Who We Are

Our Vision

The Vision of

Amelia’s Closet

Amelia’s Closet is a faith-based 501(c)3 organization that helps reduce poverty in our communities by preparing women for sustainable employment.

“Greenhouse Ministries is excited about ‘Amelia’s Closet’ and the services it will offer clients as well as the clients of other networking agencies in the community. Offering encouragement and hope, and building self-esteem is so basic to uncovering the dreams that are sometimes buried because of circumstances.”

JANE SHARP, Co-Founder & Executive Director

GREENHOUSE MINISTRIES

“The services provided by Amelia’s Closet’s new program fills a void of much-needed services and resources for adults with special needs… it is a great step towards setting up those individuals for success within the workplace. This program will not only enhance the quality of life for the participants and their caregivers but also enrich the community of Rutherford County.”

ALEXIS RAMSEY, CTRS

ABILITIES PROGRAM DIRECTOR

SPECIAL KIDS, INC.

Our History

The idea for Amelia’s Closet began developing years ago. As formerly incarcerated women would visit Jody’s church, she often wished they had a clothing closet to assist them in making a fresh start. Since she resigned from her full-time job, God has continually confirmed that she was supposed to help fill this need. Jody researched names for “hope” and found “Amelia” means hope, and industrious, striving, and admiring – the type of women we desire to help (and happens to be her first granddaughter’s name).

This God-sized dream is now her passion. We, at Amelia’s Closet, want to prepare women for meaningful, sustainable employment in order to make a difference in their families’ lives and reduce the risk of poverty in our communities.

Joel & Jody Powers, Founders

Amelias Closet Founders Jody and Joel Powers

Our Executive Board

Every board member is a wife and mother who is creative, driven, compassionate, and has a big vision for Amelia’s Closet. Each member also represents a successful family-owned business. We have experience in graphic design, banking, event planning, fundraising, teaching, coaching, sales, volunteerism, office management, marketing, and customer service.

Mrs. Jody Powers

Founding Executive Director

Jody resigned from her thirty-year graphic design career and now her passion revolves around making a positive difference in people’s lives through Amelia’s Closet. Jody and her husband, Joel, are active church members. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. Jody also taught high school photojournalism, and together they coached girl’s high school fast pitch softball, winning four state championships. Jody’s other work experience includes marketing, customer service, and job training. Joel helped start the USA Today Rack Center in Murfreesboro, then worked at Gannett’s other Middle Tennessee locations as Circulation Manager in charge of sales and logistics. He is currently the Operations Manager at Turner Machine Company in Smyrna.

Mrs. Lori Thomas

Vice-President

Lori Thomas is a life-long resident of Murfreesboro and is passionate about serving Christ and her community through non-profit organizations. Lori and her husband, Mike, have two boys. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, learning, and traveling. Lori has a degree in elementary education and has 19 years experience in teaching and school administration. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has owned and operated two successful businesses in Murfreesboro. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and volunteers at several non-profits that serve the poor, homeless, orphaned, and marginalized in our community and around the world.

Mrs. Gwen Turner

Secretary/Treasurer

Gwen has a passion for serving people and she enjoys fixing meals to encourage others. Gwen and her husband, Jeff, are active church members. They have three daughters and have owned a successful business for nineteen years. Gwen began her career in the insurance business where she processed claims. She has been the Human Resource Administrator for their business for nineteen years where she handles customer service, new employees, insurance, and other financial responsibilities.

Mrs. Candy Russell

Board Member

Candy feels her God-given talent is that of a helper. Candy and her husband, Frank, are active church members. Candy also volunteers in a local jail ministry. Candy and Frank have five children. They’ve owned a successful business for twenty-four years. After college, Candy worked as a secretary for a large insurance company. Her other work experience includes kindergarten teacher, high school secretary, and drama teacher.

Advisory Council

Diane Baker
Beth Blankenship
Rebecca Bratcher

Jennifer Dimeck
Mike James
Ruth James

Joel Powers
Bill Rawnsley
Gina Urban