Filter heroes statewide, by region or by cause.
Marilyn Leix
Elk Rapids
Hero Story
Marilyn Leix is a Foster Grandparent Volunteer. She has been serving our programs since August 2019. This year, Marilyn has been serving at Mill Creek Elementary in Elk Rapids. Marilyn is matched with children that need extra help in reading, math, and other school work support. What she also has given those children was a consistent, caring, and trusted grandparent mentor. Many of the children that Marilyn has served have struggled in school, have inconsistent family support, have experienced trauma, or have other challenging parts to their lives. She gives them light, love, and shows them that people do care about them and they matter. In addition to her regular volunteering at school last year during quarantine, Marilyn made encouragement cards for students and staff. Handwritten notes encouraging them and supporting them through this year. She is always there with a smile and a way to lift others up.
Those who have benefitted from Marilyn volunteering are the student body, staff of Mill Creek Elementary in Elk Rapids, and the families of students. She is helping to improve their skills, their self-esteem, and their outlook in life. Many children do not have the same support as years past and Marilyn helps to fill that void. The children learn skills and form an important relationship with her. She gives the children the building blocks that lead to higher self-esteem and improved reading and math skills, by being a positive and trusting mentor. The intergenerational relationship is very important and an added benefit to the children she serves. She is addressing the community's need of helping youth to grow and succeed.
What makes Marilyn special in her role as a volunteer is that she really cares about each student in her school. Marilyn has such positive energy that she shares at her school. She shows up with a smile on her face and a friendly greeting to all. By her sharing her positivity at school she is able to spread that to the students. Greeting the kids with smiles helps them to feel her joy and happiness inside themselves. She lifts up others with her positive outlook.
Marilyn truly cares for every child she meets at school. Marilyn goes out of her way to make sure all students feel seen and heard by saying hello and asking how they are doing. She makes sure to talk to all students in all of the grades and to make a connection with them. When you watch Marilyn with students you can see her genuine care and support for each of them.
Marilyn is a very special individual that we are lucky to have as a volunteer. To watch her interact and mentor a child warms your heart. You see them connect and how strong their bond is with one another. She is making a mark in their life; it spreads through their family, their friends, and the community. Marilyn is a gem for these programs as well as her community. Her desire to give improves the lives of others. Marilyn is kind-hearted, humble, and caring. It is time for her to be recognized for the impact she makes daily!
Marilyn Leix
Elk Rapids
Hero Story
Marilyn Leix is a Foster Grandparent Volunteer. She has been serving our programs since August 2019. This year, Marilyn has been serving at Mill Creek Elementary in Elk Rapids. Marilyn is matched with children that need extra help in reading, math, and other school work support. What she also has given those children was a consistent, caring, and trusted grandparent mentor. Many of the children that Marilyn has served have struggled in school, have inconsistent family support, have experienced trauma, or have other challenging parts to their lives. She gives them light, love, and shows them that people do care about them and they matter. In addition to her regular volunteering at school last year during quarantine, Marilyn made encouragement cards for students and staff. Handwritten notes encouraging them and supporting them through this year. She is always there with a smile and a way to lift others up.
Those who have benefitted from Marilyn volunteering are the student body, staff of Mill Creek Elementary in Elk Rapids, and the families of students. She is helping to improve their skills, their self-esteem, and their outlook in life. Many children do not have the same support as years past and Marilyn helps to fill that void. The children learn skills and form an important relationship with her. She gives the children the building blocks that lead to higher self-esteem and improved reading and math skills, by being a positive and trusting mentor. The intergenerational relationship is very important and an added benefit to the children she serves. She is addressing the community's need of helping youth to grow and succeed.
What makes Marilyn special in her role as a volunteer is that she really cares about each student in her school. Marilyn has such positive energy that she shares at her school. She shows up with a smile on her face and a friendly greeting to all. By her sharing her positivity at school she is able to spread that to the students. Greeting the kids with smiles helps them to feel her joy and happiness inside themselves. She lifts up others with her positive outlook.
Marilyn truly cares for every child she meets at school. Marilyn goes out of her way to make sure all students feel seen and heard by saying hello and asking how they are doing. She makes sure to talk to all students in all of the grades and to make a connection with them. When you watch Marilyn with students you can see her genuine care and support for each of them.
Marilyn is a very special individual that we are lucky to have as a volunteer. To watch her interact and mentor a child warms your heart. You see them connect and how strong their bond is with one another. She is making a mark in their life; it spreads through their family, their friends, and the community. Marilyn is a gem for these programs as well as her community. Her desire to give improves the lives of others. Marilyn is kind-hearted, humble, and caring. It is time for her to be recognized for the impact she makes daily!