Jody Powers Announces Retirement After More Than a Decade of Transformational Service

After more than ten years of championing job readiness and second chances in Rutherford County, Jody Powers, founding executive director of Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station, has announced her retirement.

“With the help of so many people, I’ve accomplished what God has called me to do in establishing these two job readiness programs,” Powers shared. “I’m excited to see who God will call to take them to the next level!”

A Vision Sparked by a Simple Desire to “Do Something”

Powers launched Amelia’s Closet in the fall of 2014 with the sacrificial support of family and friends and a growing awareness of the challenges facing women leaving incarceration or navigating other hardships. Many lacked the professional clothing and confidence needed to pursue employment and a fresh start.

Driven by compassion, Powers built partnerships with local nonprofits such as Doors of Hope, Greenhouse Ministries, and many others, so their clients could receive clothing, employment guidance, and encouragement through Amelia’s Closet. Since then, the organization and its dedicated volunteers have helped hundreds of women move “from crisis to career,” transforming not only individual lives but the trajectory of entire families.

From Volunteer Opportunity to New Mission

What began as a plan to engage adults with disabilities as volunteers at Amelia’s Closet soon revealed a deeper need. Many repeatedly expressed a desire for “a real job,” highlighting the lack of local job training opportunities for adults with diverse abilities.

Seeing these volunteers thrive when given responsibility sparked a new vision. That vision became Liberty’s Station, a job training café and community venue that opened in September 2022. Its launch followed an extensive renovation of a former automotive service garage, just one of many obstacles overcome along the way.

Today, Liberty’s Station serves bakery items, gourmet grilled cheese, healthier meal options, and coffee Wednesday through Saturday. It also offers event rental space and a commissary kitchen for community use, all while providing meaningful job training for adults with disabilities.

A Legacy of Faith, Determination, and Impact

Throughout her tenure, Powers and her team, with steadfast support from donors, volunteers, and board members, raised more than $1.8 million to sustain these faith-driven programs.

“This is an expensive endeavor,” Powers noted. “But you can’t put a price on even one changed life.”

Board President Lori Williams praised Powers’ dedication: “Jody epitomizes the words of Micah 6:8: ‘Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.’ Her work has laid a strong foundation that will continue to serve our community for years to come.”

Powers’ final day as executive director will be June 5, a date that also marks her birthday. “This work and these people have been a gift to me and the best gift I can give our community,” she said. “I look forward to what lies ahead for these programs, my future, and God’s glory.”

Continuing the Mission

Both Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station will continue their work under The Collective at Building Hope, operating on the strong framework and vision established by Jody Powers. Her legacy of compassion and opportunity will remain at the heart of both programs as they move into their next chapter.