Ms. Marie – A Rebuilding Day Homeowner

Sawyer

Marie has always enjoyed helping people.  Her life has been spent taking care of others. From her years of experience in the social work field to becoming the primary caretaker of her parents, Marie gives much of her time and energy towards helping the people in her life.

Born in Wichita, Marie and her seven siblings eventually moved to Oklahoma with their parents. Marie was raised to appreciate her heritage. Her mother was a member of the Kiowa Tribe and her father was French. Marie remembers spending time at pow wows and learning how to dance.  She found an identity and purpose in her native roots.

“There was always something that felt like it was missing in me,” Marie said. “I didn’t quite know what it was till we went to pow wows.”

Despite being the youngest, Marie felt closest to her parents, so it was no surprise when she moved into their home full-time. In 2002, both of her parents passed away within months of each other. Since then, Marie has continued living there and preserves the memory of her parents with pictures and Kiowa memorabilia important to their family.

During her professional life, Marie worked as a substance abuse counselor, a nurse’s aide and as a social worker specifically with Native Americans.

Marie has stopped working because of recent medical issues, including being diagnosed with epilepsy. She now lives with her son who helps to take care of her. She has two chihuahuas that keep her company while her son is at work.

On Rebuilding Day, April 13, a volunteer team will assist Ms. Marie with needed repairs to her home.  The team is going to weatherize her home to prepare for extreme summer temperatures, replace a light switch in the living room, and painting the interior and exterior of the home.

To help support our work on Marie’s home and many more like it in the OKC metro on Rebuilding Day, you can donate today and a generous donor will match your financial contribution dollar-for-dollar!!  Are you up to the challenge?!  Click here to DONATE NOW!