Meet Nancy Marriott | Executive Director, Come to Him Ministries

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Marriott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Salamanca, NY; a small town of about 5800 people. A town with 4 stoplights and a place where everyone knew who you were. My grandparents originally moved there and eventually started what was called the Whole Way House. They had a house, really more like a mansion that they opened to anyone and everyone who needed a safe place to stay. Some people stopped by for a couple hours, some stayed years. The Whole Way House was a place that provided a safe place to live, food, basic provisions but more importantly a place where people would receive unconditional love and hear and see that God also loved them unconditionally.

While spending most my free time with the other kids at the Whole Way House I grew up thinking this was totally normal. As an adult, I now look back and see how my grandparents caring for those in need was formative in who I became and what I ended up doing here in LA/OC.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As we all know, there is a serious homeless problem in our area and there are many groups, agencies and individuals working to help and they are all doing great work in caring for those in need. How Come to Him differs from many organizations is that we believe ultimate change comes through a relationship with God, so along with all the practical ways we love to be able to help with, we offer guidance and encouragement on a spiritual level. Often people who experience homelessness feel unseen and we want them to know that not only are they seen by God, but they are loved by Him too. To be able to share this hope is very meaningful.

One of the most exciting parts of working at Come to Him is the people. Having the opportunity to meet people from all different walks of life and come alongside them in the good and bad is extremely fulfilling. Once you truly listen to someone and hear more about their life you can’t help but be better off by now knowing them.

If you would’ve asked me years ago if I would be doing what I’m doing I would have laughed. I’m generally most comfortable behind the scenes. So to be in a role as Executive Director is nothing I expected to be doing, nor would I have been capable of doing previously. Looking back, I can see how through parenting, jobs and other experiences God has grown me into the person I am today, one who was willing to take a huge leap of faith and step into a role of leadership. One area in particular I’ve grown in and continue to grow in is that of being a decision maker as a people pleaser. Most of my life was spent being the one to keep the peace and believing that all conflict was bad. It took me a long time to learn that isn’t the case and that you definitely can’t always keep everyone happy! I am now able to see how conflict can be positive and healthy. This has been crucial as I’ve learned how to make decisions that are required in order to keep in line with our mission statement yet may not be the easy decision to make.

If we could share our message to the world, it would be that your past does not define you. No matter who you are, what you’ve done or where you’re at now you are valued and loved. Whether bad choices you’ve made have deeply affected you or life simply happened to you, there is hope. Our goal at Come to Him is to share that hope with all we come in contact with and help make a difference in people’s life, physically, spiritually and emotionally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My cousins came out to visit earlier this year from the east coast and the must sees were Crystal Cove Beach. From the beauty of the walk down to the beach, to the tide pools and of course Crystal Cove Shake Shack where they have the best milkshakes ever. Another most was dinner at Houston’s in Pasadena. If you’re looking for a great meal, this is the place!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As I spoke about previously I would give a shoutout to my grandparents who’s example of living a life of service, respect for all individuals and selfless attitude has helped form who I am today and inspired me to live a similar life of service. They have both passed on but lived a full life dedicated to their service for God.

Website: www.cometohim.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cometohimministries/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTHCometoHimMinistries