Stories

With the generous support of our donors, we are impacting lives here in South Bay community every day.

“A dedicated and compassionate caregiver at St. Joseph Hospital for decades, Melvin Schwartz and his wife demonstrated their friendship and support for the Hospital by establishing a legacy through a generous charitable planned gift.”

Celebrating Marlene

Beloved senior director of development retires after 22 years of service to our community

Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation senior director of development, Marlene S. Young, is grateful for her two decades working with generous people united by a shared vision — supporting Providence Little Company of Mary in sustaining and exceeding its high standard of care.

As she prepares for retirement, her heart is full. “I love the mission and focus of Providence Little Company of Mary,” shares Marlene. “I’ve loved collaborating with the South Bay community to help preserve and build on what makes Little Company of Mary so special to so many.”

Partnering with donors
After raising her three children, Marlene became a consummate volunteer for the PTA and many other community organizations. Recognizing her talent for fundraising, a friend recruited her to join Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation in 2001. Tasked initially with organizing special events, Marlene moved on to major gifts fundraising in 2005.

“My job was to help donors discover what would make them feel best about supporting the hospital and what area would be the most fulfilling,” she reflects. “I considered myself a generosity coach. I was there as a guide to help them meet their philanthropic goals.”

According to Marlene, the most critical aspect of her job was building relationships over time. “You bond with people and get to know their hearts,” she says. “When you take the time to create a connection to the medical center, its programs and its people, you help donors make an impact in areas they care deeply about.” Her partnership approach led to Marlene shepherding the largest-ever gift to the hospital when the Hunt family donated $20 million to support the cardiovascular program.

Marlene is looking forward to traveling and spending more time with her husband, Steve, and their family. She says she will miss her colleagues and the many supporters who have become dear friends. “These relationships are what made the job so rewarding, but also make retiring a little bittersweet,” she smiles. “Many of these friendships will continue. They are now part of my life, and I am a part of theirs.”