IN THIS ISSUE · SPRING 2026 — Read the cover story
For more than two decades, Melissa Garrett has dedicated her life to helping survivors of domestic and sexual violence find safety, healing, and hope through Genesis House of the Upper Cumberland.
What began as a job opportunity in January 2000 quickly became a calling.
“When I was young and naive, I had no idea what I was getting into and saw this job as just a steppingstone, a way to gain some experience before chasing a bigger and better adventure,” Garrett shared. “Fast forward 26 years, and I’m still at Genesis House.”
Garrett started as a Family Advocate and has served as Executive Director since 2015. While much of her role now involves administration, grant writing, and overseeing operations, she remains committed to working directly with survivors.
“That hands-on work fuels my passion and keeps me focused on our mission,” she said.
The mission of Genesis House is simple but powerful: to support victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence in their healing journeys through advocacy, services, and partnerships throughout the Upper Cumberland.
The organization is widely recognized as a domestic violence shelter, but Garrett says its services extend far beyond emergency housing.
“We offer a range of confidential services, including emergency shelter, personal and legal advocacy, community outreach through presentations and training, financial help, transportation, support groups, goods assistance, and therapy with a licensed therapist,” Garrett explained.
In addition to providing shelter and safety, Genesis House helps survivors access food, clothing, hygiene products, legal resources, counseling, and financial assistance for expenses such as rent, utility bills, and security deposits.
“Most people know Genesis House as an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, but we’re so much more than that,” Garrett said.
One of the organization’s goals is to challenge misconceptions surrounding domestic violence and the barriers survivors face when trying to leave abusive situations.
“Leaving an abusive relationship is never easy, and it’s common for outsiders to ask, ‘Why do they stay?'” Garrett said. “At Genesis House, we work to shift this mindset by challenging the stigma and encouraging people to ask instead, ‘Why do they abuse?'”
By changing the conversation, Genesis House hopes to help survivors recognize that abuse is never their fault.
“This way, we send a clear message to survivors that they are not to blame and that they deserve a life free from violence,” Garrett added.
Garrett emphasizes that domestic violence is not simply about anger or substance abuse.
“Domestic violence isn’t just about anger, nor is it caused by alcohol or drugs,” she explained. “It’s a pattern of abusive behavior in intimate relationships, where one partner uses various forms of abuse to gain or keep power and control over the other.”
Outside of her work, Garrett and her husband, Overton County Sheriff John Garrett, are raising their three children while remaining active in their community. She believes service begins at home and hopes to instill that value in the next generation.
“As parents, we work to instill values in our children by volunteering and showing them that everyone can make a difference and help improve our community,” she said.
After 26 years of serving survivors, Garrett remains committed to ensuring that every person experiencing abuse knows help is available.
“If you think you might be a victim, we are here to help you.”
To learn more about Genesis House of the Upper Cumberland or access services, visit genesishouseinc.com.
Photos by Abby Weeden, by Chelsea Dartez
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