Today we’d like to introduce you to Nettie Lewis.
Hi Nettie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2021, almost a year after Eliajah Samuel was lost to gun violence, a nonprofit organization named Eliajah’s Gift was created in his memory. The organization was founded to honor Eliajah’s legacy by turning grief into purpose — focusing on community support, education, and healing. The nonprofit’s mission includes,Gun violence awareness — educating youth and the public about the impact and prevention of violence; Grief support for families who have lost loved ones; Youth advocacy and literacy education, helping underserved young people build self-worth, ambition, and empathy; and Supporting families in need through outreach and programs.While the organization lists a team of leaders working with its vision, Nettie Lewis serves as a founder and board director, I Bring my personal experience, resilience, and a long professional background in education and mental health support. Alongside myself are others in leadership roles — such as Shawn Lewis (President/Founder in his own right) Shi’Neia Baker, Alize Baker, Jeremiah Rutledge, and Rev. Weechie Baker — all aiming to create meaningful change and community support in Eliajah’s name.
Eliajah’s Gift has grown into more than just a memorial — it’s a community platform for healing. Through awareness programs, events, and support services, the organization seeks to ensure that Eliajah’s life, love, and impact continue to inspire others to prevent future losses and support families dealing with tragedy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No — it has not been a smooth road. Losing my son was the most painful experience of my life, and trying to help others heal while still grieving myself has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. There were days when the weight of my own loss made it difficult to show up, yet I felt called to keep going because I knew other families were hurting too. Some of the biggest struggles included navigating grief while leading with purpose, finding emotional strength on days when I felt broken, and learning how to balance my role as a grieving mother with my role as an advocate and nonprofit leader. There were also challenges with funding, community awareness, and reliving the trauma each time Eliajah’s story was shared publicly. Despite these obstacles, the work itself became part of my healing. Helping others find hope, resources, and support gave meaning to my pain. Eliajah’s Gift was born out of loss, but it continues to grow through love, resilience, and the belief that no family should have to grieve alone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is rooted in service, creativity, and advocacy, and it shows up in a few different but deeply connected ways.
At the heart of what I do is my role with Eliajah’s Gift, the nonprofit I helped found after the loss of my son. In the nonprofit, I wear many hats — from program development and community outreach to family support and advocacy. I work closely with families impacted by grief and violence, helping connect them with resources, emotional support, and safe spaces to heal. I also help plan and facilitate community events, youth-focused initiatives, and awareness efforts centered on gun violence prevention, literacy, and healing. What I’m most proud of in this work is being able to turn pain into purpose and create something that truly serves others during their most vulnerable moments.
Alongside my nonprofit work, I am a special education teacher, which is both my profession and my passion. I specialize in supporting students with diverse learning needs by creating structured, inclusive, and compassionate learning environments. I am known for my patience, strong relationship-building skills, and my ability to meet students where they are academically and emotionally. I focus on individualized instruction, behavior support, and helping students build confidence and independence. Seeing students make progress — whether academically, socially, or emotionally — is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
I am also a author, crafter and creative entrepreneur, using creativity as another form of healing and expression. Through crafting, I design personalized items that celebrate life, honor memories, and bring joy to others. This creative outlet allows me to connect with people in a different way and reminds me that beauty and hope can exist even after loss.
What sets me apart is how these roles intersect. My lived experience with grief informs my compassion. My background in special education strengthens my ability to advocate, teach, and support others with intention and care. My creativity allows me to connect emotionally and authentically with the community. I am most proud of my resilience — the ability to continue showing up, serving others, and creating impact, even after experiencing profound loss.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me, collaborate with me, and support my work in several meaningful ways. Through Eliajah’s Gift, community members, organizations, and businesses can collaborate with us by partnering on programs, events, workshops, and outreach initiatives focused on healing, youth empowerment, literacy, and gun violence awareness. We welcome schools, churches, community groups, and local leaders who want to create safe spaces for conversation, education, and support. Support can also come through volunteering, donating, sponsoring events, or helping us expand our reach to families who need resources and encouragement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eliajahsgift.com
- Instagram: @eliajahs_gift
