Marlene Lehec brings a lifetime of compassion, resilience, and lived experience to her role within the Respite Foundation community. Adopted as a child, Marlene grew up with a deep understanding of what it means to be welcomed, supported, and given a chance to thrive. That early experience shaped her heart and guided her into a career as a social worker, where she spent years advocating for vulnerable children and families, offering stability, guidance, and hope. Marlene’s commitment to care didn’t stop with her professional life. Together with her husband Dean—Wendy’s brother—she built a family grounded in love and second chances, adopting children of their own and creating a home defined by acceptance and belonging. Their journey reflects Marlene’s belief that every child deserves a safe place to land and every family deserves support. Her background gives her a unique perspective within the Respite Foundation: she understands the emotional weight caregivers carry, the complexity of family dynamics, and the transformative power of rest and relief. Marlene’s voice adds depth to the mission, connecting her personal story, her professional expertise, and her family’s lived experience to the foundation’s purpose. For Marlene, supporting Respite Foundation is more than a cause—it’s a continuation of a lifelong calling to uplift others, especially those who give so much of themselves.