Amy Newberry admits that she might be biased, but that she thinks her children are among the most compassionate humans she has ever met. “They are aware of what hunger and poverty look like,” she explains. “Since they were toddlers, they have been doing community work alongside my husband and I and it has taught them how to care for others, and how to be mindful and grateful for the things that we have and are able to do.”
That compassion isn’t surprising, given that Amy is the founder of The Tapestry Project, an organization dedicated to revitalizing deteriorating neighborhoods through renovation, restoration and connecting people in need to resources that will help them thrive as a community. The Tapestry Project strives to create a model for urban development and community transformation for women, children and families in crisis across the Oklahoma City metro area. “The intent and mission of the project was to develop housing for women who were trying to transition from homelessness,” she says. “We wanted to aid these women in getting connected to resources such as education, reliable transportation, and employment. Through the course of renovating housing, we were led to begin long-term work for the community as a whole. We wanted to make the community livable again.”
Currently, this 33-year-old Oklahoma City native is pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling at Southern Nazarene University. “I know this will allow me to further walk with the families that we are able to serve,” she explains. “It will help me work through their abuse stories with them.”
Amy’s dedication to improving our local communities directly impacts her personal life. “We are living and teaching our children how to love and care for others by letting them see us not neglect the poor or forgotten in our city,” she says. “It gives me a hope for all of humanity to see that we are leaving and sewing a culture of hope and service in our family and in our city.”
Here is more about how this mother of two works to improve our city through her family and beyond.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am not crafty nor do I sew but I do secretly try.
What are you passionate about?
I have a justice-seeking heart. I find myself constantly thinking about how to not neglect the poor or forgotten in our city. I love teaching my children. Growing their hearts is my ultimate passion.
How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood has taught me how to love unconditionally, to be more afraid then I’ve ever been, and has taught me the deepest kind of joy.
How do you banish stress?
I have been known to enjoy a good glass of wine, a good book and lots of laughter to do away with the “really intense life stuff.” I have a tribe of women who bring much laughter into my days and can easily take any stressful situation and make light of it with me.
What inspires you?
Restoration. Absolutely nothing inspires my heart more than to see people, places, families, marriages and community working toward restoration.
Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?
In 2009, my family started a community development project on SW 29th Street and Portland in Oklahoma City. Through The Tapestry Project, we have been able to work with the children in the neighborhood, providing after-school tutoring/mentoring, a spring break/summer break camp, nutrition programs, urban gardens and more. It’s meaningful to me to come alongside as they triumphantly overcome obstacles and get back on their feet.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the people. The work is intense and there are seasons when it has felt overwhelming, but it has brought such purpose and direction to our family and our home.
What is on your wish list?
On a practical level, I’m in the market for some new pots and pans at home.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the strength of the relationships within my family. Our family lives intentionally. I grew up in a very broken home, so to see the grace of a loving marriage and my children makes me unbelievably proud and blessed. My kids and my marriage are my greatest accomplishments.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by people. Their stories and journeys inspire me. It’s hard work but the idea that victory is just around the corner keeps me going.
How do you find balance in your life?
My husband and I are intentional about our date nights and time away from the kids. We also take our kids out on dates for one-on-one time with them. We prioritize our marriage, our family and then the needs of others and our work.
Advice for other moms?
I know it seems difficult in a high-pressured society to raise the perfect child or to be involved in the right outlets, so my greatest advice is to know where you’re going and know how you’re going to get there!
What’s the biggest challenge in your life?
Learning to slow down and not attempt to play so many roles at one time, so that I don’t spread myself too thin and lose direction and clarity in my true mission.
How do you help others?
I wholeheartedly believe that there is power behind mentoring. Some of our greatest success stories from The Tapestry Project have come on the heels of a great mentor befriending and empowering single moms to accomplish things that they never dreamed were possible.
What is your parenting style?
Love and Logic by Jim Fay has taught us how to lead with natural consequences, how to use the power of choice, and how to teach our kids to be considerate, respectful people
Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?
“Life is school,” from one of my favorite friends and mentors Robin Meadows.
Quick Facts About Amy
- What are five words that describe you? Compassionate, kind, realistic, hardworking, optimistic.
- What’s your favorite indulgence? Peppermint mocha latte.
- What’s your favorite date night venue? Sushi Neko or Cafe Evoke.
- What’s your favorite TV show? Duck Dynasty.
- What’s your favorite movie? The Princess Bride.
For more information about The Tapesty Project, visit www.thetapestryproject.org.
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
