Purdue Extension welcomes Beckie Lies as Community Wellness Coordinator

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.