Somebody Cares N.E. Staff Bios

Executive Director: Marlene Yeo

Somebody Cares New England was founded in March 2003 by Pastor Marlene Yeo to specifically seek solutions to the challenges facing the poor, elderly and youth in the city.

From 1992-2004 Marlene had served 10 years as a Youth Minister and 2 years as an Associate Pastor. During this time, she developed a dynamic youth ministry and birthed an inner city ministry called “H.O.P.E.” (Haverhill Outreach Practical Evangelism). Marlene began to model a life of compassion while training the youth to be city missionaries.

In July 2002, she met Dr. Doug Stringer, Founder of Somebody Cares America (www.somebodycares.org). By March of 2003, “H.O.P.E.” metamorphosed and Somebody Cares New England was birthed.

In 2005, having identified the need for an inner city church to specifically address inner city issues, along with the support of Sr. Pastor Raffoul Najem, her apostolic covering, and a hands on team of 25 leaders, CCF Ministries of Haverhill was established.

In 2006 Marlene was appointed by Governor Mitt Romney’s office to serve a five-year term from April 2006-2011 on the Board of Trustees for Northern Essex Community College of Haverhill, Massachusetts.

In 2011 Marlene published her first book titled, “Where is God on Tuesday”.

In December 2012 SCNE moved into our new building located at 358 Washington Street, Haverhill, MA!

In 2017 Marlene published her second book, “He Cares For Me”. 

In 2020 Marlene published her third book, “He’s Looking for a Donkey”.

In 2023 Marlene published her fourth book, “Gain Understanding: And Then We Will Talk”.

In 2023 Marlene launched “Transformation Leadership Coaching”.  A ministry aimed at teaching, training, mentoring, and coaching individuals for one year who are willing to learn the art of living, loving and leading well.  For more information, please visit www.MarleneJYeo.com.

For more information on the non-profit ministry He Cares For Me, please visit www.hecaresforme.org.  Marlene is available for speaking engagements regarding city-wide transformation and prayer.  She can be reached at office@somebodycaresne.org.

Director: Lori Jane Simmer 

Lori Jane Simmer has served with Somebody Cares New England since 2005.  Her first experience with SCNE was as a volunteer serving at a New Year’s Day Outreach for the homeless.  Over the years she has served in various roles, with her primary focus on administration, volunteer coordination, event planning, food insecurity and youth outreach. 

In 2020, she transitioned from her job of 22 years in the electrical industry as a project manager to the full-time role of Director of Somebody Cares New England.

Lori Jane also serves as Lead Pastor and an Elder of CCF Ministries of Haverhill (English Service), alongside Lead Elder Pastor Marlene Yeo and Elder Minister Nomsa Ncube.

In her free time, she enjoys taking small steps toward developing a homestead based on the principles of permaculture and self-sufficiency.

Food Pantry Director & Community Liaison: Nomsa Ncube

Nomsa Ncube is committed to the defense, maintenance, and development of basic human rights for the World’s diverse population, including refugees, victims of violence and at-risk persons. She has been a community service worker with over 30 years of experience advocating for human rights.

She was responsible for the success of the International Global Exchange Project, a project which has provided leadership training and experience of team work to young people from four continents, as well IRFF’s worldwide commitment to ending world hunger (International Relief Friendship Foundation Inc. in Rome, Italy). She also led WFWP, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Women Rights are Human Rights workshops with women in Lusaka, Zambia.

She has been a downtown Haverhill resident since 1998 and is very active in the community. She served on the board of Community Action Inc. representing the Mayor of Haverhill, is a member of Haverhill’s Downtown Parking Commission, and was on the Mayor’s Public Health Task Force.Nomsa is a soccer lover and a social soccer player who also enjoys hiking, white water rafting, traveling and serving in her community.

SOMBODY-CARES-NEW-ENGLAND-STATE-OUTLINE-copy

Somebody Cares N.E. Board

Raffoul Najem

Board Position: President

Business/Employer: CCF Ministries, Lowell, MA

Elliot Penn

Board Position: Vice President

Business/Employer: New Life Christian Center, Chelsea, MA

Evelyn Penn

Board Position: Director

Business/Employer: New Life Christian Center, Chelsea, MA

Peter Crossley

Board Position: Treasurer

Business/Employer: Retired Businessperson, Amesbury, MA

Kathryn Bailey

Board Position: Secretary

Business/Employer: Gain Writing LLC            Haverhill, MA

our mission

To Rescue Lives
To alleviate hunger and homelessness and be an advocate for children, youth and elderly

“A true witness rescues lives…”  Proverbs 14:25

X