PRESIDENT - Lisa M. Dawkins
Ms. Dawkins has been fundamental in establishing the foundation of The Padgett House, Inc. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in a non-profit organization for ten years assisting unwed teenage mothers with case management, counseling, parenting classes, and group therapy while conducting community outreach and performing home visits with women and children in need of assistance. Ms. Dawkins is licensed as a Lead Teacher and worked for a program in the Boston Public High School system as a Case Manager. Since moving to Atlanta Georgia, she took on the role of being a nanny and house manager for a prominent family. Lisa Dawkins' passion in life is to help and care for children in any way she can. She decided the best way to accomplish her life long dream is by starting a non-profit organization along with other family members who have the same passion and desire to make a difference in other people’s lives, especially the lives of children. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, directing the current and future centers along with the Vice President, advising the Board and carrying out tasks assigned by the Board and supervising the Staff. She will devote forty to fifty hours per week to the organization.
Vice President / Director - Micheal Lewis
Mr. Lewis has been a pillar of strength to The Padgett House. As an ordained minister from Boston, Massachusetts, he has worked in the youth prison ministry for sixteen years. At Refuge Church of Christ, Michael Lewis was the Assistant Pastor and worked in the Adult Sunday School Department. Mr. Lewis along with other family members decided to start a program mentoring children whose parents are incarcerated and households where parents are absent for various other reasons. Michael Lewis has witnessed the negative impact of absent parents on children first hand. He believes that the best way to utilize the talents his Lord and Savior have given him will be to help the children that come from this type of environment. Michael Lewis is presently serving as a Youth Minister at Mount Ridge Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. Michael will devote forty to fifty hours a week to the organization and the program. Together with the President, he will advise the Board and carry out tasks assigned by the Board, assist in personnel management and supervise the staff.
Director / Volunteer Coordinator - Sharon Lewis
Sharon Lewis is truly the driving force behind The Padgett House! Mrs. Lewis has been the primary source in developing and spearheading the organization, while making many personal sacrifices. Mrs. Lewis has been instrumental in putting together a fundraising drive at The Women's Enrichment Center in Dalton, Georgia. Her mission at the center was to foster religion as a foundation for helping teenage girls and women to abstain from sexual activities until such time as marriage. Mrs. Lewis is praised for inspiring her family's idea, powering it with her faith, and driving it with her determination to help those in need. Since inception, Mrs. Lewis has accomplished many significant milestones, including establishing the organization's foundation, making valuable connections within the community, establishing fundraising initiatives, and gaining the support of all she comes in contact with on a daily basis. Mrs. Lewis will continue overseeing and organizing operations by finding qualified members, volunteers, and professionals to assist in the furtherance of our programs.
Chair of the Board/ Administrative Director - Natasha Liburd
Ms. Liburd first came to the organization as a volunteer and was later voted onto the Board as a result of her hard work and diligence to further the efforts of The Padgett House. Natasha brings her many years of business experience working for Fortune 500 companies and small business owners. Currently, she works as a Business Manager for the University of Georgia and is pursuing her creative gifts as part owner of Heart of Decor - a full service decorating company. Ms. Liburd will serve the Board in an advisory position, prepare correspondence, assist with administrative needs, and provide further assistance as needed.
Treasurer / Manager - Deborah Fofanah
Mrs. Fofanah is credited as the driving force behind The Padgett House, Inc. Mrs. Fofanah is a Real Estate Investor and Property Manager by trade, but recognized the significance of The Padgett house program early on. Mrs. Fofanah worked closely with Sharon Lewis to start the organization. Mrs. Fofanah serves as the Treasurer by managing the finances, attending board meetings, and assisting with managing the centers. Deborah also holds a certificate in Day Care Management. Mrs. Fofanah gained her qualifications through her personal and professional experience and she has demonstrated a commitment to the purpose and goals of our organization.
Secretary - Patricia Jackson
Mrs. Jackson has more than twenty-five years of administrative and management experience that include managing health services for prestigious Wellesley College. In addition, she has been a host mom for many foreign exchange students as well as a foster mom for children. Patricia Jackson is currently employed as a realtor for Metro Brokers in the Atlanta area. She decided our program was the best way to utilize her talents and have an instrumental role in The Padgett House organization. As the secretary of the organization, she is responsible for recording the minutes of our board meetings, coordinating the work flow, and preparing the agenda of the programs. Patricia will work as needed to accomplish her duties.
Open Positions- to be filled in the future Although we have not begun hiring for open positions yet, we plan to employ a Social Worker and qualified Teachers to run the After School Program. Our social worker will be an integral part of our program with proven and measured experience working in similar programs. That person will provide counseling services to the children enrolled in the program and set up the structure of our group therapy classes. We will compensate all hired staff at fair market value.
Our Mission
We believe that no child should feel unwanted or unloved. Our Lord And Savior has required of us all to love and help each other, especially our children. This belief is an intregal part of our mission in making a difference in the lives of our children today. We will give the children in our community a second place they can call home.
We Educate
We at The Padgett House, Inc. will educate by providing tutoring classes, computer literacy classes, home economics, arts & crafts, individual and group counseling, and case management coupled with outreach services.
We will also offer a wide range of activities such as sports, games, acting, poetry, reading, and dance.
The Padgett House 24 Hour Child Care Center will offer a comprehensive pre-K curriculim.
Our Stand
Our stand at The Padgett House is that no child should feel as though they missed the opportunity to experience the joy of being a child. We are commited to creating a supportive network of individuals to nurture and care for the children we serve in order to ensure that they grow up to become whole, healthy, contributing members of society.
We Provide
We at The Padgett House will provide a Transitional Home, an After School program, and a 24 hour Child Care Center for battered women and their children, children who's parents are incarcerated, and children who live in a single parent home.
