EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer T. Graham | Founder & Executive Director
Jen loves to give hope to others through acts of kindness. She has learned firsthand what it means to be a single mother and depend on the help of others to reach her goals in life. Her parents, Reverend Dr. Johnny and Nora Graham, have been instrumental in her success and God has used them to help her overcome several challenges in her life. She founded Shelter From the Rain in 2010 with the vision to enhance the lives of single mothers and their children. She has been recognized in her community and honored for her acts of community service and professionalism including the Step Up’s Outstanding Advocacy Award, the Women Rock Award and United Way’s Women Who Rule Award.
Jen grew up in Warren, Ohio and graduated from Howland High School. She is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design where she majored in Graphic Design and minored in Advertising. She has earned her MBA in Marketing from Saint Leo University and was the Creative Marketing Director for T.H.A. Group, an in-home healthcare company, in downtown Savannah, Georgia for 11 years. T.H.A. Group’s mission is to provide “Health Care . For Life . At Home” for patients who want to “Take Charge of Their Health At Home.” She is also the Founder and Creative Director of FreshWorks Media, a virtual design and branding company, which offers design, photography and brand development. She has used her passion for design to help both local and national organizations like Memorial Health Surgery Outreach, Savannah State University, Junior Achievement of Georgia, CASA Savannah, I.T. Pioneers and Girls Inc. Currently, she is the Communications Coordinator for Arrhythmia Alliance, an international 501c3 nonprofit, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Based in the UK, A-A is a coalition of charities, patient groups, patients, caregivers, medical groups and allied professionals. Although these groups remain independent, they work together under the A-A umbrella to promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias.
She has served as a volunteer for both THA Group’s nonprofit Island Hospice and Savannah Church of God. She also served as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for The Living Vine Christian Maternity Home from January 2014-January 2019, helping women with crisis pregnancies located in Savannah, Georgia. Much of her life is dedicated to serving others and enhancing quality of life. It gives her great joy to use her life, skills and experiences to enhance the lives of others.
Jen loves to give hope to others through acts of kindness. She has learned firsthand what it means to be a single mother and depend on the help of others to reach her goals in life. Her parents, Reverend Dr. Johnny and Nora Graham, have been instrumental in her success and God has used them to help her overcome several challenges in her life. She founded Shelter From the Rain in 2010 with the vision to enhance the lives of single mothers and their children. She has been recognized in her community and honored for her acts of community service and professionalism including the Step Up’s Outstanding Advocacy Award, the Women Rock Award and United Way’s Women Who Rule Award.
Jen grew up in Warren, Ohio and graduated from Howland High School. She is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design where she majored in Graphic Design and minored in Advertising. She has earned her MBA in Marketing from Saint Leo University and was the Creative Marketing Director for T.H.A. Group, an in-home healthcare company, in downtown Savannah, Georgia for 11 years. T.H.A. Group’s mission is to provide “Health Care . For Life . At Home” for patients who want to “Take Charge of Their Health At Home.” She is also the Founder and Creative Director of FreshWorks Media, a virtual design and branding company, which offers design, photography and brand development. She has used her passion for design to help both local and national organizations like Memorial Health Surgery Outreach, Savannah State University, Junior Achievement of Georgia, CASA Savannah, I.T. Pioneers and Girls Inc. Currently, she is the Communications Coordinator for Arrhythmia Alliance, an international 501c3 nonprofit, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Based in the UK, A-A is a coalition of charities, patient groups, patients, caregivers, medical groups and allied professionals. Although these groups remain independent, they work together under the A-A umbrella to promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias.
She has served as a volunteer for both THA Group’s nonprofit Island Hospice and Savannah Church of God. She also served as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for The Living Vine Christian Maternity Home from January 2014-January 2019, helping women with crisis pregnancies located in Savannah, Georgia. Much of her life is dedicated to serving others and enhancing quality of life. It gives her great joy to use her life, skills and experiences to enhance the lives of others.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lastanya Bradley | Chair
Lastanya Bradley is has a strong zeal for working with single mothers and their children. She believes in the mission and vision of Shelter from the Rain Inc. and is committed to helping the organization excel in any way possible. She works with the Savannah Chatham Board of Education and is instrumental in helping connect SFTR with the educational community in efforts to help low income mothers in Savannah.
