Daily Inspiration: Meet Genita Spencer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Genita Spencer.

Hi Genita , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When the World Stopped, My Purpose Began

In 2020, when COVID brought the world to a standstill, many of us were forced into stillness—a rare and uncomfortable space where we had to confront ourselves: our fears, our flaws, our truths. It was during that global pause that I found my purpose and passion.

Like many others, I reflected deeply on my life—where I had been, where I was, and where I still hoped to go. One dream stood out vividly: to become a grandparent. My daughter had endured multiple miscarriages, and when she finally announced—in her seventh month—that we would welcome a baby boy, my heart soared.

By then, God had already blessed my husband and me with one grandson, born three years before COVID. When the second arrived just 18 months before the pandemic, our weekends were filled with giggles, snacks, and hugs. We saw them every weekend—until we couldn’t. When the world started talking about how children might affect the elderly, especially those with pre-existing conditions, everything changed. Our joyful routine vanished overnight.

Desperate to connect, I came up with an idea after seeing a commercial: visiting through the glass storm door. My husband and I hopped in the car and called ahead. I was excited—I hadn’t seen my grandsons in almost two months. The phone calls weren’t the same, especially for toddlers.

As soon as we arrived, I jumped out and ran to the door. There they were—my 3-year-old with his baby brother behind him. He smiled, then immediately tried to open the door. “Grandmama can’t come in,” I said. “I just came to say hi.” He didn’t understand. He kept pulling the handle with all his strength until his tiny body trembled with sobs. Watching him cry broke something in me. I walked away in tears, my heart heavy with a sadness I’d never known.

That moment led me into a deep depression. I couldn’t sleep. I kept seeing his little face, remembering the pain. I began to understand what it felt like to miss your grandchildren—what it felt like to be shut out. It gave me insight into what so many grandparents experience, often silently. Estrangement, separation due to divorce, or even conflict with adult children—it was all part of the same pain. Estrangement was also close to my heart. My husband, second marriage, was experiencing estrangement from his sons and possibly a grandchild by his oldest son. I watch the hurt and pain he suffered, especially Father’s Day, his sons’ birthdays. and hearing of a granddaughter has never seen.

One day, while talking to a friend about my grief, she reminded me of something I’d always said: “I want to help grandparents.” I had heard countless stories over the years. I even earned my Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Counseling, always knowing I wanted to do something impactful. My friend suggested starting a private Facebook group. So, I did—just eight members at first, all grandparents with stories like mine.

And from there, something beautiful happened.

Within six months, over 80 grandparents had joined, with in a year almost 200 had joined. We shared prayers, games, encouragement, and hosted Zoom talks. One grandparent was raising her grandkids. Another hadn’t seen hers in months due to family conflict. We called the group BAGS – Being a Grandparent Support. I said to my friend, “People don’t realize how much baggage grandparents carry.”

As our group grew, so did the stories. Grandparents struggling financially while helping adult children. Others unexpectedly raising grandkids due to incarceration, substance abuse, or death. Many were navigating broken systems and red tape, unable to get the help they desperately needed. I realized what they needed wasn’t just support—it was access.

That’s when I knew BAGS had to become something more.

With encouragement, prayer, and lots of research, I applied for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. People warned it would take months, but I connected with a wonderful woman who had helped others through the process. In just 16 days, BAGS was officially recognized as a nonprofit. I knew this was God’s assignment. And I had no idea how big His vision for BAGS would be.

Today, BAGSgoodlife.org is a virtual, one-stop access point for grandparents raising grandchildren or facing estrangement. Our website BAGSgoodlife.org offers resources, education, and emotional support. From food and clothing to legal guidance and mental health services, BAGS helps lighten the load.

North Carolina alone has seen a dramatic increase in kinship care—rising from 90,000 to over 238,000 children in just five years. Sixty percent of those are with grandparents, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet on fixed incomes. Some avoid seeking help due to privacy concerns or fear of losing their grandchildren. Others are simply overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

BAGS is changing that.

From fun initiatives like “Boxes and Bows Christmas Joys” to “Gowns for Girls & Tux for Boys,” we celebrate families while advocating for their needs. Our future project, BEB – Bags Emergency Bucks, aims to provide emergency financial assistance ($200–$500 Visa gift cards) to grandparents who suddenly take in a grandchild—just enough to buy a crib, formula, clothing, stroller, etc….

Our motto says it all: “When the BAGS of life get too heavy, we are here.”

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?
Since BAGS became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the journey has included more struggles than smooth roads. While we celebrate and deeply appreciate every success—no matter how small—we face many of the same challenges as other nonprofit organizations.

We navigate inconsistent funding and rely heavily on donations to sustain our mission. There’s an ongoing need for individuals with expertise in grant writing, foundation applications, project coordination, and social media, especially those willing to serve as volunteers or board members.

Recruiting and retaining committed, passionate volunteers and board members remains a continual effort. Spreading awareness about our cause is another uphill climb, especially when faced with systemic injustice, lack of government support, and insufficient inclusion and equality in key spaces.

As the needs of the community grow, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles, doing our best with limited hands to meet a mission that deserves much more. Yet, despite the challenges, our dedication remains unwavering. We press forward with faith, resilience, and a fierce love for the grandparents and families we serve.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an Employment Services Supervisor, I lead a dynamic team dedicated to supporting unemployed and underemployed individuals in their journey toward self-sufficiency. Our work focuses on helping clients find meaningful employment, transition to new careers, increase their income, and access educational or vocational training to successfully re-enter the workforce. I am passionate about empowering individuals to overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve long-term economic stabili

What does success mean to you?
Success for BAGS means that grandparents no longer feel isolated, confused, or powerless, whether they are raising their grandchildren or navigating the pain of estrangement. It means they have access to the education, support, and connections needed to reclaim their voice and face uncertain outcomes without fear.
Success looks like a society where government leaders truly recognize the research: when parents are unable to care for their children, placing those children with family—especially grandparents, significantly reduces trauma, provides critical stability, and fosters healing. It means systems are redesigned to offer timely support to these families without forcing children to become wards of the court, and without tying assistance solely to income. Instead, success focuses on meeting families’ actual needs, efficiently and compassionately.

Success is also about community. It’s when more people are inspired to get involved, joining the village it takes to raise a child. Whether through BAGS or other organizations dedicated to strengthening families, success means a growing network of support, advocacy, and action.

Ultimately, success means reducing the need for foster care by increasing and investing in the power of kinship care. It means honoring and uplifting grandparents who step in out of love, and ensuring they are never left to do it alone.

This is how I define success.

Contact Info:

• Website: BAGSgoodlife.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/432305119064253,
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bags-being-a-grandparent-support-28119424a/?trk=blended-typeahead
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gspencer1203