September Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Channelle Lewis
September 1, 2009
Our September feature comes to us from Atlanta, Georgia. She is a former foster care Supervisor for the state of Georgia and a single mother of seven, four biological and 3 adopted out of the foster care system. Channelle is founder of CCL Cares, a nationwide consulting organization that advises, inspires and speaks to young people facing difficult issues, teaching them creative ways to overcome adversity. Please welcome Channelle…….
Name: Channelle Lewis
State: Georgia
Occupation: Founder of CCL Cares, Inspirational Speaker
Website: www.chanellelewis.com
Marital Status: Divorced
Favorite source of inspiration: Sharing her story and demonstrating the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome anything!
Favorite inspirational book: Oprah Winfrey- I Don’t Believe in Failure
What you can see in this photo is the very lovely Channelle - What you cannot see is that she carried a mighty weight of adult issues on her tiny shoulders
I was raised by my single mother, who during my childhood became an alcoholic. This would lead to me being abused and neglected. By the time I was 13 years old, I had to deal with my mother’s drinking, my father was in prison for two different murders, all of my grandparents had passed away, and I had been molested by both a family member and a close family friend. All of this would set the path for me being arrested and placed into the foster care system. A year later, the court would terminate the parental rights of my parents and I became a ward of the state.
Despite the obstacles that my childhood produced, I was determined that I would make something of my life. At the age of 21, I became pregnant with my first child. It was at this time that I decided to go to college. And while attending college, I would give birth to my second biological child.
In May 2001, I earned my Bachelor’s of Art Degree from Norfolk State University. After I graduated, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where I started working for the State of Georgia as a Social Worker. The father of my children would end up following me to Atlanta. Soon after his arrival, we ended up getting married.
I would go on to give birth to two more children during our marriage. After suffering years of sexual abuse as a child, I discovered the man I married had a secret. He was a convicted child molester. I immediately ended my marriage. After the marriage ended, I set out to fulfill a lifelong dream – to adopt a child in need of a family. I have since adopted three older children from the foster care system.
I am also taken care of one of my former foster sister’s children.
A true Inspiration, leading by miraculous example.
For most, the obstacles that I have faced would be enough to give up. However, despite my life challenges, I have gone on to not only survive, but also excel in my life. I now share my story and lessons learned with audiences of all ages in hopes of inspiring others that they too can succeed.
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5 Responses to “September Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Channelle Lewis”
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![The Blind Man's Son, Or, The Poor Student: Successfully Struggling To Overcome Adversity And Misfortune / [edited By D.p. Kidder]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ikD8OuUFL._SL75_.jpg "The Blind Man's Son, Or, The Poor Student: Successfully Struggling To Overcome Adversity And Misfortune / [edited By D.p. Kidder]")
Those who often lead sometimes never consider excellence or becoming an example for others to follow. You my lady are an excellent example for others to follow.
John
Congratulation on your becoming a success in life despite all of the obstacles placed in your path. I look forward to reading your book which I understand will soon be published.
Uncle George.
Channelle,
Here’s another example of how God works to guide and lead us in finding our purpose in life, sharing our struggles and hoping to save one other child from believing all the lies, and in carrying on the cycles of destruction and violence. You are an amazing woman, shown in your decision to adopt these children, when you could have more financial gain by just fostering them. I salute you Channelle Lewis! You are a strong and beautiful woman.
Email me any time! I would love to know you.
Channelle, you are an amazing person! Congratulations on all of your success.
I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Channelle and working with her as a Social Worker in Georgia. Since then, Channelle has grown to be one of my closest caring friends. Channelle’s unconditional love for children and families is the example that GOD created for all of mankind to copy, unfortunately many in our society care for animals more than children that can’t do for themselves. I have witnessed Channelle’s unconditional love for all our her children. She is truly a gift from GOD and a true testament that it is not where you are from, but where you are going!!!!! Your past does not determine, deny or hinder your destiny!!!