As a psychologist, Barbara Sadowska realized that the tools provided by the profession could not address the needs of socially disadvantaged groups in Poland. He, along with Tomasz Sadowski, established the Barka Foundation for Mutual Help to not just provide food or shelter for these people, but a path to self-reliance. Selected as European Heroes by Time magazine, the Barbara and Tomasz have received national and international recognition for their work, including the UN Habitat Award, World Bank Award of the Global Development Network, SOLIDAR Silver Rose Award, Pro Publico Bono Grand Prix, and the Albert Schweitzer World Academy of Medicine Gold Medal.