Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Lisek.
Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since May was Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ll share that 11 years ago, I experienced a mental health crisis and was hospitalized for mental health treatment. That experience shaped who I am today and gave me a deeper understanding of what it feels like to struggle, feel isolated, and need support during a difficult season of life. It also gave me a passion for helping others and advocating for mental health awareness and support.
In addition to my personal journey, I have spent the past 14 years working in the Human Services field, serving at various nonprofit organizations throughout the Chicagoland area. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work directly with diverse populations facing a wide range of challenges, while also serving in leadership roles that helped me develop skills in program management, community engagement, team leadership, and nonprofit operations. Those experiences gave me valuable insight into both the needs within our communities and the power that compassionate support can have in someone’s life.
As I combined my personal experiences with my professional background, I became increasingly aware of how many people are facing challenges related to mental health, loneliness, and life’s unexpected hardships. I wanted to create a simple but meaningful way to encourage others and remind them that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
In 2020, that desire led me to found Grace in Love, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading hope and encouragement (graceinlove.org). We are a 100% volunteer-run organization that sends free encouraging care packages to individuals across the country. Each package is filled with donated items, uplifting messages, and reminders that someone cares.
As our mission expanded, we also launched a free online blogging platform where people can share stories of hope, encouragement, and resilience. We believe that people heal through connection, and that sharing our experiences can help others feel less alone (graceinlove.org/blog).
Today, Grace in Love, Inc. continues to operate through the generosity of volunteers, donors, and supporters who believe in the power of kindness. While we are still growing and working toward securing our first grant, our mission remains simple: to bring hope, encouragement, and connection to people who may be struggling.
In addition to my nonprofit work, I am also the author of three books. Writing has become another way for me to encourage and connect with others by sharing messages of hope, resilience, faith, and personal growth.
My personal experience taught me the importance of compassion, and my professional experience gave me the tools to turn that passion into action. Together, those experiences have shaped the work I do today and continue to inspire me to serve others through Grace in Love, Inc. and beyond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since founding the nonprofit six years ago, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing the many roles I’ve held in my personal and professional life while also running a nonprofit in my free time. Like many nonprofit founders, much of the work behind the scenes happens during evenings, weekends, and whatever spare moments I can find. Throughout these six years, I have volunteered my time and have not received any compensation for my work with the organization. It has been challenging but rewarding because I believe deeply in the mission and the impact it has on the people we serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of Grace in Love, inc. . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Grace in Love, inc. is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization with a mission to spread hope and encouragement. We do that by offering an online platform (graceinlove.org) where people can submit a request to receive a free, encouraging care package; become a blogger and post uplifting content on our free blogging platform to encourage someone else; and/or find inspirational/helpful resources.
In addition to my nonprofit work, I am the author of three books focused on faith, encouragement, and personal growth. My first book, “Grace in Love: Experiencing the Transformational Change of God’s Grace”, explores the power of God’s grace in our lives. I also wrote “You Can Do This!” An Inspirational Coloring Book, which combines creativity with uplifting messages, and “From Anxiety to Peace: A 30-Day Guide”, which offers encouragement and practical tools for managing anxiety and finding peace. Writing has become another way for me to share hope, inspire resilience, and support others on their personal journeys.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Our nonprofit offers a free blogging platform at graceinlove.org/blog for anyone that is interested in becoming a blogger to post uplifting content to inspire others. I am so grateful for the guest bloggers that have contributed over the years! We have also interviewed people to feature on the blog in order to share inspiring stories to spread hope and encouragement. If anyone is interested in either becoming a blogger, sharing their story on the blog, or helping support our nonprofit to help us send more free, encouraging care packages- contact us via our website (graceinlove.org).
One of the most unexpected blessings of my journey has been the connections I’ve made through social media. I initially started posting on Instagram as a way to share encouragement, promote mental health awareness, and spread the mission of Grace in Love, Inc. Over time, those posts led to meaningful connections with people and organizations across the country. One of those connections introduced me to Inside Success TV, which ultimately led to an interview opportunity and being selected to appear on their new television series, Next Level CEO, featuring Daymond John from Shark Tank. It’s been an exciting experience, and I’m looking forward to my episode airing soon. This opportunity has reinforced for me that you never know where a simple act of sharing your story may lead or whose life it might impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graceinlove.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylynnlisek
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylynnlisek
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amylynnlisek
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@grace.in.love.inc
