Volunteer devotes herself to helping young people

Published 11:06 pm Wednesday, June 18, 2008

SNOHOMISH — Dena Marie says she is “a volunteer-holic.”

Marie of Everett has volunteered at the Snohomish Visitor Information Center on First Street for about two years. That let Marie, a downtown business owner, meet many people in the community, from students to senior citizens.

On Fridays, she meets with high school students to help them deal with their emotional issues. This summer, she plans to organize classes that teach teens art skills.

Her passion is to help children, Marie, 44, said.

“It’s investing in the future,” she said. “They are the future.”

Marie also works part time as the director of Historic Downtown Snohomish, a group that represents the city’s historic downtown. Still, she manages to find time to volunteer.

“Every time I volunteer, I meet good people,” she said. “They are the people you want to be friends with.”

Marie said she discovered the joy of volunteering over the last several years. There was a time she was too busy to find any spare time. She used to hold two jobs and raise her three children as a single mother.

She didn’t have a good role model when she was little, Marie said. That’s why she wants to reach out to teens and make a difference in their lives.

“I want them to be spontaneous, have fun and enjoy life,” she said.

Kelly Hogan, 15, has known Marie for about a year. The Snohomish High School student said Marie has encouraged her to be involved in the community. As she attended community events, Kelly said her self-esteem has soared.

“I used to be sad all the time,” Kelly said. “She helped me open my eyes about great things.”

Justin Johnson, 15, met Marie through Kelly. Justin said he found Marie more approachable than other adults. He can confide to her whenever he has problems.

“She has a great personality,” Justin said. “She is fun to be around. She actually makes life enjoyable.”

On Tuesday, Justin, Kelly and Marie attended a peace rally at the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue D in Snohomish, along with about 20 people. They held signs that they made, drawing attention from passers-by.

“Only with love will there truly be peace,” one sign read.

“Nobody wins a war,” another read.

“Live peace.”

“Let’s work together.”

The rally didn’t aim to make teens political, but to help them focus on the positive, Marie said. Children need to be encouraged to do good things and maximize their potential.

“You always want to tell kids how awesome they are,” she said.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.