Lisa’s story reads like an epic tale filled with near misses, struggle, strength, courage, and triumph – From her life’s experiences she has uncovered her life’s purpose, discovered the power that lies within and recovered her spiritual self and she has emerged as a living testament to God’s Prevailing Peace, Power, and Presence.

Lisa received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Limestone College in 2006. She also completed her master’s degree in Adult Education in 2011. She is currently writing a book on her life and how she overcame her struggles. She is happily married to George Jenkins of 15 years who is an army retired veteran. She is the mother of 7 children and bonus mom to 1 and grandmother to 4 amazing grandchildren.

Lisa is currently on the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board, she also sat on the State of Colorado STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program Implementation Planning Committee, the Transformational Community Engagement & Collaboration (TCEC) Project Advisory Board for Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) and Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

Lisa has advocated for Domestic Violence Victims and underserved youth for over 25 years and spent countless hours volunteering, assisting in the empowerment of others. It is her mission to change the narrative around issues of family violence and childhood and adult.

She was no stranger to need, but the soul-shattering poverty she observed planted the seeds of a vision that God gave her and that eventually became the Kingdom Builders Family Life Center. In April of 2013 she founded Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center. In August of 2018, she became the 1st full-time paid employee of the organization as Executive Director, and as of 2021 because of the growth of the organization that title has changed to Chief Executive Officer. Lisa’s goal is to open a state-of-the-art domestic violence transitional housing for women and their children as well as a Home Away from Home safe house for children that have left unsafe and often violent homes these living conditions.

These services will provide a haven as well as a variety of support measures that will allow
women and children to break the cycle of domestic violence in their lives. Also, to start a
Christian charter school it is our purpose to give students a solid academic foundation while
emphasizing Christian character and patriotism.

Lisa has developed and is continuing to develop a comprehensive network of personal and professional contacts with key community leaders. This will be instrumental in raising the profile of Transitional Housing, a safe house for teens who have left their homes because of violence and/or other dangerous living condition. She wants a safe place for these children to live so they will not be exploited and will be
able to get empowerment as they realize their true worth and become the person GOD created them to be.

We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with CEO Lisa Jenkins to discuss her background, mission for Kingdom Builders and future plans.

Who is Lisa in five words?

Committed, Empathetic, Visionary, Resilient, Inspirational

Tell us about your organization Kingdom Builders? Why is this organization so near and dear to your heart?

 Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center is a non-profit organization founded by me, and I serve as Founder and CEO. The organization provides comprehensive support and resources to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. The organization’s mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment where survivors can heal, rebuild their lives, and break free from the cycle of abuse. Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, educational programs, and transitional housing. This organization holds a special place in my heart due to her personal experience with domestic violence.

I am a survivor of an abusive relationship, and she understands firsthand the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that domestic violence can have on individuals and families. My own journey of healing and empowerment motivated me to establish Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center. I am deeply passionate about helping others who have experienced similar trauma and providing them with the support she wished she had during her own ordeal. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves to live a life free from violence and fear. Through my organization, I aim to break the cycle of abuse, promote healing and resilience, and empower survivors to reclaim their lives. My personal connection to the cause fuels my determination to make a difference. I am dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, advocating for policy changes, and creating a supportive network for survivors. Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center is not just an organization for me; it is a Platform through which I can actively contribute to the well-being and empowerment of others who have experienced domestic violence. My empathy, strength, and personal journey make her a source of inspiration for both the survivors I serve and the community at large. I am commi5ed to fostering a society where domestic violence is not tolerated, and where survivors are supported and uplifted on their path to healing and rebuilding their lives. 

What message do you hope women in your care takeaway from your organization? 

• You are not alone: I want women to understand that they are not alone in their experiences. I want them to know that there is a supportive community ready to stand by their side, provide resources, and help them on their journey to healing and rebuilding their lives. By connecting with Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center, women and men can find a network of individuals who understand their struggles and are committed to their well-being.

• Your voice matters: I believe in the power of each woman’s voice. I want both men and women to recognize the importance of sharing their stories and speaking out against domestic violence. By breaking the silence, they contribute to raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and inspiring others who may be facing similar challenges. I encourage women and men to reclaim their voices and assert their rights to live a life free from violence and fear.

• Healing is possible: I want women and men to know that healing is possible and that they have the strength within them to overcome the trauma they have experienced. Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center provides a range of support services, counseling, and resources to help women navigate their healing journey. Through these services, women and men can gain the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives and create a future that is free from violence.

• Empowerment is key: I believe in the inherent power and resilience of every woman. I hope that women and men in my care will understand their own worth and recognize their capacity to make choices that lead to a life of safety, independence, and happiness. Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center aims to empower women and men by providing education, resources, and opportunities for personal growth and development.

• Support is ongoing: I want women and men to know that support does not end when they leave an abusive situation or complete a program. Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center is committed to providing ongoing support and resources to help women thrive in their post-abuse lives. Whether it’s assistance with housing, employment, legal advocacy, or emotional support, the organization will continue to be there for women and men, helping them navigate the challenges that may arise.

 Overall, I hope that women and men in my care take away a message of hope, resilience, empowerment, and the knowledge that they are deserving of a life free from violence. I want them to understand that they have the support they need to heal, rebuild, and thrive, both within the organization and within themselves. 

