Marlene Perez Is An Award-Winning Volunteer

Over the years, Marlene Perez has been commended for her many contributions to her political party as well as her country. As an active Democrat she was recently honored with the 2011 Marilyn Stagg award for her work overseeing the volunteers who support the candidates. Marlene began her volunteer work for the party shortly after moving to White Plains in 1972, but her volunteerism began long before that. Her motto is “We are our brothers’ keepers” and she has shown her dedication to her credo for years, including overseeing the shelter created at St. Bernard’s Church (sometimes staying overnight) and working in the pantry to prepare meals and then deliver them. Another project Marlene was involved in was the creation of playgrounds for children with disabilities. The first one opened at Saxon Woods Park in White Plains. With other members of Access Westchester, she worked to create parks for disabled children just as she lobbied for “push pads” at the City Center, to make it easier for folks in wheelchairs to attend events. She is a member of SHORE, an organization created to provide shelter to the homeless as well as a board member of Westchester Disabled on the Move. Her other recent accomplishments include graduating college (which she did with honors), after retiring from the working world, while finding the time to do an internship at an alcohol and substance abuse center as well as at a domestic violence shelter, where she later joined the staff. Retired, but not retiring, Marlene Perez is a hero for her many tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around her.