KAUFMAN, TX- For over two decades, the Genesis Center North Texas has quietly but powerfully transformed lives—offering a safe haven for women and children facing domestic violence, homelessness, and addiction. In this InForney exclusive interview, Executive Director Amanda Lewis shares the heart behind the mission, the daily realities of the work, and how the community can get involved in this life-changing ministry.
Can you describe the mission of Genesis Center, and what services it offers?
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 substance 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!
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. It is also not exclusive to the residents of Kaufman County alone. The program houses on average 20-25 women plus 7 children on a monthly basis. The children are enrolled in the Kaufman ISD school system.
Genesis Center North Texas is a 501c (3) entity and does not receive state or federal funds. It is solely supported by private donors, churches, benevolent businesses, and revenue generated by its onsite thrift store.
What are some of the biggest challenges the women who come to Genesis Center are facing when they seek assistance?
One of the biggest challenges the women face when they first come to Genesis Center North Texas is the ability to let go and let God take over. Many have come from relationships where there was a fight or flight mentality. Knowing that this is a safe haven and a resting place requires a new way of thinking. It is a time to get some rest – both physically and emotionally – and allow the spirit within them begin to heal. A second challenge is learning to live in an environment with so many other women, of which all are broken and on their own journey. They learn to give grace to others and not take offense so easily.
The Genesis Center combines comprehensive financial and emotional support (housing, classes, food, job assistance) with spiritual mentoring– can you tell us how these approaches complement each other?
The basic needs – food, clothing, and shelter – are the first needs that are met. Spiritual healing can’t take place until the basic human needs are met first. When these are addressed first, the spiritual and emotional healing is more accepted and successful. We are called to address all these needs. Following the progress of healing (through counseling as well) can the last piece fit in which is helping them with job placement, purchasing a car, and securing housing before they graduate the program.
Can you share a success story that really stands out to you?
Here is a video that was highlighted at Lakepointe Church.
As Executive Director, what does a typical day look like for you at the Genesis Center?
Having oversight of the onsite thrift store, I start my day with prayer. The staff at the thrift store and I sit down to read a devotion and say prayers over each other and the ministry. Following that I head across the parking lot the residential center - and considering the age of the facility - I usually am approached about something breaking! We try our best to stay on top of facility improvements, but there always seems to be a surprise. The day may also start with a needed conflict resolution meeting between residents that involve staff intervention. There are hugs throughout the day. I meet with volunteers, and at times have speaking engagements throughout the day. I run a hundred to nothing up and down the halls and have been told you need to catch Amanda in a minute or you may not see her for the rest of the day! I take girls to various appointments – at times that may court or to apply for food stamps. There is no typical day.
What types of services or programs do you think are most impactful for the women you serve?
The classes on sexual abuse, boundaries, communication, and bible studies are all important; and yet there are two really key services that help provide a better sense of confidence. Those would be when we help obtain IDs/ drivers licenses and when residents receive new teeth. A lot of the women here need dental care, and we are blessed to have 4 local dentists who ‘adopt’ residents s to prepare a better smile. We could always use more. There is a sense of joy and confidence that many have not had before. As for the IDs, this opens up doors for getting a car and a job. Both are very impactful to so many of them.
How can members of the community get involved or support the Genesis Center’s mission?
Volunteer and donate! We can always use groups to help on the property, work in the thrift store (our biggest funding source), or teach new classes. Since we are a nonprofit 501(c )3, we need funding from local churches, businesses, and individuals. We have a $1.1M budget that needs to be covered.
What do you wish more people knew or understood about women dealing with domestic violence, addiction, or homelessness?
That most of these circumstances are a process of recovery. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to leave a domestic violence relationship before they are successful. Many these situations stem from sexual abuse or neglect since childhood that was out of their control. There is no one perfect way to break the cycle but having new found hope in something greater than self is key. Many of these three areas are also intertwined and it may take a new location such as Genesis Center North Texas to finally be able to address all at the same time.
What is the best way to encourage someone who needs help to reach out to the Genesis Center?
They need to make that first call! Depending on the situation, if Genesis Center North Texas isn’t the right fit, we will make every effort to find resources for that individual. It is a very brave move to make that first step, but it is worth it in the end. Every women’s current situation does not have to be long term. We all have seasons in our life, and Genesis Center North Texas is here to help in that transformation to the next chapter.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or goals for the future of Genesis Center?
That we can expand its facility by rebuilding and staff to accommodate even more women and children in crisis.