Tom & Barbara Allen are passionate advocates for all things substance related. Their Maryland based nonprofit James’ Place Inc. provides education, advocacy and scholarships for recovery housing.
Tom is a past president of the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent and a retire fire protection engineer. Barbara’s career includes many years in executive positions in the computer industry, executive coaching and yoga teacher.
Barbara’s beloved son, Jim, died in March, 2003. He struggled with substance use disorder for almost 22 years losing the battle to an overdose of heroin and alcohol. Additionally, Barbara’s brother, Bill, and niece, Amanda, also lost their lives as a result of this disease. The ups and downs of these three important people led to the work Barbara & Tom do today. Establishing James’ Place, Inc. and its educational arm Shatter the Stigma® are important means to share knowledge and help other families know they are not alone. Barbara serves on various local, state and national coalitions and is co-chair of Maryland’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council. Barbara & Tom are active members of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) since 2003. TCF supports parents, grandparents and siblings who have lost a loved one to any cause, at any age. Barbara served on the national TCF Board of Directors, Barbara is Chapter leader and Tom is treasurer for the Patapsco Valley Chapter in Ellicott City, Maryland