Kate Waller Barrett

Kate Waller Barrett (January 24, 1857 – February 23, 1925), née Katherine Harwood Waller, was a prominent Virginia physician, humanitarian, philanthropist, sociologist and social reformer, best known for her leadership of the National Florence Crittenton Mission, which she founded in 1895 with Charles Nelson Crittenton. Her causes included helping the "outcast woman, the mistreated prisoner, those lacking in educational and social opportunity, the voteless woman, and the disabled war veteran." Profoundly moved by her new-found bond with this "fallen" woman, she vowed, "By the power of God that rules the Universe, I would spend my life trying to wipe out some of the inequalities that were meted out to my sisters who were so helpless to help themselves."

Barrett joined the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1904, as a member of the Mount Vernon Chapter. In 1919, she was elected State Regent of the Virginia Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an office she held until her death.

On February 21, 1925, Barrett held an organizing meeting in her home for what became the Alexandria/Arlington chapter. Upon Barrett's unexpected death two days later, the new chapter changed its name to the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter in her honor.

Barrett served on the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and was the first woman to be made an honorary member of their Phi Beta Kappa chapter. A dormitory has also been named for her.

In Virginia, three institutions are named after her: Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School of Stafford County

Legacy Barrett had a tremendous impact on the developing field of social work and on services for women and children. Under her leadership, the NFCM became an established social service organization that provided a wide spectrum of services to women. The mission initiated activities that many now consider essential services for women and children. Florence Crittenton homes pioneered women-oriented policies in the areas of health care, employment for women, and children's rights. The organization campaigned for equality for women and for recognition of women's needs... Despite differences in class and race with most of their clients, FC volunteers tried to emphasize gender identity.... It would be a long time before a group of women had the resources to duplicate Crittenton efforts.