Rose Marie first came to Nantucket in 1998 on a visa program to work in the hospitality industry. Back in Jamaica, her mother’s friend had intrigued Rose Marie with stories of plentiful jobs and a friendly island community. Rose Marie sought adventure and new experiences; little did she know, the place she would call “home” was about to change.

Rose Marie’s first job was at a downtown inn. Her employer provided housing in the inn’s basement, next to the boiler room. While she was grateful for a bed, the conditions were somewhat appalling, to say the least. She shared the tiny space with four other women. As they brushed their teeth, the view above the sink was a clear pipe that flushed raw sewage out of the building. After working two seasons at the inn, Rose Marie reevaluated her options.

She met David & Meg Glidden, owners of Glidden’s Fish Market. Immediately, something clicked. The Gliddens took Rose Marie under their wing. They hired her as the market’s assistant manager, sponsored her work visa, and provided a nice apartment above the market. Rose Marie went to “fish school,” and worked at the market for 12 years. She became an American citizen, got married, and had a son. The American dream.

When the young family outgrew the apartment over the fish market, they moved to a house in Miacomet. Within a year after relocating, their rental house was foreclosed upon. They then moved to a Naushop rental. One day, a realtor knocked on the door and informed them their house was on the market. Thus they needed to accommodate frequent house showings, which disturbed their baby’s sleep. This was a stressful and uncertain time for Rose Marie’s family.

A friend suggested Rose Marie apply to Housing Nantucket’s Affordable Rental Program. When she was offered something in Surfside, she immediately took it. Rose Marie and her family still live in this house today.

“Housing Nantucket’s rental property provides our family with a stable housing cost,” Rose Marie said. “We can budget for our son’s future. We can afford to provide opportunities that will give him choices later on. Home ownership isn’t for everybody, particularly on Nantucket. The financial obligation of owning a home can be overwhelming, especially for families with children.”

Rose Marie has made significant contributions to the community since moving to Nantucket nineteen years ago. She now serves on Housing Nantucket’s Board of Directors. She is a certified nursing assistant. She works with the Visiting Nurses of Nantucket, the Department of Mental Health, and in private care. She volunteers with the Food Pantry and Nantucket Community Dinners.

“Volunteerism helps me in ways you’d never believe,” Rose Marie explains. “I am happy to give back. It helps with my ‘self worth.’ It opens doors, creates networks. It feels good to contribute.”

Nantucket is a better place with individuals like Rose Marie on island. We are fortunate to have her and her family. Your support makes our work of providing Nantucket’s workforce with opportunities to call the island “home” possible. Thank you!