About Us
My grandmother, Betti Phillips, was a beautiful woman of faith, a kind and generous soul who never judged others, no matter their struggles. She truly loved her neighbor as she loved herself. She always wanted to see people rise above their challenges and thrive, especially those in difficult circumstances, particularly if they had children. Her main concern was making sure these children had what they needed, especially food. She would give away hundreds of dollars each week just to ensure that children, even if their parents were caught in the grip of addiction, were fed.
I remember many times when my brother and I would question her after seeing her give money to people we knew were struggling with addiction. We’d ask, “Amee, you know they’re on drugs, why are you giving them money?” She would simply respond, “As long as those kids get a cheeseburger, it’s okay.” We called her “Amee,” which was meant to mean "My Friend" in French, symbolizing that she was everyone’s friend. She was a friend to all, always welcoming and never turning anyone away. If you were hungry, she’d feed you. If you were cold, she’d offer warmth. If you had nowhere to sleep, you had a place in her home.
Many around her criticized her for helping those who were living in ways they deemed wrong, but she didn’t care. She bore the criticism and kept giving. She believed in people, even when others didn’t.
Today, I carry her legacy with me and aim to continue her work by helping those in need, not only in our community but throughout the state of Georgia. If you look into the conditions at the Georgia State Penitentiary, you’ll see the violence between inmates and the strain caused by a shortage of staff, making it difficult to manage situations effectively or offer programs that could help with rehabilitation. There is also the violence directed at officers, with some tragically losing their lives in the line of duty. The trauma from challenges stays with these individuals, and when they are released, they are expected to thrive, despite having received little to no rehabilitation.
Betty’s House will be a place of reform, healing, hope, and encouragement. It will be a safe haven for people to rebuild their lives, overcome their past trauma, and find the support they need to succeed.
We sure hope you can come out and celebrate her with us and SUPPORT REENTRY.
Our history
Founded by Shea Phillips, a passionate advocate for justice reform with lived experience, Betti's House is a newly established nonprofit that is built on a deep understanding of the difficulties faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. Having personally experienced the challenges of reintegration, Shea is dedicated to ensuring that others do not have to face these obstacles alone. Her vision is grounded in the belief that with the right support, anyone can overcome their past and create a brighter future.
Our mission
Transitioning from incarceration is never easy. Without the right support systems, individuals often face obstacles that make it nearly impossible to move forward—whether it’s finding employment, securing housing, or rebuilding relationships. At [Organization Name], we are here to help bridge those gaps. Through tailored programs, mentorship, and a network of community resources, we work alongside our participants to help them break the cycle of recidivism and lead productive, positive lives.