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.