From the Desk of…Mary Jacobson, Wisconsin Director of Programs

Hi everyone!  Wow, what a great few months it has been at Family and Children’s Center.  Everyone has been so gracious in showing me the ropes and I truly appreciate that. Thank you for welcoming me to the organization with open arms.  Change is never easy, but my transition to FCC could not have been better.  If I haven’t already had the opportunity to meet you, I look forward to doing so in the days to come.  Until then, here is a little bit of information about me.

I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio.  My family relocated in Sparta when I was in 2nd grade and I have lived there ever since.  I am married to an outstanding husband of 16 years (he cooks and cleans!) and we have 2 children, Jocelyn 9 and Kai 7, with a surprise baby due in September!

I have a B.S. in Finance from UW-L and a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo.  I hold a certificate in Ethical Leadership in Organizations also from Viterbo.  I have spent the last 13 years at Catholic Charities.  My position started as a finance assistant and I was responsible for Accounts Payable/Receivables and Payroll.  From there I moved into the role of a Financial Counselor and shortly after that took on the role of Director of Financial and Housing Counseling.  When I left Catholic Charities I was the Assistant Executive Director of Programs.

I am very active and involved in our community and serve as a volunteer for the Miss Sparta Pageant and was Treasurer of Butterfest for 4 years.  I am serve on various committees at St. Patrick’s Parish including the Finance Committee and School/Home Committee.  I co-founded a rescue group for all breeds of dogs (ReHome a Dog aka RAD Rescue) and did foster care for dogs for 11 years.  I also am on the local La Crosse Collaborative to End Homelessness Steering committee and serve on a statewide Board of Directors for the Balance of State Continuum of Care, a board that focuses on ending homelessness in Wisconsin.

Again, thank you all for the warm welcome.  Don’t be a stranger, I’m located on the 3rd floor and love to meet new people and hear about all the great work they do for the people we serve.