Meet the team: the Outreach office manager

Do you ever wonder who answers the phone when you call, or what face you might see when you come to our Outreach office for the first time? Meet Sarah, the office manager at our Outreach location on Lemmon Avenue!

What can one expect when calling or visiting our outreach office?

We are so happy to re-open our Outreach office to continue serving our community. The Outreach office is re-opening in phases: in addition to providing legal, counseling and advocacy services remotely, we are now able to provide in-person services by appointment for those who need it. Our office hours are temporarily from 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. and we will continue to update the Genesis Hub with any changes. Some measures we’re taking to keep our space as safe as possible include regularly sanitizing the office, taking the temperatures of everyone entering the office (both clients and staff), social distancing and providing masks to anyone who may need one. Please call our office at 214.389.7700 if you or someone you love has any questions about our services at this time.

What do you like about working with Genesis?

Connecting with Genesis is a turning point, and it takes a lot of strength to make that first call or come in for the first appointment. I know that each woman who turns to Genesis is important. Her story is unique and she is more than her experience with abuse. She has interests and talents, and brings valuable ideas to the table. I’m grateful to have a job where I see so many amazing women every day.

Tell us about your background.

I became involved with the fight against domestic violence in college through a peer education group called Voices Against Violence. We used interactive theater to start conversations with peers about healthy relationships, bystander advocacy and issues surrounding interpersonal violence. Side note – I actually met my husband in this class!

I spent several years as a job placement case manager with a nonprofit in Austin and helped to start a partnership with the local domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) agency. My work focused on helping DV/SA survivors regain confidence in themselves, re-enter the workforce and transition to independence. So many survivors have been isolated by abusers, and are thus unable to work outside of the home, drive, learn English or network. Abusers sabotage jobs to try to make sure their partners are unable to find work, but so many strong and determined women break through these barriers every day.

What would you like to tell someone who may have questions about their relationship?

Questioning a relationship is normal and healthy. If you feel uneasy in your relationship, it’s worth exploring. Let a trusted friend know what’s on your mind and reach out to a counselor who can help you navigate your feelings. You won’t be forced to leave your partner or make big changes that you’re not ready for. Counseling can be an empowering step to reclaiming a healthy life for yourself.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My favorite thing to do is thrift! I love finding unique home décor and clothes and shoes with character. The Genesis Benefit Thrift is right down the street from our Outreach office, and I ALWAYS find great stuff there. Antiques, art, casual clothes, business attire, cocktail dresses, menswear, kids clothes – a bit of everything. I think my favorite find there was a vintage Bergdorf Goodman double breasted coat for $15!