How can people in your community support your efforts to bring awareness and assist domestic abuse survivors?

• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills by volunteering at the organization. You can help with various tasks such as crisis hotline support, fundraising events, community outreach, mentoring, or administrative work. Contact the center to inquire about volunteer opportunities and how you can contribute.

• Donate: Make financial contributions to support the organization’s programs and services. Monetary donations help provide essential resources such as shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and educational programs for survivors. You can also donate goods such as clothing, toiletries, or household items to support individuals and families in need.

• Fundraise: Organize or participate in fundraising events to raise funds for Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center. These events can include charity runs, benefit concerts, auctions, or online crowdfunding campaigns. By mobilizing your community and networks, you can generate financial support and increase awareness about domestic abuse.

• Spread awareness: Use your voice and Platforms to raise awareness about domestic abuse and the work of Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center. Share information about the organization on social media, participate in awareness campaigns or host educational workshops in your community. By sharing resources and knowledge, you can help individuals recognize the signs of abuse and know where to seek help.

• Offer professional expertise: If you have professional skills or expertise relevant to the organization’s work, consider offering pro bono services. For example, if you are a lawyer, you can provide legal advice and assistance to survivors. If you are a therapist or counselor, you can offer your services for counseling sessions. By utilizing your skills, you contribute to the comprehensive support provided to survivors.

• Collaborate: Seek opportunities for collaboration between Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center and other organizations or businesses in the community. Encourage partnerships promoting awareness, prevention, and support for domestic abuse survivors. By working together, you can create a more comprehensive and effective network of resources.

• Advocate for policy changes: Support the organization’s advocacy efforts by staying informed about domestic violence legislation and policies. Write le5ers to local representatives, attend town hall meetings, and join grassroots movements that aim to improve laws and support systems for survivors. Your voice can help influence policy changes that protect and empower survivors.

 By engaging in these actions, people in the community can actively support Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center’s efforts to bring awareness to domestic abuse, assist survivors, and work towards creating a society free from violence. 

 What is next for you in entrepreneurship and advocacy? 

Expansion of Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center: My focus will continue to expand the reach and impact of Kingdom Builder’s Family Life Center. This would involve opening new branches or satellite offices to serve more communities and provide support to a larger number of survivors.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Seek opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, businesses, or community leaders to enhance the services and resources available to survivors. By forging partnerships, I can leverage collective expertise and resources to drive greater change and reach a broader audience.

• Advocacy and Policy Reform: Continue my advocacy work by actively engaging with policymakers, legislators, and community stakeholders. Working towards influencing policy changes that strengthen protections for survivors, increase funding for domestic violence programs, and improve the overall response to domestic abuse.

• Educational Initiatives: Focus on developing and implementing educational initiatives aimed at preventing domestic violence and promoting healthy relationships. Involve partnering with schools, universities, or community organizations to provide workshops, training programs, or awareness campaigns.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Branding I Am Lisa Jenkins entrepreneurial venture that complements my work in supporting survivors and raising awareness about domestic abuse. Also, launching social enterprises, creating innovative solutions, or utilizing technology to provide accessible resources and support to survivors.

    There are so many possibilities, and I am just excited to see it all come to life.  

Can you share the importance of getting involved with a local domestic violence shelter/center?  

Getting involved with a local domestic violence shelter or center is crucial for several reasons:  

Support survivors: Domestic violence shelters provide a safe haven for individuals and families escaping abusive situations. By getting involved, you can directly support survivors and contribute to their healing process. Your assistance can provide comfort, empowerment, and a sense of hope to those who have experienced trauma.

Raise awareness: Being actively involved in a domestic violence shelter helps raise awareness about the issue within your community. By educating others and promoting a culture of empathy and support, you can challenge the stigma surrounding domestic violence. This awareness can lead to more informed and compassionate responses from society as a whole.

Offer resources and services: Domestic violence shelters offer a range of services, including crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing. By volunteering or donating to these organizations, you contribute to the availability and accessibility of these vital resources. Your involvement ensures that survivors have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives.

• Prevention and education: Domestic violence is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Shelters and centers often engage in prevention and education initiatives, such as workshops, support groups, and community outreach programs. By participating in these efforts, you help promote healthy relationships, address the root causes of violence, and equip community members with the knowledge and skills to prevent domestic violence.

• Collaborate with professionals: Domestic violence shelters often work closely with professionals from various fields, including social workers, therapists, lawyers, and law enforcement officials. By getting involved, you have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field and contribute your skills and expertise. This collaboration strengthens the overall response to domestic violence and ensures a coordinated effort to support survivors.

• Advocate for change: Domestic violence shelters play a critical role in advocating for policy changes and legal reforms that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. By joining their advocacy efforts, you can contribute to creating a more supportive legal framework and societal response to domestic violence. Your involvement can help drive systemic change and improve the lives of countless individuals and families.

  Overall, getting involved with a local domestic violence shelter or center allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors, raise awareness, provide resources, prevent future violence, collaborate with professionals, and advocate for change.

You can connect with Lisa and Kingdom Builders Online

Website: www.kbflc.org Instagram: @kbflc