Volunteer

Are you a young LGBTQ+ person interested in scholarship review, social media, fundraising, or communications? Please contact us – we’re always looking for volunteers!

Cas ford martin

he/THEY

Cas Ford Martin is Paula’s son. He works full-time at the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students, a joint initiative of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, as a trainer and technical assistant for public schools and education-based organizations in Western MA. Cas holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy & Administration from UMass Amherst, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music & Education from Smith College. Cas happily resides in the foothills of Western MA with their partner and beloved cat, Benjamin.

marlo kysiak

she/her

Marlo Ford Kysiak is Paula’s older sister. She is also a proud advocate for equal rights for people of all gender identities. Marlo graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from San Antonio, Texas, and has worked in media, corporate, and non-profit communications for more than thirty years now. Marlo currently lives with her husband Jim in Fort Worth, Texas. They have three children (Jayme, Matt, and Jesse) and enjoy spending time with family and their cumulative cats and dogs.

tim hemhauser

he/him

Tim Hemhauser is Paula’s husband and caregiver; he fiercely advocated for her during the last five years of her life. A New Jersey native raised in Connecticut, Tim has dedicated his life to service work in the electrical field. He rose through the ranks of Eversource from lineman to his current role as Chief Substation Supervisor. Tim resides in Old Saybrook, CT, with his stepson Jasper; Jasper’s partner Nick; and, of course, the beasts: Nellie the cat and Sunny the pitbull. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society through his studies at Bismarck State College.

mary ford

she/her

Mary Ford is Paula’s mother. Based in the Chicagoland area throughout her life, Mary raised her two children as a single working mother in conjunction with her full-time career in sales. She graduated from Monmouth College in Illinois and is still an active member of its alumnae associations. Following her retirement, Mary spent several years living in Connecticut, where she took care of her daughter towards the end of her life. Mary currently lives in Huntley, Illinois, where she balances a vibrant social life with her dedication to Paula’s nonprofit organization.