In Lake Oconee, where neighborly support runs deep, it’s often a single conversation that can set something extraordinary into motion. This past January, Kimberly Bennett, a devoted advocate for survivors of domestic violence, and Lisa Thomas, an interior designer with a heart for giving back, found themselves sharing dinner through a mutual friend. During their conversation, Kimberly spoke about the needs of the local domestic violence shelter, Circle of Love. This moment sparked a journey that would soon bring the community together for a project that transformed not only a building but the lives of its residents.

For Lisa, the timing felt almost fated. “When I was setting my New Year’s goals, one of the items on my list was getting involved in the community,” she shared. With prior experience working with domestic violence shelters, Lisa felt a deep connection to Kimberly’s story about the shelter’s needs. The meeting seemed like the perfect match, giving Lisa a meaningful way to give back. Motivated and eager, she immediately began planning how she could rally the community to support Circle of Love.

Lisa wasted no time reaching out to her network, calling on friends, clients, and local contractors to lend a hand. Her first call was to Pete Van Den Elzen and his project manager Lauren Phelps at Elzen Group. The Elzen Group played a critical role, bringing in additional subcontractors and coordinating logistics for the renovation. From the start, Lisa was inspired by the overwhelming response from local businesses and residents alike. “Every single company we asked to donate time or materials said yes,” Lisa reflected. “It’s a huge testimony to the type of people who live in the lake country. Everyone went above and beyond.”

Among other key contributors was Laney Crowder, who, through her Life in the Wheatfield ministry, gathered furnishings and decorations to make the space feel like a true home. Lisa’s design clients through her business, Refreshed Spaces, generously contributed furniture, bringing truckloads of items that would fill the shelter with comfort and warmth. Within five days—a timeline that would normally span two months—the project transformed the shelter into a welcoming, cozy sanctuary for women and children in need.

For the shelter’s residents, many of whom are escaping unimaginable situations, this new space represents hope, safety, and compassion. Kimberly expressed her gratitude, noting the impact on those who come to the shelter seeking solace and security. “This is a space where people are rebuilding their lives after unthinkable hardship,” she said. “To feel that their community cares is everything.”

Kimberly’s role extends far beyond managing the day-to-day operations. She has tirelessly created a haven for women and families from five surrounding counties, making Circle of Love an essential resource for those in need. Her dedication, combined with the outpouring of support from the community, has transformed the shelter into a safe place where residents can rest, heal, and rebuild.

Looking Toward the Future
Lisa and Kimberly see this project as just the beginning. Plans are already underway for phase two, with an expansion set to be completed in 2025 that will allow Circle of Love to serve even more women and families. “It’s been an honor playing a small part in what they’re doing at Circle of Love,” Lisa shared. “This project has evolved into something far greater than I imagined, and it’s all thanks to the community coming together to support an important cause.”

To our community from Kimberly and Lisa: “We appreciate and respect how busy and hard people work. We want to take this time thank the many people who wholeheartedly stepped up and went above and beyond to make this ‘Extreme Makeover’ happen. This was not just a physical transformation. This was an act of love and compassion that will benefit countless families for years to come. This is a testament to how generous and kind this community is.”

Lisa Thomas and Kimberly Bennett, our December cover stars, both embody the vibrant, community-focused spirit of Lake Oconee. Lisa, owner of Refreshed Spaces, has lived in The Landing with her husband for the past five years, building a life and business that reflects her love for giving back. Kimberly, director of Circle of Love and a Georgia Southern Alumna, has been a Reynolds resident since 2015 with her family. She and her husband celebrated their 25th anniversary this year and have raised four children involved in various sports and community activities. In 2017, Kimberly and her husband purchased, moved, and renovated the historic Jackson House in Reynolds, a project that speaks to their deep appreciation for the area’s heritage.

Both women cherish the unique blend of kindness, generosity, and diversity that makes Lake Oconee truly special. From neighborhood events to community causes, Lisa and Kimberly actively contribute to the area’s welcoming atmosphere. Their passion for helping others and creating meaningful connections is a reflection of Lake Oconee itself—an exceptional place to call home.