Purdue Extension Marshall County announces a new Community Wellness Coordinator, Beckie Lies. Beckie thrives on connections.
It was a tip from a friend that led to her becoming a Community Wellness Coordinator and community partnerships that helped her continue her mission in Marshall and St. Joseph counties. She completes the cycle by helping team members and partners reach their goals.
“I love being a part of the Purdue Extension workforce and knowing that in every county across the state is a team of dedicated co-workers striving to improve the lives and livelihoods of all Hoosiers,” Beckie said. “I learned about the NEP Program from a former co-worker, Sandy Read, who was a pilot CWC and told me to apply.”
After eight years as a CWC, she was named the new Local Foods and Community Gardens CWC Specialist in November. Since then, Beckie has attended three conferences, and two CWC trainings, and joined two statewide coalition working groups.
“I am looking forward to providing best practices and technical support to other CWCs around the state,” Beckie said.
But her passion lies closer to home. She is excited by the early success of the community freezer at St. Joseph County Public Library’s Main Branch in South Bend.
“A local food rescue organization, Cultivate Food Rescue, delivers frozen meals for the fridge twice a week and the library provides the microwave and space to eat. The library is a common place for the unhoused to visit during the day, and over 600 frozen meals are consumed every week with demand for more.”
Beckie was born and raised in north central Indiana and lives in Elkhart, the RV Capital of the World. She and her husband, Tim, have been married for 13 years.
“We got married in the Smoky Mountains and love going back to visit,” she said. “My step-daughter Kaydence is 19 years old and an avid barrel racer. We watch my 8-year-old son, Lincoln, play a lot of sports and my daughter, Willow, 6, is the artist of the family.”
“We will be going camping in May over Mother's Day Weekend at Potato Creek State Park. The kids love making memories with their cousins at the campground.”
When she is not working or spending time with her family, Beckie enjoys reading.
“I love books,” she said. “I always have two or three different books that I am reading at one time: an audiobook, an e-book, and a physical book. When traveling, I always try to visit a local bookstore.”
Photo: Four generations in the picture - daughter, Beckie, mom, and 92-year-old grandma.
Photo & article provided.
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags to half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Stay safe; always assume you are on ‘thin ice’
Local fire department gets new equipment
100% of Keystone Cooperative member profits returned to farmer-members
Former area newspaper owners ordered to pay in conspiracy case
County board committee dealing with animal control department issues
Niles Scream Park raises more than $153,300 for local groups
Three arrested by Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
Lawrence County Chamber honors several at annual banquet
Vehicle thefts on the rise across area
USPS asks public to clear snow and ice to help deliveries
Lawrence County arrests
IDNR releases first firearm deer season statistics
New Coach Curt Cignetti Indiana Hoosiers bobblehead unveiled with proceeds going to Riley Children’s Hospital
Tax abatement proposal moving forward
Lawrence County man sentenced on meth charges
Knox Co. agency among Duke Energy grants to support Hoosier veterans and their families
Vincennes recognized during Global Entrepreneurship Week
New CAO at Good Samaritan Hospital
