.” “I am a conduit for others to help,” Farrar explains. “They may want to volunteer, but feel they can’t. I provide themwith the opportunities and hold events; they participate and help the cause.” She goes on to say, “I couldn’t accomplish what I do without the support of the entire community. I will happily accept this award on behalf of the community in Havana.” The Avis Bohlen Award FOR A FOREIGN SERVICE FAMILY MEMBER Terry Farrar Chief of Mission Jonathan D. Farrar and Terry Farrar (center) join children and staff from the cancer rehabilitation center.