Born in Mexico, Maricruz came to the US around age three. From there, she grew up in the quiet town of Quincy, WA. After moving back to Mexico, getting married and coming back to the States, her and her family have resided in Enumclaw for the last four years. “I didn’t even know this town existed! But then I feel in love with it. The weather is beautiful and it had that small town feel, just like Quincy, “ she said.

In 2017, times hit her and her family hard. A friend suggested reaching out to POM. “Being Hispanic, it’s really hard to ask for help. But the way POM listened to me was outstanding. It wasn’t so much how they were able to help me, but that they just listen. That they say “it’s okay to not be okay”, she shared with me.

Maricruz was beyond grateful for the help she received from POM, she knew she had to find a way to give back. Soon she was volunteering in Samaritan Services, with our Hispanic clients. “There was this one elderly woman that stands out. She had some disabilities and wasn’t getting unemployment. We were able to provide her with a gas voucher and she couldn’t stop crying. It’s a mixture of feelings because I could sympathize with her and many other clients. But you say “hey, it’s okay. You’re going to make it. And that’s what POM is here for.”

Earlier this year, Maricruz received an invitation she didn’t need to think twice about. POM Executive Director, Elisha Smith-Marshall, called to ask her if she’d be interested in joining the Board of Directors. “It’s so outstanding what the Board does. Everything that’s going on behind the scenes to make POM work. There’s so much more than just a donation.”

When asked what was one word she’d use to describe POM, she didn’t even hesitate. “Passionate! Everybody is so passionate about giving and helping. They are so passionate about whatever that person needs.”. I’d use that word to describe Maricruz as well. She exudes passion when telling her story and passion is exactly what we love our POM Board Members to have.