At Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, our volunteers are the heart of our mission—and few embody that spirit more beautifully than Mary Lou Norris, lovingly known as “the chef” at the Samaritan Center, our transitional housing facility for homeless families in Indian River County.
Mary Lou has been volunteering at the Samaritan Center since 2022, and several times each week she can be found in the kitchen, joyfully preparing home-cooked meals for the families who call the Center home. More than a cook, Mary Lou listens to the families she serves—often taking special meal requests and tailoring menus that feel familiar, comforting, and personal.
What makes Mary Lou’s service so special is the way her meals nourish far more than hunger. In a world where busy schedules and life’s pressures often pull families apart, the Samaritan Center offers something increasingly rare: a shared family dinner around the table each evening. Through Mary Lou’s dedication, homeless families experiencing one of the most difficult seasons of their lives receive not only a warm meal, but also the gift of togetherness.
For parents and children navigating homelessness, uncertainty, and stress, the evening meal becomes a sacred pause—a time to decompress, reconnect, and simply be present with one another. It is a moment of calm in the midst of chaos, a reminder that they are seen, cared for, and valued.
“Mary Lou feeds both the body and the soul,” shared Kenda Peterson, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. “Her presence transforms dinner into a moment of comfort, dignity, and healing.”
Catholic Charities is deeply grateful for Mary Lou Norris and her faithful service. Her generosity reminds us that sometimes the most powerful ministry happens quietly—one meal, one table, and one family at a time.
Thank you, Mary Lou, for sharing your gifts, your time, and your heart with the families of the Samaritan Center. You are truly making a difference.
