I have been a nonprofit leader in Gwinnett County for almost 20 years which was born out of volunteerism. My career began with volunteering at a local food pantry. While there for almost 11 years, I saw a huge need around the subject of suburban poverty and what that really looks like. While diving into the root causes of homelessness and challenges facing those in need, the opportunity presented itself for the program we now run at Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two daughters, Marley Rae Rosenblatt, Bluffton, SC and Mallory Sparacino, Winder. I have a 5 month old Grandson, Hayes Rosenblatt and he is a joy to our family!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love that we have the opportunity to change the trajectory of young lives while our guests are with us at Home of Hope. Our children didn’t ask to be in a homeless situation and giving them a stable home life where they just get to be happy kids, is a joy to the team here.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurant here is by far, Frankie’s The Steakhouse! I also love Season’s 52 for lunch.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been a resident of Gwinnett County for 30 years. Can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Gosh, there are so many wonderful and interesting people here in our community. That’s a tough question. Clyde and Sandra Strickland have been mentors to me and great supporters of Home of Hope. Their journey and story of their humble beginnings and how the Lord has led them is both inspiring and humbling. I could listen for hours to the life lessons and messages of Hope and Love to us all from Clyde and Sandra.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Fun trip? – Cooking somewhere in a remote place in the Italian countryside. Heart trip – take me to an orphanage in a country that needs me. Serving children is my heart.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies – Godfather Series, Gone with the Wind & Steel Magnolias. Tv shows: Law & Order, Yellowstone, Game of Thrones
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind always. It costs a candle nothing to light another candle.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go on a spiritual journey.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Pandora – Amy Grant Radio – Christian Music
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I think it would be the civic organizations that bring our community together. Kiwanis Organization that does Holiday Parades and engages our community showing the best of our people.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Our Governor, Brian Kemp. Rico’s World Kitchen. I’d love to dive into our current, very broken, system that keeps people at the poverty line instead of incentivizing them to more independent living.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We have a village that knows how to come together in times of need or crisis. People are good and want to help others and it is reflected in how this community rallies around families and children in need. It is heartwarming and inspiring.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
On a beach in Naples, Florida
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to cook, play tennis and appreciate fine dining and red wine. Fun fact – I sent myself to Harley Davidson school and got my motorcycle license 7 years ago. Bought a Heritage Softail and sold it a year later with my arms and legs still attached. We regret the things in life we don’t do, not the things we try.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Gosh…many places. I saw the Northern Lights once and stood in awe of HIS wonder. I also sat in the Chapel at Eagle Ranch once and felt such a peace and presence of HIS love there and have never forgotten that.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November and Thanksgiving
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Frankie’s rib eye cap
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Each child who crosses our doorstep at Home of Hope. The innocence, the smiles and the joy they have not knowing they live in a “shelter”. The promise of their brighter tomorrow because we have them today, inspires me to work harder and be better.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Home cooking and fresh cut grass
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, peace and comfort