Lydia’s Gate is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for the day to day running of Lydia’s Gate to the Executive Director, who reports to the Board and performs the duties concerning the care and counseling of those individuals and families at the shelter.
Linda Volz
President
2019 – Present
Linda started volunteering with Lydia’s Gate as a Gatekeeper in 2015. As a retired teacher, technology and learning holds a special place in her heart. She implemented the technology program at Lydia’s Gate, providing guests with access to laptops and updating the office’s capabilities. “When I retired and moved north with my husband, I needed to see what I could do for my community. Volunteering with Lydia’s Gate has been such a rewarding adventure!”
Lorri Burzlaff
Vice President
2016-Present
Lorri has 30 years of banking experience and currently works at Mercantile Bank as a branch manager and lender. Lorri and husband, Scott, live in Mio and have a son, Brandon, who attends the University of Michigan. Lorri and Scott attend Mio United Methodist Church and enjoy helping with the community dinners hosted by the church. Lorri enjoys being a part of the difference that Lydia’s Gate makes in the lives of those that are in need of help.
Pam Blamer
Treasurer / Secretary
2018-Present
Pam has worked in K-12 and higher education for 30 years as a community education coordinator, teacher, and counselor. She has lived in Mio for most of her life and attends Tripoint Church of God of Mio. Pam enjoys quilting, geocaching, biking, camping, pickle ball, and spending time in nature. She and her husband, Dave, have two adult children. Pam became involved with Lydia’s Gate in 2018.
Connie Cornman
Board Member
2021
Vacant Board Position
Board Member
2021
Vacant Board Position
Board Member
2021
Vacant Board Position
Board Member
2021
Dorothy Belanger
Fundraising Committee
2015-Present
Dorothy lives in Mio with her husband Dan. She enjoys helping Lydia’s Gate secure funding for their future and witnessing the many miracles that guests experience . In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outside, reading, and spending time with her family.
Martha Larrison
Fundraising Committee
2016-Present
Martha is a retired school teacher and counselor. She has lived in Mio for 35 years after moving from the Detroit area. Martha became involved in Lydia’s Gate in 2016 with a desire to help those who are in need. She and her husband Dave have 6 adult children and 11 grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, exercise, reading and traveling.
Sarah Belanger
Executive Director of Lydia’s Gate
2015-Present
Sarah is a native of Mio and a 2010 graduate of the University of Michigan. She comes to Lydia’s Gate with a BA in Women’s Studies. Sarah looks forward to expanding the services Lydia’s Gate offers to its guests such as cooking, computer and job skill classes, among others. Together with the help of the community, she believes that the vicious cycle of homelessness can be broken and lives can be repaired.
Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling in her free time.
Sarah can be reached directly by email: sarah@lydiasgatemio.org.
