Genesis names new interim director

[JUNE 11, 2005]  Genesis Ministries, a local startup ministry organized to provide long-term care to women from abused and addictive backgrounds, has moved ahead with plans to open their facility by naming an interim director of operations. Dr. Henry "Hank" Kerr agreed to accept the position to move the ministry forward toward an anticipated October 2005 date of accepting women at the facility.

Genesis received the former Bartmann Nursing Home property, located in rural Atlanta, in March 2003. The facility had been looted, vandalized and had received inappropriate maintenance prior to its closing sometime in late 2000. When Genesis received the building the property was thought to be in grave condition. Since its acquisition, donations have been received for renovating the former nursing home, and volunteers have given thousands of hours of their time to recast the facility into a home suitable for a community of women striving to remold their lives.

Kerr brings specific talents to the position. He founded Lincoln Pastoral Counseling Services, serving as director and as a member of the counseling staff. Prior to his pastoral counseling career, he retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel after 22 years of service and moved to Lincoln in 1978. He has been married to Elizabeth for almost 50 years, and they have three married children and 11 living grandchildren. The Genesis board of directors confidently called Kerr to this position because of his background in bringing things together, delegating authority and caring for people.

Debra Hoover has accepted the position of assistant interim director to assist Kerr in bringing about the final transition of Genesis. A registered nurse and currently a counseling student at Lincoln Christian Seminary, Mrs. Hoover also brings to Genesis a rich background in caring for people.

Genesis is currently requesting volunteers to help get the facility finished and commitments from people to help fund the ministry. To get involved, please e-mail [e-mail] or phone [phone].

[Genesis Ministry Project news release]