Transforming Lives - Rockhurst University

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Al u m n i LeadersBiblical Ex a m p l e o f Ca r i n gIn s p i r e s Al u m n u s, WifeJust as the GoodSamaritan could notpass by the wounded Jewon the side of the road,Marylyn and Lou DeFeo,’57, are a modern day exampleof Jesus’ commandment to loveour fellow neighbor. Both havedevoted their lives to their Catholicfaith and to being leadersin service to others.More than 20 years ago,Marylyn felt called to reachout to those in need within hercommunity. Despite numerousobstacles, in 1987 she foundedthe Samaritan Center, an interfaithsocial service agency inJefferson City, Mo., that providesfood, clothing, utility assistance,medical and dental care, tax helpand educational programs tofamilies in need.Her husband, Lou, who is anattorney, expanded the center’sofferings after he retired fromhis longtime position as executivedirector of Missouri CatholicConference. In 2003, he establishedthe Samaritan Center’sLegal Care program, which helpsthose who cannot afford legalrepresentation get justice. Theprogram has served approximately1,300 people.Together, the couple has helpedthe Samaritan Center grow fromserving 15 families in 1987 toserving more than 1,100 familieseach month. Today, in any givenweek, approximately 645 volunteersof different faiths give theirtime and 48 local churches donateto the center.However, for the DeFeos, theirconcern is not just how manypeople the Center serves, but howthose people are treated. Theyplace great value on recognizingthe dignity of each person andthey give freely of their time,treasures and talents to servefamilies in need.“You get so much more outof what you give than what youtake,” Marylyn says. “God surelyhas his hand on the center. We’vebeen low financially, but we’venever been out. That’s when someother miracle comes around andfixes it.”The DeFeos, who have beenmarried for 51 years, have sevenchildren — four of whom areRockhurst graduates — and 25grandchildren. Their youngestson, Benjamin, ’00, serves asthe communication outreachspecialist for the Samaritan Center.Through the Samaritan Centerin Jefferson City, Mo., Marylynand Lou Defeo, ’57, helpprovide for families in need.Ro c k h u r s t4s p r i n g 2008 21