Fifteen years ago, Marlene’s life took an unexpected turn. She had been working in the for-profit world of real estate and mortgage lending since graduating from college. But when the 2008 recession hit, she was laid off—an event that might’ve felt like a dead end to some. For Marlene, it was an opportunity to do something that truly mattered.
Friends In Deed had just received a federal stimulus package and was hiring. Marlene applied. Her financial background caught the attention of the then-director, and she was given a shot. What began as a part-time role in a tiny nonprofit with a handful of programs quickly grew into something much bigger—for both Marlene and the organization.
Over the years, Marlene has worn nearly every hat possible at Friends In Deed: helping in the Food Pantry, assisting with payroll, working as the Director of The Women’s Room, and even lending a hand at the Bad Weather Shelter. Today, she serves as the Assistant Director of our Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance (EPRA) program—a role that allows her to combine her financial savvy with her passion for helping people in crisis.
Marlene is a wellspring of knowledge about local resources. She connects effortlessly with people from all backgrounds and brings a calm, listening presence to every interaction. Through her leadership and dedication, she’s helped countless individuals and families find stability during their most vulnerable moments.
As Friends In Deed has grown—adding new programs like Street Outreach and Housing and strengthening longtime ones like EPRA—Marlene sees the same heart at the center of it all.
“What I love is that we’ve never lost our compassion. Even though we’ve expanded and become financially stronger, we haven’t lost sight of why we’re here. We still hire people who want to help, not just people looking for a paycheck.”
For Marlene, Friends In Deed isn’t just a workplace. It’s a calling.
“I go home happy most days,” she says with a smile. “That’s how I know I’m in the right place.”