As a resident of Foundation Communities and one of the organization’s most active and dedicated volunteers, Marie Thorne was a natural choice to speak at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party.  Speaking about her journey to Foundation Communities, Marie told the crowd, “Thank you all for seeing me, supporting me, and reminding me that even after the hardest battles, joy can return. Purpose can return.”

In the 90s, Marie had a good job and was in good health. Then, at the age of 36, she suffered a brain hemorrhage and a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. Through therapy, Marie regained much of her mobility, but the hemorrhages and seizures continued, leading to multiple surgeries. Struggling to walk, talk and write, she was forced to retire early and go on disability.

With her limited income, Marie lived in a very small apartment. She started searching for something larger that she could afford. That search led to a Foundation Communities Open House. At the event, Marie learned about the nonprofit’s dozens of affordable apartment communities for families and for single adults. She also heard about the many volunteer opportunities with Foundation Communities programs that provide an array of services to Central Texans at no cost. She desperately wanted to be a part of that. Fortunately, there was a large, one-bedroom apartment available at The Jordan at Mueller Apartments, an affordable community in an upscale neighborhood. Marie applied for it, and she moved in in 2023.

Soon after Marie was settled in her new home, she started volunteering at the on-site Healthy Food Pantry at The Jordan. “Due to my health problems, I used to just take it easy, rest and do nothing,” said Marie. “It felt like my life had no purpose and I was just waiting to die. I had used other food banks in the 90s & it was such a degrading experience. But, I liked the way the Foundation Communities workers treated people with dignity and respect. I wanted to do that too. It also gave me an opportunity to get out and meet people, make new friends and help people.”

It wasn’t long before Marie was volunteering at three food pantries at a time. She says since it’s just a couple of hours, three-days-a-week it doesn’t leave her worn out. She enjoys greeting the clients, letting them know what foods were available and how they might prepare them. She has also met families she will never forget, like the woman who had just lost her daughter in a car accident and had to provide housing and food for her son-in-law and her two grandchildren. Also, a family of 11 that had been forced to go into hiding in Afghanistan, and then escape to the US. Speaking to them in Farsi, Marie learned they were living in another family’s home until they could find work here.

“These were proud, educated people, and it was difficult for them to come to a food pantry,” said Marie. “They felt ashamed. I gave them a big hug, and I told them they are not alone, and I get my food from the pantry too because I don’t happen to have much money at the moment, but I will because I’m going to win the lottery!”

This year, Marie also volunteered at a Foundation Communities Prosper Center helping out with the Tax Help program. She wrapped up her speech at the Volunteer Appreciation Party by saying “Whatever you’ve faced, whatever you’re still facing, you’re not alone. There’s always a new chapter waiting. Mine started with a brain hemorrhage and continues with a box of donated cereal. Life is funny like that.”

Thank you, Marie for helping us serve our neighbors, and for inspiring us.”