Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Lewis.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in Dallas working for the Office of Budget and Evaluation at Dallas County. From there, I transitioned to Parkland Health and Hospital System, where I began to utilize my Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration. After 10 years, I left Parkland having finally served in the role as the Budget Director.
My second season began when I left the corporate world to dive into nonprofits and serving on various boards. I was a founding member of Forney Community Ministries – a nonprofit coalition of Forney service groups – and a board director for 10 years of Sharing the Love Foundation – a youth empowerment group. From there, I served on the local Forney Economic Development Cooperation and began volunteering at Genesis Center North Texas in Kaufman, TX.
I became a public servant when I served one term as the Forney Mayor. Near the end of my term, I was asked to be the Executive Director of Genesis, having previously volunteered there since 2011. I have been the ED for over three years now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road kept changing course! I worked through my education in order to be a hospital administrator – or so I believed – yet the Lord was directing my path to a greater calling. The finance background alongside volunteer work and then public office, gave me the right combination to be a part of such a great ministry that requires all these learned skills.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
For over 20 years, Genesis Center North Texas in Kaufman, TX, has been a shelter for women and children in crisis. This faith-based, non-profit facility serves women recovering from domestic abuse, facing homelessness, and/or recovering from sub- stance abuse. The Center’s focus is both physical and spiritual and offers individual counseling, shelter, resources for daily needs, bible studies, classes for parenting, domestic violence, substance abuse, and anger management. In addition, it offers life skills and GED preparation, job services, medical referrals, and overall spiritual mentoring. We believe it is through the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His love and understanding that true joy can be found!
Genesis Center North Texas is a 501c(3) entity and does not receive state nor federal funds. Currently, the program houses 20 women plus 5 children. It is also not exclusive to the residents of Kaufman County alone. As a long-term facility, residents live at the shelter for 12-18 months and are not charged for any of the program’s services and classes. The older children are enrolled in the Kaufman ISD school system, and the younger ones are cared for onsite by staff. Upon completion of the program, the residents will ‘graduate’ having secured outside employment, a vehicle, and living accommodations. It is truly a restart on life!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned to lean into the Lord as He is the only one who knows how, when, and where our path will lead us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GenesisCenter.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/632645190697591
