February 2026 Press Release

Press Release February 6, 2026 

MURFREESBORO, TN – February 6, 2026 – Jody Powers, founding executive director of Amelia’s  Closet and Liberty’s Station, has announced her retirement. “With the help of so many people,  I’ve accomplished what God has called me to do in establishing these two job readiness programs,” Powers said. “I’m excited to see who God will call to take them to the next level!” 

With the sacrificial support of family and friends—and a simple desire to “do something,” as the song lyric says—Jody established Amelia’s Closet in the fall of 2014. She was moved by the challenges facing women leaving incarceration and other hardships with no means to dress appropriately as they pursued employment and a new beginning. Jody established relationships with numerous area nonprofits including Doors of Hope, Greenhouse Ministries, and many others – so that those agencies would refer their clients to Amelia’s Closet for clothing assistance. 

By providing professional apparel, employment guidance, hope and confidence, Amelia’s Closet and its caring volunteers have helped hundreds of women go from crisis to career, changing the trajectory of entire families. 

What began as a plan to engage adults with disabilities as volunteers at Amelia’s Closet soon revealed an additional calling. As these eager individuals repeatedly asked for “a real job,” it became clear there was a need for more job training opportunities in the community. Watching these volunteers light up when given responsibility and succeed in their own accomplishments confirmed the vision. 

That vision became Liberty’s Station, which opened in September 2022 after overcoming numerous obstacles in the renovation of a former automotive service garage. Today, the job training café and venue serves bakery items, gourmet grilled cheese, healthy options and coffee  Wednesday through Saturday, while also offering event rental space and a commissary kitchen  for the community. 

With the help of her amazing team, board, and faithful supporters, Jody has raised more than $1.8 million to sustain these faith-driven programs. “This is an expensive endeavor,” she said, “but you can’t put a price on even one changed life.” 

“Jody epitomizes the words of Micah 6:8: ‘Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God’,” said Board President Lori Williams. “Her work has laid a strong foundation that will continue to serve our community for years to come.” 

Jody’s final day as executive director will be, appropriately, June 5 th – her birthday. “This work and these people have been a gift to me, and the best gift I can give our community,” she said. “I  look forward to what lies ahead—for these programs, my future and God’s glory.” 

Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station will continue their missions under the umbrella of The Collective at Building Hope, guided by the strong framework and vision established by Jody Powers. 

The Collective at Building Hope, a 501(c)3 organization, works to reduce poverty in the Middle Tennessee community through Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station by providing individuals  facing employment obstacles with training, coaching, encouragement, and the hope and  confidence they need to achieve sustainable employment and financial stability.