Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to ending chronic homelessness among women veterans in the Southeast. For these women, the return to civilian life is very hard. Many suffer from issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma.
We provide transitional housing, career training, mental health counseling, life skills classes and education programs that put female veterans back on the path to independence and self-sufficiency.
Genesis also assists homeless female veterans in taking stock of their life experiences. They are given practical and effective tools to take charge of their lives and transform their futures. We know that thousands of lives will be turned around through our programs.
Margaret is a native of Washington, D.C. and is walking in the purpose that God placed her on this earth to fulfill. Inspired by knowing that our freedom isn’t free, and the sacrifices that our veterans make for us every day, she was led in 2011 to create Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter, Inc. (Genesis).
She quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work, as well as giving a hand up, and not a hand out, to our homeless female veterans. She was instrumental in obtaining a property donation valued at $283,000. Genesis is making history by offering the first transitional housing facility in Houston County (Middle Georgia) to house our homeless female veterans. To date, Margaret’s efforts through Genesis have brought in over $500,000 in grant funds and over $300,000 in in-kind donations, including food, professional work clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, furniture, building supplies, donated labor, and toy drives.
Julie Swartzlander spearheads Hazel Tree Group, a marketing and communications company that specializes in the financial, high tech, legal, and nonprofit industries. She has over 25 years of experience in public relations and marketing communications under her belt and is an experienced writer who has authored hundreds of press releases, thought leadership pieces, white papers, and marketing copy. Some of her clients include ADP, AMD, KPMG, Microsoft, Motorola, Sprint and Starbucks.
She strongly believes in giving back to the community and has served on the board of directors for Corpus Christi Literacy Council; provided public relations counsel and support for the American Heart Association and Military Child Education Coalition; and tutored children in Gwinnett County Public Schools. She currently volunteers at her church’s food pantry.
As a Navy wife, Julie personally witnessed the bravery of our nation’s veterans as well as the challenges they often encounter successfully transitioning to civilian life. She has a special interest in female veterans and military families. She is proud to lead the board of directors of Genesis Joy House and also serves as the nonprofit’s senior grant writer.
A Nebraska native, LuAna served in the US Army Signal Corp for seven (7) years before her honorable discharge, during which time she served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. As a military Veteran, LuAna has a strong belief in social responsibility, driving her to play an active role in both professional and community organizations throughout her career. In addition to leading professional Veterans’ affinity groups, Boykins has served several organizations on their mission to help Veterans transition from active duty to a civilian profession through resume support, interview coaching and connecting Veterans to potential employers. Recognized for her efforts in supporting Veteran awareness and employment opportunities, Boykins received a Torch Award for Political Awareness and Involvement in 2016.
Boykins earned her Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis on health care administration from Northcentral University and holds an MBA from Upper Iowa University. LuAna currently serves as the executive of a health care engagement company with responsibility for ensuring the achievement of operating metrics, goals, and objectives; and providing leadership across multiple business functions including contact center operations, retail, digital solution delivery and maintenance, marketing creative and marketing execution, and client reporting.
Dorothy is a native of Water Valley, MS, and a graduate of Alcorn State University where she received her commission as a Second Lieutenant. Following graduation, she embarked upon her military career as an Ordnance Officer. After a career of over 22 years both Active Duty and Reserves, Dorothy retired from the Army in 2011.
She currently resides in Stone Mountain, GA with her husband (CW4 Dario Britton) and their daughter (Sidney, a student at Georgia Institute of Technology University) and their cat (Sockie).
Dorothy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Alcorn State University and an MSA in Human Resources from Central Michigan University. She has extensive administrative and human resources management experience, strategic planning and proven abilities as a corporate steward interacting with multiple levels of management and culturally diverse audiences.
She is the owner and CEO of Phoenix Notary Solutions, LLC providing mobile notary, loan signing, and field inspection services.
She cherishes time spent with her family and friends, attending her church, New Life Church, in Decatur, GA, and supporting her church’s ministries.
David Collignon, SVP of Operations for Blink Fitness leads the sales generation, member experience and operations of 115 company owned and franchise locations nationwide. He has 30+ years of senior executive experience in operations, customer experience, facilities and construction and global sourcing for fitness and retail brands such as Equinox, The Children’s Place, Eddie Bauer J.crew and Calvin Klein. He serves on the Rutgers University Customer Experience Advisory Board. He resides in New Jersey with his wife of 30 years, June and family and serves his church in many capacities. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force.
As a North Carolina native, Sarah Davis completed her Masters of Accounting at North Carolina State University. As a licensed CPA, she has over 15 years of experience as a finance professional from Fortunate 500 Companies to small manufacturing operations. Sarah enjoys merging her professional knowledge and love of service to support nonprofit operations for sustained success in enabling them to best serve and meet their mission. Previously she has volunteered as Big Sister for the Big Sister Foundation of Boston. She currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and enjoys spending her free time with her three dogs.
Ms. Holland is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Illinois in Spanish and Russian, and holds a Masters Degree as a State Department Fellow in Latin American Studies from the University of Wisconsin. After completing her Masters, Ms Holland served as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force. After six years of service, the Air Force sent Ms Holland to law school at DePaul University College of Law.
Counsel and through the twenty-five years of service, she reached the Deputy and then for the last fifteen years she reached the executive level of General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in highly regulated, global employers. As an ESF expert, she has served as Secretary to the Boards of Directors and Boards of Trustees. She served as an Advisory Member to the Board of Trustees to John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
Mandy Hazelton is a United States Air Force veteran who served 20 years as an Aerospace Medical Technician. She is currently serving as a hospitality coordinator for the Robins AFB Chapel where she arranges events and programs for the well-being and morale of Airmen. Additionally, Mandy is a certified resiliency trainer and has a Masters of Arts in Communications, Media, Arts and Production management from Regent University. She assists the Public Relations team with marketing and promotions.
Tammy is a native of Rome, GA and a graduate of Fort Valley State University where she received her degree in Mathematics Education. Following graduation, she embarked upon her career in education. She taught high school mathematics, was an Intervention Specialist, and a high school and middle school principal. She also served as an adjunct professor for Fort Valley State University.
She has extensive administrative experience in education. One of her greatest accomplishments was being given the opportunity to build and name Thomson Middle School. After 30 years in education, Tammy retired from the Houston County School system.
She currently resides in Kathleen, GA with her husband (T. Anthony). Tammy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education from Fort Valley State University. She also holds a Masters and an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Georgia College and State University.
She is the owner and CEO of Dunndaful Creations, LLC providing customized t-shirts, cutting boards and dolls.
She cherishes time spent with her grandchildren, family and friends, attending her church and attending professional football and basketball games.
Joyce is currently a nursing professor at Middle Georgia State University. She is an advanced nurse practitioner. Joyce’s husband is a reservist in the U.S. Air Force. She has a daughter attending Kennesaw State University, a son at Middle Ga State University and a daughter in middle school.
Joyce holds a master in nursing leadership and adult gerontology advanced practice. She has been a nurse for 18 years in various areas to include education, leadership, cardiology and community health. Joyce is a US Air Force veteran and grew up traveling as a military dependent with her family.