Meet Dana Copeland

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dana Copeland. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dana below.

Hi Dana, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a journey of exploration and self-discovery. Initially, it began with reflecting on what truly resonated with me and where I felt I could make a meaningful impact. For me, it involved a combination of personal experiences, such as teaching and advocating for survivors of domestic abuse, and a deep passion for helping others. Over time, I found that aligning my skills, values, and passions with meaningful work at The I Am House brought clarity to my purpose. It’s been a process of listening to my heart, trying different paths, and ultimately finding fulfillment in making a difference in the lives of others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the founder and executive director of The I Am House, I lead a nonprofit organization based in the Atlanta metro area that is devoted to helping women and children heal and rebuild after surviving domestic abuse. Our mission is rooted in three powerful pillars: refuge, restoration, and rebuild. We offer a safe and nurturing environment where survivors can not only find shelter but also rediscover their voice, their worth, and their future.

What makes The I Am House so special is that we go beyond crisis intervention—we focus on holistic healing and empowerment. Through biblical affirmations, therapeutic support, life skills workshops, and a strong community network, we help survivors reclaim their independence and thrive. Our approach is deeply personal and faith-inspired, ensuring that every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.

One of the most exciting developments currently underway is our Third Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk at Lillian Webb Park in Norcross—a day of unity, healing, and action where survivors, supporters, and advocates come together to raise awareness and resources.

We’re also laying the groundwork of planning for a transitional housing facility to provide stability for women and children in crisis. It’s a bold step toward filling a critical gap in our community, and we are currently seeking donors, sponsors, and community partners to help bring this vision to life.

At The I Am House, we believe every woman deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered. This work is personal, urgent, and transformational—and we welcome everyone who wants to be part of this movement of healing and hope.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are resilience, empathy, and vision.

This journey hasn’t been easy. Advocating for survivors of domestic abuse and building a nonprofit from the ground up requires the ability to push forward despite obstacles, heartache, and setbacks. Resilience has enabled me to continue showing up—even on the hardest days—and to remain committed to the mission when it felt overwhelming.

Truly listening to women’s stories, sitting with their pain, and understanding their needs has shaped every part of The I Am House. Empathy is what turns an organization into a movement. It fosters trust, cultivates authentic relationships, and creates a safe space for healing.

I’ve learned that you have to see it before others do. Whether it was picturing a walk that brought hundreds together or envisioning safe transitional housing before we have the resources, holding tight to that vision has kept me focused, fueled, and faithful.

For those early in their journey, start where you are and be consistent. Build resilience by learning from your failures, not fearing them. Practice empathy by listening more than you speak. And never stop dreaming—protect your vision fiercely, and surround yourself with people who remind you why you started.

Trust the process. Growth may be slow at first, but when you lead with heart and purpose, impact always follows.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, we are absolutely looking for partners and collaborators who are passionate about creating real change in the lives of women and children who have survived domestic abuse.

We welcome collaborations with:

– Brands, companies, and small businesses that believe in corporate social responsibility and want to make a direct, lasting impact.

– Mental health professionals and organizations that can offer therapy, coaching, or wellness services.

– Faith-based groups, community leaders, and fellow nonprofits who want to create safe, healing-centered spaces.

– Event sponsors and donors who can help fund our upcoming initiatives, especially our transitional housing fund, Life Skills Programming, and our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk in October.

Whether you want to sponsor an event, donate services, share resources, or volunteer your time, we’re ready to partner with people who want to be part of something deeply meaningful and impactful.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, we would love to hear from you! Please connect with us through our website at www.theiamhouse.org, email us at support@theiamhouse.org, or find us on Instagram @TheIAMHouse. Let’s build something powerful together.

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