Lastanya Bradley is has a strong zeal for working with single mothers and their children. She believes in the mission and vision of Shelter from the Rain Inc. and is committed to helping the organization excel in any way possible. She works with the Savannah Chatham Board of Education and is instrumental in helping connect SFTR with the educational community in efforts to help low income mothers in Savannah.
Tracy Brisson | Vice Chair
Tracy Brisson is very active in the community and is a great advocate for Shelter for the Rain Inc. Her experience as a small business owner helps our leadership team with strategic planning ideas and issues. She was also a board member for HOBY-NY, a youth leadership organization in NYC, where she helped to strategize their annual events from 2009-2011. In Savannah, she has been a leader of two women's professional development organizations, working to grow the membership and organize events from 2012 to present. She has also provided her published literature at no cost to our low-income families preparing for job interviews.
Tracy Brisson is very active in the community and is a great advocate for Shelter for the Rain Inc. Her experience as a small business owner helps our leadership team with strategic planning ideas and issues. She was also a board member for HOBY-NY, a youth leadership organization in NYC, where she helped to strategize their annual events from 2009-2011. In Savannah, she has been a leader of two women's professional development organizations, working to grow the membership and organize events from 2012 to present. She has also provided her published literature at no cost to our low-income families preparing for job interviews.
Ann Ingram | Secretary
Ann Ingram has been extremely instrumental. Her kindness and passion for helping others has been essential to Shelter From the Rain and our single mothers. She is our Intake Specialist and regularly helps with our Pantry Pals program. Originally from Ohio, Ann now lives in Savannah and dedicates much her time helping others, kayaking, spending time with family and enjoying retirement.
Ann Ingram has been extremely instrumental. Her kindness and passion for helping others has been essential to Shelter From the Rain and our single mothers. She is our Intake Specialist and regularly helps with our Pantry Pals program. Originally from Ohio, Ann now lives in Savannah and dedicates much her time helping others, kayaking, spending time with family and enjoying retirement.
Iris Atoa | Board Member
Iris Atoa has a huge heart for others and brings a burst of happiness to our board. As a Memorial Health Team Leader, she works diligently to help others reach goals. She is also the product of a single parent home and strongly identifies with the needs of single parent families. She sincerely supports the vision of Shelter From the Rain Inc. and has supported various SFTR outreach events.
Iris Atoa has a huge heart for others and brings a burst of happiness to our board. As a Memorial Health Team Leader, she works diligently to help others reach goals. She is also the product of a single parent home and strongly identifies with the needs of single parent families. She sincerely supports the vision of Shelter From the Rain Inc. and has supported various SFTR outreach events.
Molly Lieberman | Board Member
Molly Lieberman is exceptional. Her biggest passion is creating opportunities for children and families to thrive and gain access to the resources that they need.She is happy to offer her extensive experience working with children to the Shelter From the Rain Inc board.
Over the years, She has developed a big web of friends in the non-profit, business and community sectors (West Broad Street YMCA, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, Kayton Homes Boys and Girls Club, Wesley Community Centers, St. Mary's Community Center, City of Savannah Community Centers, Telfair Musem of Art, SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah Chatham County Public School System, 21st Century Centers for Community Learning, For Heart Sake, Deep Center, Performance Initiatives, the Forsyth Farmers Market, etc.). She is always looking for opportunities to work with others in efforts to help citizens in Savannah.
Molly Lieberman is exceptional. Her biggest passion is creating opportunities for children and families to thrive and gain access to the resources that they need.She is happy to offer her extensive experience working with children to the Shelter From the Rain Inc board.
Over the years, She has developed a big web of friends in the non-profit, business and community sectors (West Broad Street YMCA, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, Kayton Homes Boys and Girls Club, Wesley Community Centers, St. Mary's Community Center, City of Savannah Community Centers, Telfair Musem of Art, SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah Chatham County Public School System, 21st Century Centers for Community Learning, For Heart Sake, Deep Center, Performance Initiatives, the Forsyth Farmers Market, etc.). She is always looking for opportunities to work with others in efforts to help citizens in Savannah.
Portia Brown | Treasurer
Portia Brown is eager to help others and enjoys working with organizations that have a positive impact on the community. With her experience as a Financial Services Professional, she has a desire to equip single parent families with the financial literacy that they need to thrive. Her commitment and work ethic is invaluable to our Shelter From the Rain Inc. board.
