Today, our office said a tearful farewell to Marianne Snyder, V.P., Director of Family Services. For over 9 years, Marianne has been preparing deserving families for homeownership. Her department is responsible for ministering to our 300+ homeowners throughout the process. She introduces prospective applicants to the Habitat program. She assists with the homeownership application process. She oversees the Living Smart program, teaching financial skills to future homeowners.
One Habitat program Marianne is particularly happy to have initiated is our Veteran’s Program. Many veterans have a difficult time in civilian life. Working with the Verterans Administration Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program caseworkers and other veteran organizations, our affiliate now provides homes and repairs for veterans.
Marianne came to us out of a successful corporate career, because she had been called into a life of service to Christ. After going to the seminary, she took a position with our affiliate because she felt it would use both her business skills and her spiritual gifts. She reflected, “I grew up with a father who built houses for a living. I was very familiar and comfortable with many aspects of construction. Also, at one point in my young life, after my parents divorced, I learned the hard way what it was like to have a single mother with 5 kids, who worked two jobs and could barely make ends meet. in many ways, I’ve been in our families’ shoes. Their pain and struggles resonate with me and motivate me.”
Marianne is leaving us to go into full-time ministry. She is particularly looking forward to greater involvement with her church and the Walk to Emmaus spiritual retreats. Although we are sad that we will not be seeing her around the office as frequently, we rejoice with her as she moves further on her path of faith and service. Thank you, Marianne, for everything you have done here! We love you. Godspeed.