Armaryllis Lewis

Not-for-profit offers transitional services for abused women

As President of the Board and Executive Director of Transitional Life Connections, Inc. (TLC), Amaryllis Lewis' work reflects her life experiences. TLC, a not-for-profit organization, provides housing and support services to women in transition and crisis. Lewis, a Bronx, New York native, was herself in a domestic violence situation when she moved to Indianapolis with her two young children. That experience led her to found TLC and become a leader in transitional services for women.

A Martin University graduate with a Master of Social Work from Indiana University, Lewis leads transitional programs at two centers, Vivian's Place which opened in 1999 and Martha's House which opened in 2003. She's proud of TLC's survival and growth since 1999 despite the fact that the organization has no grant money, but is supported by fees from clients and church donations.

Small Business Training

Lewis enrolled in the Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana's (BOI) Business Beginnings course. At the time, she was working with a client who was interested in starting a business. So the two of them enrolled together in the BOI course. The course covers such topics as goal setting, business planning, marketing, legal forms of business, insurance, product and service pricing and financial management.

Lewis found the BOI course helpful. "The course taught me to be more business like. The course presenters were inspirational. When you finish the course you have a tangible business plan."

At first thought it might seem that Lewis is out-of-step with other BOI graduates who have started for profit businesses. But, Lewis believes otherwise. "I'm a business woman. Business is business. I'm accountable for these clients. I have liability. I work in a professional manner. We plan our day. We have a vision statement. It's the same thing."

24 X 7 Work Day

Lewis is on call 24 X 7. "I might get a call from a woman in crisis at 3 a.m." Her work includes interviewing candidates for transitional housing, determining their needs and finding services in the community that might meet these needs. She describes herself as a "community person" and she works closely with other organizations in the community to identify appropriate services for her clients.

Future Plans

Lewis would like to expand her efforts to help women and families in crisis. She would like to start a for profit business that would be staffed by clients in transitional housing facilities. Her long term vision is to start a family center that would provide a one-stop shop for family services.

Positive Advice

Based on her experience in starting a not-for-profit organization, Lewis offers sound advice to potential entrepreneurs. "Don't be afraid. If you have a passion just do it. Align yourself with a business mentor, someone who can follow you through your journey."