Foix

“Our town, our people” is a weekly Q&A with a local resident who is active in the community. Have a suggestion for someone we should talk to? Email T-R news editor Emily Barske at ebarske@timesrepublican.com. 

LaVonne Foix is a branch office administer trainee at Edward Jones Financial Service, as well as a women’s ministry leader at Restore church. She has lived in Marshalltown for three and a half years.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: “Probably pretty high on the list: (I’m) passionate about creating a healthy Christian community, just a healthy community in general, but I do that through the ministry and helping facilitate spiritual growth. I’m really passionate about people connecting with God and connecting with each other. Also, I majored in Bible and theology … part of my ministry is also teaching Bible classes. I really enjoy making the Bible accessories to people, especially people who don’t really have much background in the Bible.”

Q: What community activities do you participate in?

A: “I’m pretty involved in church stuff because my husband is a pastor, and that’s what I majored in — that’s my passion. So, sometimes I’m teaching, sometimes I’m leading groups. I do music also. I like to sing. I’ve been on the worship team at church. And through my church, I’ve been able to volunteer at some school functions or the arts festival.”

Q: What do you enjoy about this community?

A: “One of the things is the ethnic diversity. It’s got kind a unique flavor with a mix of different backgrounds. I also enjoy the friendliness — Iowa Midwestern attitude. When tragedy strikes, people come together and support each other. The size is nice. There are many people I have met that have an optimistic attitude.”

Q: What changes do you feel need to be made in the community?

A: “I, of course, want to see spiritual health and growth in the community. But I also always have a heart for the mental health needs. I know there are great organizations out there, but I think there’s more that could be developed. A little request, I wish there was a coffee shop open later.”

Q: What advice would you pass on to young people?

A: “If they want to make the world a better place, developing critical thinking skills on how to analyze and think through things will help them have the wisdom to make the world a better place.”

Q: What social activity or event would you like to see come to Marshalltown and why?

A: “Places for people to gather to have good quality social connection. People can be really isolated in this culture. It’s convenient to go to (social media), but it doesn’t give you everything you need.”