Portia Brown is eager to help others and enjoys working with organizations that have a positive impact on the community. With her experience as a Financial Services Professional, she has a desire to equip single parent families with the financial literacy that they need to thrive. Her commitment and work ethic is invaluable to our Shelter From the Rain Inc. board.
Sarah Cross | Board Member
Sarah Cross grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Clemson University and is now a registered nurse at Memorial Health with a background in obstetrics. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 8 years before transitioning to her job as the High Risk Perinatal Coordinator, doing education for patients admitted to the hospital with complicated pregnancies. She has participated in local and global outreach projects in the past, including two trips to Ethiopia. Sarah is a single mother to one little boy and looks forward to getting involved with Shelter From the Rain Inc. to help empower other single mothers.
Sarah Cross grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Clemson University and is now a registered nurse at Memorial Health with a background in obstetrics. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 8 years before transitioning to her job as the High Risk Perinatal Coordinator, doing education for patients admitted to the hospital with complicated pregnancies. She has participated in local and global outreach projects in the past, including two trips to Ethiopia. Sarah is a single mother to one little boy and looks forward to getting involved with Shelter From the Rain Inc. to help empower other single mothers.
Betsy Kane | Board Member
Betsy Kane is an experienced Registered Nurse and single mother of two boys. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. She has several years of experience working with adults as a registered nurse, emphasizing in cardiac and geriatric care. She has worked the last six years as a hospice nurse and is currently the Director of Clinical Services at Georgia Hospice Care, in the Savannah office. Her kind heart, personal experience and passion for serving others is what has compelled her to work with Shelter From the Rain Inc.
Betsy Kane is an experienced Registered Nurse and single mother of two boys. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. She has several years of experience working with adults as a registered nurse, emphasizing in cardiac and geriatric care. She has worked the last six years as a hospice nurse and is currently the Director of Clinical Services at Georgia Hospice Care, in the Savannah office. Her kind heart, personal experience and passion for serving others is what has compelled her to work with Shelter From the Rain Inc.
Keenie Mickles | Board Member
Keenie Mickles attended Saint Leo University and graduated with Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She has a passion to help single moms because she can relate to them and share some of her experiences. She enjoys serving at my local church, Branded Hearts Ministries. She utilizes various opportunities to volunteer for the community through the Volunteer Program at Gulfstream where she is currently employed. She is also the Pantry Coordinator for Shelter From the Rain's Pantry Pal program.
Keenie Mickles attended Saint Leo University and graduated with Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She has a passion to help single moms because she can relate to them and share some of her experiences. She enjoys serving at my local church, Branded Hearts Ministries. She utilizes various opportunities to volunteer for the community through the Volunteer Program at Gulfstream where she is currently employed. She is also the Pantry Coordinator for Shelter From the Rain's Pantry Pal program.
Ariana Berksteiner | Board Member
Ariana Berksteiner is the Exective Director of the Emmaus House Soup Kitchen working to feed the homeless and hungry in Downtown Savannah. Through Emmaus House, Ariana is involved with the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless' Continuum of Care, Step Up Savannah's Working Family Network, and the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition. She is a proud member of the Metropolitan Rotary Club of Savannah. She helped launch ConneXion United Methodist Church and is co-founder of the C.U.R.E. Initiative (Connecting and Understanding Race and Equality) within the Southeast Conference where she also serves on the Multicultural Task Force. Ariana is originally from Southern California and now lives in Sandfly with her husband and two boys ages 4 years and 5months.
Ariana Berksteiner is the Exective Director of the Emmaus House Soup Kitchen working to feed the homeless and hungry in Downtown Savannah. Through Emmaus House, Ariana is involved with the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless' Continuum of Care, Step Up Savannah's Working Family Network, and the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition. She is a proud member of the Metropolitan Rotary Club of Savannah. She helped launch ConneXion United Methodist Church and is co-founder of the C.U.R.E. Initiative (Connecting and Understanding Race and Equality) within the Southeast Conference where she also serves on the Multicultural Task Force. Ariana is originally from Southern California and now lives in Sandfly with her husband and two boys ages 4 years and 5months.
