Please join us in celebrating Melissa Retzsch, Development Manager at The Magdalen House! Melissa helps us raise funds to make sure we can continually offer our services to women and their loved ones at no cost.
1. What is your role at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
I am thrilled to join The Magdalen House team as Development Manager. In this role I have the opportunity to raise funds to help women achieve sobriety from alcoholism at no cost. I have followed my passion of being of service to others, most recently working at March of Dimes and previously at the North Texas Food Bank. I am grateful for the chance to make a difference for a cause that is close to my heart!
2. What is your favorite line in the Big Book and why?
“We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
-Romans 5:3-4
This is one of my favorite quotes comes from the Bible. This verse is significant to me because it points to the fact that while our suffering may seem unbearable, it ultimately brings us growth. Furthermore, it provides us an opportunity to trust God at a deeper level through hard times.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
I have been so moved to witness not only the bravery of the women in the house, but also their support of one another. It has been touching to see their courage in facing hardship while encouraging one another to do the same. This is such a great reminder that we can do hard things and that we are truly better together!
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
Working at The Magdalen House has given my life a greater purpose. Although I am not an alcoholic, I have always felt called to help those that struggle with addiction and mental health issues. I am so grateful that I have found an avenue to make a difference in the lives of others while sharing my passion for improving mental health outcomes.
5. What are some of your hobbies, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being in nature, staying involved in my church and volunteering through the Junior League of Collin County.
6. What’s something that we may not know about you?
I am an alumni of The University of Oklahoma and am a huge Sooner football fan! Boomer Sooner!
About Melissa Retzsch
Melissa graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelors degree in Communications. Over the past ten years she has followed her passion of helping others, working in Development at the North Texas Food Bank, March of Dimes and now The Magdalen House. She is honored for the opportunity to be of service for a mission that she strongly believes in. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being in nature and volunteering through the Junior League of Collin County.
