Community Corner
Doylestown Community Leader: 'You Can Truly Make A Difference'
Mary Lee Reiff put roots down in Bucks County and is heavily involved with the Native American community and Presbyterian church.
Mary Lee Reiff, a dedicated member of Americans for Native Americans and Doylestown Presbyterian Church, has always held a special connection to Native American culture due to her Chickasaw heritage. Since settling in Doylestown with her husband in 1976, she has found the community to be a welcoming and nurturing environment for raising their daughter.
We spoke with Reiff about what motivates her to actively engage in various commitments within her community and what she loves most about Doylestown.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
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Patch: What led you to get more involved in the Doylestown community?
Reiff: As a child of a life-long military dad, we lived in many areas of the world which taught me so much about those who do not have nearly as much as our family was blessed with. The mission commitment of our church has been very meaningful and helpful in offering so many ways to get involved in our community, both locally and abroad.
Find out what's happening in Doylestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch: What does it mean to you to be able to be a part of working with the Native American community?
Reiff: With Native American heritage, working with Americans for Native Americans, which was founded by Doylestown natives Bill and Connie Eastburn, has been the greatest honor and pleasure. Partnering with brothers and sisters on the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni reservations has been humbling.
Patch: What do you enjoy most about your work with the church?
Reiff: Hearing needs and joining together to help solve them has been a true blessing. I enjoy coordinating the community meal event at Doylestown Presbyterian every third Sunday since 2015. It is a joy to work with so many people of all ages and walks of life from our congregation and community.
Patch: What's one thing you wish others knew in regards to your community?
Reiff: You can truly make a difference!
Patch: How would you describe Doylestown for your family?
Reiff: As a military brat, moving was life. Since my husband and I settled in Doylestown and raised our daughter here, this has become home ... a wonderful home.
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