Tina Scarborough | Board Member
Tina Scarborough, RN is a seasoned Registered Nurse and business owner. Tina studied at The University of Georgia, receiving her BSN from the Medical College of Georgia. Her professional experience reflects a wide diversity of roles – nurse manager, educator, patient advocate, and community outreach coordinator, to name a few – performed in a variety of health care settings. Throughout her career, Tina has taken pride not only in her clinical expertise, but also in her unwavering focus on treating the “whole” patient, attending to individual emotional as well as physical needs. She is excited to expand her concern for others through community outreach work with Shelter From the Rain.
Tina Scarborough, RN is a seasoned Registered Nurse and business owner. Tina studied at The University of Georgia, receiving her BSN from the Medical College of Georgia. Her professional experience reflects a wide diversity of roles – nurse manager, educator, patient advocate, and community outreach coordinator, to name a few – performed in a variety of health care settings. Throughout her career, Tina has taken pride not only in her clinical expertise, but also in her unwavering focus on treating the “whole” patient, attending to individual emotional as well as physical needs. She is excited to expand her concern for others through community outreach work with Shelter From the Rain.
ADVISORY BOARD
Lauren Dutko | Advisory Board Member
Lauren Dutko is a team player who enjoys working with interdisciplinary groups to broaden knowledge and community empowerment. As a Social Worker in Savannah, she has diverse and multi-cultural professional experiences to lend, as well as a strong health care background. Community outreach is her passion and she express great concern for those that she is able to help.
Lauren Dutko is a team player who enjoys working with interdisciplinary groups to broaden knowledge and community empowerment. As a Social Worker in Savannah, she has diverse and multi-cultural professional experiences to lend, as well as a strong health care background. Community outreach is her passion and she express great concern for those that she is able to help.
Reverend Dr. Delpherd Barksdale | Advisory Board Member
Reverend Dr. Delpherd Barksdale adds much wisdom and knowledge to this organization with his leadership, years of service, and theological education. He has earned his B.S. from Presbyterian College, his Master of Divinity from The Interdenominational Theological Center, and currently earned his doctorate degree from Anderson University School of Theology. Reverend Barksdale served three years in the U.S. army and has served over fifteen years in the army of the Lord by leading both the Evening Light Church of God and currently the Savannah Church of God as senior pastor.
Reverend Dr. Delpherd Barksdale adds much wisdom and knowledge to this organization with his leadership, years of service, and theological education. He has earned his B.S. from Presbyterian College, his Master of Divinity from The Interdenominational Theological Center, and currently earned his doctorate degree from Anderson University School of Theology. Reverend Barksdale served three years in the U.S. army and has served over fifteen years in the army of the Lord by leading both the Evening Light Church of God and currently the Savannah Church of God as senior pastor.
Delores F. Brown | Advisory Board Member
Delores F. Brown brings great skill and insight to the Advisory Board with her many years of experience. Brown has had extensive involvement with non-profit organizations in the city of Savannah. Brown earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Savannah State University and her Master of Education Degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University. She has spent over twenty years educating students through the Savannah Chatham Board of Education both as a teacher and a principal. Brown has a passion for helping others and works diligently to fulfill the will of God.
Delores F. Brown brings great skill and insight to the Advisory Board with her many years of experience. Brown has had extensive involvement with non-profit organizations in the city of Savannah. Brown earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Savannah State University and her Master of Education Degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University. She has spent over twenty years educating students through the Savannah Chatham Board of Education both as a teacher and a principal. Brown has a passion for helping others and works diligently to fulfill the will of God.
Stacy Cole Parrish | Advisory Board Member
Stacy Cole Parrish is truly a breath of fresh air. Her zeal is contagious and her spirit of encouragement has been pivotal in the development of this organization. Parrish earned her Bachelors in Communications (Public Relations) from the University of Alabama and has also become licensed to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL certification). From privately-owned to the #1 Fortune 500 companies, Parrish has spent over fourteen years working in corporate America – including both non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Stacy Cole Parrish is truly a breath of fresh air. Her zeal is contagious and her spirit of encouragement has been pivotal in the development of this organization. Parrish earned her Bachelors in Communications (Public Relations) from the University of Alabama and has also become licensed to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL certification). From privately-owned to the #1 Fortune 500 companies, Parrish has spent over fourteen years working in corporate America – including both non-profit and for-profit organizations.