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Life is often unpredictable, and for many, the road to success is far from linear. For Lisa Carpenter, the journey has been one of immense challenges, personal growth, and unwavering faith. From overcoming addiction to becoming a guiding light for others, her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of redemption.
After graduating high school, Lisa enrolled in a two-year college, majoring in Business. However, life took a drastic turn when she fell victim to peer pressure, struggled with drug addiction, faced teenage pregnancy, and endured domestic abuse. These challenges led her down a dark path for several years, leaving her in despair. But as often happens with people who refuse to give up, she found a way to rise.
Through rehabilitation, Lisa overcame her battles and emerged stronger. In 1996, she proudly graduated as an accountant, marking the beginning of her new chapter. It was during this time that she opened her heart to God and found a deeper sense of purpose. She felt called to not only help others but to serve as a spiritual guide, especially for the youth. This desire led her to pursue work in spiritual counseling and mentoring.
As her life continued to evolve, she took a leap of faith by founding Divine Ministries Outreach Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Since its inception in 2006, the ministry has been a beacon of hope for the youth and families in the community. Through the nonprofit, Lisa and her team have offered a variety of services, from after-school programs and life skills education to computer and music workshops. They have also provided spiritual counseling, transportation, and consultation services to those in need.
One of the most impactful programs she created is the Summer Youth Blast Youth Outreach Social Event. Held annually for 13 summers at Perry Sampson Park, this event serves as a source of inspiration for young people and their families. With the goal of encouraging youth to overcome life’s obstacles, the event has become a beloved tradition in the community. It features the Word of God, testimonies, food, games, prizes, a water slide, a bounce house, and even a special treat from "Mama Rose Italian Ice." A highlight of the event is the Leaving A Legacy initiative, where two deserving community members are honored for their contributions.
In recent years, the nonprofit has expanded its outreach efforts, launching a clothing resource ministry that helps local communities and travels to provide clothing to those in need. This is just one example of Lisa’s relentless commitment to giving back and helping others.
Her vision for the future is to expand her outreach efforts even further, with the hope of opening her own counseling agency and housing outreach program for at-risk youth transitioning out of juvenile facilities. She wants to provide them with a fresh start, offering guidance, support, and opportunities for a brighter future.
Through it all, Lisa has learned the importance of embracing failure as a learning experience. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: "Look at each failure in your life as a learning point for your success." She believes that no matter how many times life knocks you down, each setback is an opportunity to grow and move closer to your true purpose. Lisa has come to understand how much strength she possesses, how intelligent and capable she is, and how important it is to help others rise above their circumstances
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