Unfortunately, for many women, the word “shelter” conjures up images of dirty, unsafe housing. Genesis is anything but. In fact, it more closely resembles a sorority house than an emergency shelter. The living room is nicely decorated in warm tones with stylish furniture. The women and their children eat in a dining room, which sits just off the very contemporary, full-service kitchen where an in-house cook provides lunch and dinner. Breakfast is self-served. Each family has their own room and all are simple yet comfortable. As for the kids, they have plenty to keep them occupied including two playrooms, a study room complete with several computers, and an outdoor play area.

All of these amenities are provided by private funding: foundations, corporations and individual contributions. Genesis does not solicit nor accept government funding. Because of this, the organization is tasked with putting on several fundraisers per year including a 5K run, a holiday program and a golfing event. In addition, Genesis runs a thrift store and sells their award-winning cookbook year round. But by far, their biggest event is the Mother’s Day luncheon which always attracts impressive keynote speakers, like this year’s address by former President George Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush. Mr. Bush’s powerful opening line, “What kind of coward beats his wife or his girlfriend?” resonated with the 2,000-person audience. Langbein admits that she’s most proud of this particular fundraiser, which started as a 150-person event nine years ago. “It not only raises money but it raises awareness,” she says.

Besides the $3 million per year it takes to run Genesis, the organization also relies on a team of about 200 volunteers. “Without our volunteers, we couldn’t run,” says Lacy Deckard, Genesis’ Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteer opportunities include everything from baby-sitting children while their mothers attend counseling to attending court proceedings on family violence in support of the women at Genesis. Volunteers can also work in the thrift store, represent Genesis at health fairs and answer the hotline. The group includes working women, retirees, stay-at-home moms, college students and (yes!) even men. While men are discouraged from answering the hotline, all other areas are open. “We love to have men come out to the shelter and shoot hoops with the kids. They need that positive male influence. [It shows them that] there are great guys. They can be one of these great guys,” says Deckard.