our team
We're here to help
Marianne Farr
Outreach Specialist
We are extremely fortunate to have Marianne as our Outreach Specialist and the first point of contact with the unsheltered. Marianne holds the crucial role of developing a deep level of trust with these citizens, laying a foundation on which to build growing relationships where she can lead them down a path of many life improvements. Marianne has held a variety of volunteer and employment positions in the past all within the field of homeless outreach. This included being an intake screener for Connecticut’s 2-1-1 system, CAN Navigator, and a Permanent Supportive Housing Administrator. One of Marianne’s many accomplishments include initiating weekly “Breakfast Mingles” for the homeless and needy at First Lutheran Church and subsequently coordinated the efforts of four other churches citywide to do the same, each taking a day of the week. This not only helps those in need, but also bonded five churches of different denominations. Marianne graduated from New Britain High School and Tunxis Community College. Marianne’s future goals include continuing to assist others and let them know she is there for them always. She vows to explore untapped resources and connections as further options to help others. Some values Marianne keeps close to her heart is that homelessness does not equal “less than” and family does not necessarily mean a blood relative or “blood”. She lives her life believing that little things mean A LOT! Marianne loves nature, especially the forest and more specifically birch trees. She escapes to the beach whenever she gets the chance and also enjoys entertaining her family and friends. Marianne has a most generous heart and if it weren’t for her being on the front line, folks would be left without the hope they deserve.
Ibis Rivera
Outreach Crisis Response Specialist
Ibis joined our SVDP team in August of 2024. Caring and compassion are what led Ibis to become a social worker. She loves to help others and see them succeed. She is a passionate and experienced LMSW backed with 13 years of experience, advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals and families as they navigate through life’s challenges. Ibis has an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and a Master’s in Social Work. We are thrilled to have Ibis apart of our team!
Jim Morneault
Resource Center Specialist
Jim joined our SVDP team as Case Manager in 2021. We were thrilled to have him come on board as he brings a lot to the table. Jim has worked as a Social Services Case Manager for over thirteen years and has supported countless individuals by getting them the help they so desperately required. Jim assists those in need in a myriad of ways such as securing medical insurance coverage, determining eligibility for housing programs and energy assistance, and referring individuals to career training opportunities. He has also provided much needed guidance in creating cover letters and resumes which has been key in helping people land their much needed jobs. Jim does all this in his humble way, yet with a great level of passion because he cares so very much. Jim is proud to have served youth through a community organization during summer months by teaching them life skills in the areas of English and math. Jim notes one of his greatest accomplishments is watching an individual with whom he has been working achieve their goals. This makes him proud to see what they could not. Jim states that his life fulfillment comes from helping others around him. Jim has expressed that one of his main goals here at SVDP is to help others get to where they feel they need to be. Within this, he expects punctuality, accountability, participation, understanding, and most of all, patience during their journey. We are thrilled to have Jim as part of our team!
Lisamarie Postell
Resource Center Diversion
Specialist
Lisamarie joined the SVDP Team in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Shelter Monitor. Most recently, she has become our SVDP Resource Center Diversion Specialist. Her ability to assess specific needs with a person-centered approach and meet people where they are empowers individuals and families to persevere through life’s obstacles. Before employment with SVDP, she spent a year serving the community by volunteering as a student intern at The Agape House during the Covid-19 pandemic, serving the homeless population and those in need. Lisamarie has gained invaluable experience assisting young children, at-risk youth, college students, children, and families, and a host of internships throughout her college career. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Business Minor from Central Connecticut State University. She also received her associate‘s degree in Human Services; Family Violence Intervention from Tunxis Community College. Her passion is to advocate for children, individuals, and families who are vulnerable, oppressed, and/or living in poverty.
Lisamarie enjoys going to church, eating delicious Latin Soul Food, watching movies, singing karaoke, and, above all else, spending precious time with her family.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV)