Help a Genesis client celebrate their special day with a “Birthday in a Box!”
Click the button below for instructions on how to create a box full of all the items needed to make a birthday memorable:
Drop off completed boxes on the front reception table M-F between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – now through October 30.
Or, drive through on Saturday, October 31 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and someone will be there to collect your boxes.

Birthday in a Box Instructions

Mission

To provide safety, shelter and support for women (and their children) who have experienced domestic violence, and to raise awareness regarding its cause prevalence and impact.

History

  • Genesis Women’s Shelter and Austin Street Center are both part of Shelter Ministries of Dallas.
  • Neither organization uses federal funding.
  • Genesis began in 1984 by concerned citizens; many were EPISCOPALIANS from the Diocese of Dallas.
  • GWS started small – a facility with 7 beds.
  • Today GWS has an emergency shelter with 42 beds, a transitional living center with apartments for up to a 12-month stay, an accredited school, an on-site day care, a thriving Benefit Thrift Store, and outreach counseling and administrative offices.
  • GWS serves 3,700+ people each year, and has major waiting lists for housing and counseling services.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

BIRTHDAY in a BOX!

Please bring completed boxes to the front reception desk now through October 30.
Click here for instructions on assembly:

CHILDREN & TEENS

  • Small gift such as toy, coloring
    book, crayons, gift card, etc.
  • Birthday card – please leave the
    card blank for the child’s mom to sign
  • Box of packaged shelf-stable
    desserts (such as Little Debbie
    snacks) or a box of cake

SINGLE WOMEN & MOMS

  • Card for a Genesis client, which
    may be either a single woman or
    a mom. We ask that you leave it
    blank so that her counselor can
    write her a personalized birthday
    note. Please avoid cards with
    religious messages to respect all
    beliefs.
  • Small gift for mom (scarfs, nail polish, candles, etc.)
  • Journal and pens
  • Lipstick, socks, or other goodies she may enjoy

VOLUNTEER OPPORUNITIES

All require a background check; some require training or orientation. Please contact Lottie Price at lprice@genesis.org

  • Help cook or serve a meal at the Shelter or Outreach offices
  • Help with children while mothers attend their counseling sessions
  • Join the court advocacy program
  • Participate in evening or weekend programs at the Shelter (games, arts & crafts, reading, etc)
  • Join one of the alliances
  • Support a fund-raising event
  • Collect items for the Benefit Thrift Store