Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Michelle J-Earle.
Anita Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am writing to share the story of the G.E.A.R. (Generations Empowered and Restored) Empire based in Garner, NC, which encompasses both our nonprofit organization and insurance agency.
I founded the nonprofit, G.E.A.R. Inc., on January 8, 2009, inspired by my personal experience as a custodial parent raising my daughter, Torea, while her father was incarcerated. Navigating the emotional, social, and financial challenges of that time—working two jobs, attending college at night, and falling into the gap of earning too much for government assistance but too little to easily make ends meet—revealed a critical need. Far too often, the children and custodial guardians of incarcerated parents are left out of the conversation surrounding incarceration, forced to find support wherever they can.
Driven by our mission, “Teach One, Get One, Save One!”, G.E.A.R. Inc. provides essential support and advocacy to these families. Over the years, this work has allowed me to grow as a mother, civil servant, and servant leader. Alongside managing the organization, I was licensed in ministry in 2010, earned a BS in Management in 2010, an MS in Psychology in 2016, and established G.E.A.R. Insurance and Estate Planning Solutions in 2020, which is licensed in Medicare, health, and life insurance across 9 states.
My greatest success, however, is my daughter, Torea Savage. Three years ago, I stepped into the role of CFO and passed the CEO leadership to Torea, who now ensures the organization continues to grow and impact lives for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and for allowing me to share my journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was the youngest of 6 children so No my road hasn’t been easy. I shared some of my challenges in my personal summation. I had to work 2 jobs while attending night school, my daughters father was incarcerated for 8.5 years making it even more difficult to make ends meet. I had the stigma of having a child out of wedlock as well. I struggled through jobs during the recession unable to find a permanent job.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Over the years, this work has allowed me to grow as a mother, civil servant, and servant leader. Alongside managing the G.E.A.R. Inc. organization, I was licensed in ministry in 2010, earned a BS in Management in 2010, an MS in Psychology in 2016, and established G.E.A.R. Insurance and Estate Planning Solutions in 2020, which is licensed in Medicare, health, and life insurance across 9 states.
Most proud of my daughter.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We partner with many nonprofits and people in the community to further our cause and help our families. We ask for donations on our website gear-inc.org as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gear-inc.org
- Instagram: gear_inc919
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064571386639
