At the Family Support Center of Ojochal our volunteers make all the difference to the families we help. They deliver food and vouchers, they check in on progress, they operate La Manita, our thrift shop, and they support our fundraising events.

Recognizing the contributions of these generous members of our community is one way to say Thank You!

Here is a profile of Susanne Thomas!

Susanne is a long-time resident of Ojochal, living with her husband Jerry, extended family and dog Mel in Finca Maranon. Affectionately known as the Nut Farm, Susanne says the name fits the eclectic nature of the residents perfectly.

Originally from New York State, Susanne has lived and worked in Washington, DC and Salt Lake City, Utah. A dental hygienist by profession, she spent her spare time on photography and rummaging through Thrift Stores – which actually led her to open an antique business.

Susanne values her time with her grandchildren, both here and back in the United States.

Susanne would like to say she is retired, but time spent on the Family business (www.getitherejerry.com, one of our business partners), volunteering and socializing make that description a hard sell.

A lifelong volunteer, Susanne has given her time to public schools, kid’s sports programs, Community Development and 2 political campaigns. Beginning as a volunteer at La Manita, where she still works on Tuesday, and supporting FSCO fundraising at events like Bingo and the Garage Sale, Susanne recently joined the Board of Directors, contributing her energy and commitment to the governance of the Family Support Center of Ojochal. Susanne says, “I love volunteering, but it is especially rewarding when you can make a difference closer to home, in your community.”