Bobbi Marks-Cooper’s involvement with RHK started in June, 2019. Her interest was piqued by the love for RHK shown by her Pastor, Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board, as he reminded the congregation of their commitment to support Rock House Kids through their "jug ministry.” Proceeds from the money collected in the five-gallon jug each Sunday is donated to RHK each quarter on behalf of Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Bobbi is also a former foster parent with a passion for children. “I am grateful to God to serve at RHK. The need is real, and I am still exploring my "niche" in the organization; but, for now, I currently help with kitchen duties and cleanup on most Wednesday evenings, support some meetings/programs, and, of course, serve on the RHK Board. I am excited about how the Lord continues to bless the organization!”
She enjoys meeting new people, and says that the staff and volunteers at RHK are amazing. One of her goals is to help recruit more volunteers and to increase the involvement from local churches. As a member of her church, she sings in the choir and participates in the annual Vacation Bible School. She is single and has six siblings—two brothers and four sisters.
Bobbi grew up in the Rockford area and was a graduate of Rockford West High School and Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL. From 1970 to 1996, she lived and worked in several other cities -- DeKalb, Illinois; Columbia, Tennessee; Charlottesville, Virginia, and New Castle, Delaware. Her career has included jobs in Human Resources Management, Education, and Adult Probation.
Since 2015, she has been happily retired, and her time has been spent volunteering with a number of community activities and organizations including American Red Cross, Purple Tea Coalition, IREAD Program, Rockford Police Department, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) Scholarship Committee, Rockford University's "Community Friend for Foreign Students" program, and Rock River Food Pantry.