Our names are Brent and Ola Snyder and our friends Jeremy and Shaina Jackson (3 children still living at home) live South of Marion, IL and lost their home, barn and vehicles in the tornado that hit last night (5-16-25). 

We were in a Homeschool Co-op together in Marion for many years when we lived in West Frankfort and our kids grew up together during that time. Ola and Shaina just attended a Homeschool Conference together a  few months ago.

They ran their businesses out of their home. As you can imagine, just getting their minds wrapped around how to proceed is going to be a daunting task. We’d like to raise funds for them to be able to help them get through this in the coming days..

Here is a statement from Jeremy:

“Hey guys, praise God my family is safe and we all walked out of our home unscathed. We lost all of it including barns and cars but we have each other. The outpouring from friends, family, and neighbors has been nothing short of incredible. We will respond as soon as we can gather our thoughts and come up with a game plan on where we go from here. Thanks and love you all!”

Here is a statement from their daughter Autumn:

“On May 16, 2025, a powerful EF4 tornado tore through Marion, IL leaving complete devastation in its path — including my family’s home. In a matter of moments, everything they had was gone.

Not only was this home, but it was also where they both did business. My mom’s hair shop-gone. Tutoring resources-gone. Jeremy’s blueprints and tools in order to build homes-gone.

My mom’s mom had just cleaned out a closet and passed down lots of sentimental blankets and quits. I don’t have room right now so my mom took them home to store them.

All of our childhood photos-gone.

Their barns to hold their livestock-gone. Goats pinned under the rubbage. (Ironically the chicken coop held up through).

Things are just things, but they’ve lost everything.

As the storm closed in, they took shelter under the stairs and could only pray as the walls came apart around them. By the grace of God, they made it out alive. While they’ve lost everything they owned, they still have the most important thing — each other. We are so grateful for God’s protection over their lives, and we know He will continue to provide as they begin the long road to rebuild. He is our refuge and strength.

They now face the overwhelming task of starting over from nothing. Any support you can offer — whether through donations, sharing this page, or lifting them up in prayer — would mean the world. Every gift, no matter the size, will help them take one step forward toward rebuilding their lives.

Thank you for being part of God’s provision for this family during such a devastating.”

We appreciate anything you could give to help them out. As you can imagine even the little things are going to cost as they are starting from scratch. While waiting for insurance to be dispersed they need food, housing and all of the essentials. 

These funds will be sent directly to Shaina once they’re needed or the fundraiser is done. 

Thank You!

Brent and Ola Snyder