MEET OUR FACILITATORS

“Recovery Works—When You Work”

Gwendolyn Jones
Lead Facilitator

With a corporate background in Training-Methods & Procedures, I began facilitating my first Shelter from the Storm© support group in September 2008.

For six years (2008-2014) I was the lead facilitator at my local church and was dedicated in facilitating three support groups per week.

Since sexual violence is a part of my personal history I have the insight, compassion, understanding, knowledge of its impact and the process of recovery to overcome the effects of sexual abuse.

I have invested significant time and energy in continuing to educate myself by taking advantage of training opportunities, certifications, webinars and advocacy training to become an effective facilitator.

Letter from the Facilitator

Certifications

2026 - Mental Health Coach Certification - Hope and Healing Center
2023 - Trauma Informed Care and Coaching by Light University American Association of Christian Counselors
2021 - Non Profit Management Certificate Series (Collin College)
2014 - Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist - Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals
2011 - Sexual Assault Advocacy Training - Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center
2010 - Sexual Assault-Hospital Advocacy - Turning Point Rape Crisis Agency
2009 - Certified Belief Therapist, CBT -Therapon Institute
2009 - Sexual Assault Team (SAT) - Denton County Friends of the Family
2009 - Training and Development Certificate Series - CCCCD
2008 - Sexual Assault Advocacy Training -Parkland-Victim Intervention Program (VIP)

Leadership Training & Seminars

2014 - Charter Member - Domestic Violence Advisory Committee (DVAC) - DeSoto, TX Mayor Carl O. Sherman
2009 - Christian Women Leadership & Development Program (CWLDP) - Heartfelt International Ministries (HIM)

Awards & Recognition

2026 - Women of Purpose and Power Award - Power 100 Magazine by Jeanita R. Castille
2025 - Esther Courage Award - Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
2025 - Beautiful Heart Award - Queen of Hearts - Sheryl Van Cole
2024 - Courage Award - Annie's Gifts of Love Foundation, Inc
2022 - Voices of Sexual Abuse Survivors (VOSAS) Magazine
2021 - Esther Award - Leadership Through Action - Genesis Women's Shelter & Support
2021 - Superb Woman of the Day - Texas Metro News
2021 - Fearless Series for Women - Documentary Contributor - Dr. James Reeves
2019 - Life and Work - Voyage Dallas
2018 - EMERGE Award - Helping Women Overcome and Become the Best Version of Themselves - Rachel L. Proctor, Mayor Pro Tem, DeSoto, TX
2014 - Ombudswoman Award - Outstanding Service to the Community Beyond the Call of Duty - South Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club
2013 - City of DeSoto, TX Proclamation - Mayor Carl O. Sherman declared August 13 as "Silent NO More! Taking a STAND against sexual violence" day

Memberships

American Association of Christian Counselors
Toastmasters International
Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce (GSWBCC)
Texas Association of Sexual Assault (TAASA) (2021-2024)
DeSoto Chamber of Commerce
Lancaster Police & Outreach Community - Police Chief Cheryl D. Wilson, Lancaster, TX

“Support That Makes A Difference.”

LaKeshia Grant, LPC
Co-Facilitator

Professionally, Lakeshia Grant has over 8 years experience in working in the mental health field. Since becoming fully licensed in 2014 she has continued to work in psychiatric hospital settings helping those in crisis, from providing individual therapy, leading group therapy or helping families by offering referrals and resources for continued outpatient and community care from ages 10-100.

LaKeshia is currently making strides to open her own counseling practice, focused more at helping women, age 20+ looking for help in dealing with anxiety, depression, trust, rejection & relationship issues, crisis of identity, and trauma just to name a few.

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