M.A.R.C.S Friends Inc. Celebrates Five Years

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – The words came right from Jemeka Hall’s heart, revealing her raw emotion and passion.

“This here is the City I grew up in,” said Hall. “Right here, is where my son Marc went to church, and all this means so much to me.”

That deep affection-for both her eldest son Marc as well as the City of Newburgh- are at the cornerstone of what is now her life’s work. Having had lost Marc to senseless gun violence when he was just 17, Hall faced an inexplicably painful crossroads, searching for some vestige of meaning amidst this horrific tragedy. She was to find that deep purpose through the incredible support of her community as well as an undeniable mission to support others facing a similar path. Enter M.A.R.C.S Friends Incorporated, a tribute to her son, whose loss she feels every day, but unwavering commitment to making her Newburgh community a safer, more connected, kinder haven has provided priceless healing for the past five years.

“I took a shot to connect parents who have lost a child, and here we are,” affirmed Hall, clad in a gold-hued evening gown Saturday night, as she surveyed the impressive interior of 245 Liberty Street, a now converted community center. “Resilience can turn mourning into movement, and I know this work is bigger than me; it belongs to all of us who refuse to have adversity have the last word.”

It’s that shared thread theme that rippled through the evening at Saturday’s M.A.R.C.S Friend Inc’s 5 Years of Impact Black Tie Gala. Hall was joined in the celebration by formally-attired guests who have provided unwavering, loyal support during her half decade journey of assisting families confronting tragedy. Among the crowd were 11 honorees, individuals encapsulating the character, arduous and dedicated mission, along with selfless love and empathy that lie at the epicenter of M.A.R.C.S Friends. Whether it’s providing food, musical entertainment, or simply his or her presence and precious time, each individual embodies the very spirit Hall strives to attain every day.

“I often think of Kobe Bryant’s quote about how the most important thing is to try to inspire people so they can be great at what they do,” said honoree, Linda Jansen, a recently retired 29 year Community Outreach Worker for the Orange County Department of Health, who has been present at virtually all of Hall’s events. “It’s about the impact I try to have on other people; I try to inspire and encourage everyone I come across to do their very best.”

Three Keynote Speakers were also a part of this milestone event. They included; Minister Paris Stoval, Dr. Debra Long and City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrance Harvey. Each spoke of the incredible potency of community, a defining piece of Hall’s organization.

“There is a power in unity, and we are each other’s keepers,” said Dr. Long. “Community is not just about how we live but how we live it together, and it’s not just about seeing one another as problems to fix, but people to connect with and really lean into, and it’s built on small actions of love.” Long added, “If we want to inspire the next generation to have that sense of community, we need to build a model for what it looks like; together we can create it and be it.”

Helping in that process, one Hall is committed to growing each and every day, are each of the Gala’s 2025 recipients. Not only were they awarded plaques, gift bags full of carefully thought out, community-driven items, but they were also personally thanked by Hall, who made it a point to specifically relay why they were selected as well as reveal a personal interaction-special memory that their authentic being created.

“The people being honored tonight are true heroes,” said Harvey, who affirmed how the people of Newburgh are the ones who will ultimately save- define its greatness. “These people provide unity and uplift the community.”

In addition to several community organizations as well as Jansen, the night’s honorees, one’s M.A.R.C.S Friends holds deep appreciation for, were; Jeanette Sanchez, Kyro Bonquet, LaKiesha Hill, Dana Charres, Michael “Mike” Beamon, DJ Jaggan Hype, DJ King Cyrus, Giselle Lopez Martinez, Omari Shakur, and Kevin White, who received the Distinguished Service Award.

“That fire has always been in you; unfortunately it took a tragedy for it to come out,” said Minister Stoval about Halls’ incredible journey to uplift her community and self in the process. “Remember: How you start shows character; how you finish shows integrity.”

The first five year phase of M.A.R.C.S Friends has unraveled both, and undoubtedly, it’s just the beginning of much, much more to follow.