Weekly Smile: Jennifer Willis

A Smile Born From Redemption

For Jennifer Willis, helping others find hope is more than a job — it is a calling born from her own journey of redemption.

Today Willis serves as a leader at Next Step for Life, helping guide women who are seeking freedom from addiction and a fresh start in life. But her path to that role was not easy.

Nearly a decade ago, Willis says her life looked very different.

“My life, up until about nine years ago, was a roller coaster of pain and destruction,” she said.

In her twenties she struggled with addiction and eventually lost everything. Her turning point came when she entered a recovery program through Teen Challenge in Louisiana, where she says she experienced a life-changing encounter with God.

“That is where God met me and gave me freedom from the bondage of addiction,” she said.

After completing the program, Willis remained involved in ministry work, eventually becoming an ordained pastor. Her journey later led her to Next Step for Life in Cookeville, where she now helps lead the women’s program.

Along the way she also found something else — family.

While working at Next Step, Willis met Elijah, who now serves alongside her in ministry. The two married, and Elijah adopted her two children. Together they now have five children and continue to dedicate their lives to helping others find the same freedom she experienced.

“I get to replicate in our students what was done for me,” Willis said.

Today Willis says she considers it a privilege to walk alongside women who are beginning their own journeys toward healing.

“God uses us to set captives free,” she said.

With her faith, family, and the opportunity to help others rebuild their lives, Willis says she has many reasons to smile.

“I am so blessed.”