Today we’d like to introduce you to Pat LaMarche.
Hi Pat, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a former broadcaster and a journalist. I spent my career focusing on issues of poverty and homelessness. After decades as an on air performer who tried to use her voice to mitigate suffering in our communities, I started working directly with persons in extreme distress. I served in leadership at a number of central PA homeless shelters before transitioning back into my work as a professional communicator. Most notoriously as the host of the WZON Morning Show – owned by scary book author and all around good guy, Stephen King. I am currently a freelance writer for the Philadelphia area newspaper, The Bucks County Beacon.
In my spare time, I am on the board of directors for the Carlisle, PA based Charles Bruce Foundation. As such, I am the co-founder of the Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project. MemorialBlanket.org With the help of thousands of volunteers, we collect handmade blankets and create a giant art display each December 21st for Homeless Remembrance Night. Afterwards, we gently fold the blankets and distribute them to people in need.
I’m also the author of fourteen books – mostly about poverty – but with a few comic books, a murder mystery and some history thrown in for fun!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Personally, my life has been charmed. Still, I raised my kids as a single mom. I lived most of my life without health insurance. I often worked several jobs at once to make ends meet.
That said, the kids and I thrived. We had great public schools in our town. My family served as a durable safety net – especially my mom before she died (when my kids were in middle school) .
Had it not been for the people around us who loved us, our story might have been tragic. Instead, it was character building at best. Frustrating at times. And so far – well – so far so good.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I always wanted to be a writer. When I was a kid, I published my first book, “Around the House.” Pretty much what it sounds like, it was eight action packed chapters about life in the LaMarche household. Spellbinding from the outset, it answered such questions as, “How can my mom magically find anything that’s lost?” to “Why can’t I convince people to pay me to clean out their cars?”
My parents were very poor growing up. Both were children of immigrants. My dad used the U.S. veteran education program, the G.I. Bill, to become a physician. Because an education in medicine changed his life so dramatically, he insisted we all study and get good at science. My mom stayed home with us, filling our heads with notions of justice and decency as everyone’s inalienable rights. And while I love math and science, people are my passion.
When my marriage ended and I had a one-year-old and a two-year-old to support, I got the best paying nighttime job I could find, I became a waitress. One night, I waited on the station manager of a local tv station. She told me that I belonged in television. Within that week, I started working for her. In a matter of years, I’d apprenticed my way into professional broadcasting and learned to write for broadcast.
I still use that style now. I write – hopefully – clear and easily understandable sentences so that I can convey the exact message that I intend to share. If you’re still reading this – I’ll let you decide.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Artificial intelligence is a real concern. If you need art, draw it. If you can’t draw – hire an artist. If you need a story, write it. If you can’t write, hire a writer. If you’re in need of ideas, brainstorm with friends. Unless you’re working on a cure for cancer, don’t use AI.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://memorialblanket.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pat.lamarche/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.lamarche.1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-lamarche-6125053/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharlesBruceFoundation
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/patlamarche.bsky.social
