Hidden Gems: Meet Jody Powers of Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody Powers.

Hi Jody, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For years, I noticed a problem that needed to be addressed but it was too big of a job for me. I wasn’t qualified.

Growing up, I was a shy, highly insecure introvert, and a follower type more than a leader type; some of that has never left me. I still prefer working behind the scenes. The problem I witnessed was real but I thought, what could I possibly do to make a difference? I convinced myself that that huge task wasn’t for me to deal with. So I didn’t.

Years later, God had been nudging me for months to resign from my eighteen-year position as a graphic designer. I wasn’t fulfilled in that role anymore. So I resigned and it wasn’t until I nervously stepped one trusting foot into the proverbial “swelling shores of the Jordan River,” that God then parted the waters by sending my husband a different job opportunity that would compensate for me not working. (He wasn’t even looking for a different job!)

I was enjoying my new role as a stay-at-home wife and Nana but after five weeks, God reminded me of that “problem that needed to be addressed” from years past: I had a burden for women visiting my church after they had been released from jail. I could tell they felt insecure about their appearance, and I wondered, “If no one is helping them with church attire, who in the world is helping them with business attire to start their new life?!”

The idea for “Amelia’s Closet” – a clothier of hope, was soon created, and within two days, the name and logo (my only comfort zone task) were created. I asked a few friends to help me with my newfound passion for the making, and fortunately, they all said yes.

Amelia’s Closet “Provides professional apparel & hope to deserving women as they open the employment door.” We give women a second chance at making a great first impression as they reenter the workforce. We assist the disabled, elderly, veterans, and those released from jail, rehab, and shelters. We provide personal shopping experiences in our beautiful shop and gift these women with outfits for job interviews, makeovers head to toe, employment tips; and then two seasonal wardrobes after they are hired. It’s so much more than clothes. We give these women dignity and hope for their journey.

Our main volunteer source has always been adults with disabilities. We became a life and job skills training site for four agencies that assist adults with disabilities. These volunteers loved coming to work at Amelia’s Closet each month, and several asked for a job there. I could see their potential and their desire to have meaningful work to do. I then became burdened to do something more about this issue.

“Liberty’s Station” – fueled by potential, is now open! “Serving individuals with employment barriers through meaningful job training and placement by developing their God-given potential.” Basically, it’s a food truck and coffee cafe that trains and employs adults with disabilities or with other employment barriers. This paid job internship program includes food service, hospitality, custodial, retail, bakery, and barista training throughout the week, along with event rental space.

It is open to the public for lunch Thursdays through Saturdays, 11a-2p. Our menu is simple – ten different gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, salad, sweets, and amazing coffee. We plan to expand those hours as we have more funding and volunteers to fill in the gaps.

I still like to work behind the scenes. But this is what I call fulfilling work!

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?
Opening both of these community programs has not been an easy journey.

Paperwork is endless and renovating both facilities in order to have a place to serve has been very challenging. But the largest stressor continues to be funding these endeavors. The community has been very supportive, but we operate with a vision that is larger than our budget.

We’ve been impressed with Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Amelia’s Closet is a 501(c)3 that assists women and teen girls that are transitioning from hardship situations to the workforce. We focus on helping them make a great first impression as they seek sustainable employment. We treat them with dignity as they become the best version of themselves, that they’ve either forgotten or have never seen before.

Liberty’s Station is a social enterprise where we are not only known for our amazing lunches but a unique job training facility for individuals with employment obstacles, mainly disabilities. We are seeing lives changed because we’re giving these special friends a safe place to succeed in so many areas. One intern recently wrote to me that “You’re turning me into someone that I’ve always wanted to be.” Our food and facility are top-notch and there’s nothing like it in Middle Tennessee.

What matters most to you?
The most important thing is glorifying God in service to others. He created everyone with a purpose and we should help people find both their purpose and success while using the gifts He has given them in a fulfilling way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AmeliasCloset.org/ https://LibertysStationTN.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliascloset_org/ and https://www.instagram.com/libertysstationtn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmeliasCloset.org https://www.facebook.com/LibertysStationTN/ 

Image Credits
John Goodman Photography