Senequa Barnes is a testament to what strength, faith, and community support can accomplish. Originally from Michigan, she came to Columbus looking to grow. But in 2023, life took a turn when a mental health crisis led to her incarceration. Instead of letting that moment define her, Senequa used it as a reset.
“Sometimes you’ve got to tear everything down and start from a solid foundation,” she said. “That’s what I did. I worked on myself, broke generational curses, and built myself back up from the inside out.”
While incarcerated, she began doing deep inner work—spiritually and emotionally. One of the most impactful parts of that journey was her participation in the variety of programs available. “They helped me stop and think before making decisions. The programs made me listen to my conscience, that little voice we too often ignore,” Senequa shared. “They taught me how to pause before I make choices I’ll regret.”
Released in October 2023, she hit the ground running—earning multiple certifications with Alvis (OSHA 10, forklift operation, ServeSafe), finding stable housing, reuniting with both of her children, and starting her own cleaning business.
“I did everything on my own,” she said. “No family here, no support system—just faith, determination, and the resources I found through Alvis.”
Through the EDGE program at Alvis, she says she found more than just job skills. “Alvis has been a blessing. The people there are real. Some of them have even been through what we’ve been through. It gave me hope,” she said. “It’s a beacon of light for me.”
She recalls a pivotal moment during a session with Dr. Dodley: “He told me, ‘You’ve got a voice. Stop quieting yourself when you should be speaking louder.’ That changed everything for me.”
Now, Senequa is building more than a business—she’s building a legacy. “I want to help people coming home. I’ve been there. I want to be the person I wish I had when I got out. Right now, it’s for my people—men and women who’ve been through the fire and just need a hand to hold while they rebuild.”
Her message about Alvis to others returning home? “Do it. Don’t be afraid. Whatever you want to get out of this, you have to put into it. If you fail--just keep going.”
Because of Alvis and EDGE, Senequa Barnes says, “I am no longer afraid to pursue anything that my mind conjures up.”