Aneta Thomas Lee, Outreach Coordinator for Breast Cancer Network of Strength

Breast Cancer Network of Strength, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer organization, is the oldest national breast cancer organization. In 2008, the Southeast Region Affiliate moved into Opportunity Knocks’ office building and set-up shop. Ironically, Opportunity Knocks donated furniture to help this fellow nonprofit. Little did we know that we would also help the organization further by recruiting talented Aneta Thomas Lee as Outreach Coordinator for the Southeast Region office.

During our interview, Aneta admits she is a jack of all trades; a quality that I am sure has helped her with in her nonprofit career. As she runs down the list of jobs she’s held in the past, I imagine she has done everything but run for president, which may happen in 2012.

A graduate of Clayton State University, Aneta holds a B.S in Psychology and Human Services and an Associates degree in Accounting. In 2006, Aneta moved to Hattiesburg, MS to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, USM, seeking an LPC Certification. At USM, Aneta embarked on her nonprofit career.

She was hired as Outreach Educator for the Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative. The Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative has fourteen clinics and a breast and cervical program for the uninsured. Unfortunately, the organization underwent lay offs in January.

Aneta began her nonprofit job search on Opportunity Knocks and saw the Outreach Coordinator position for Breast Cancer Network of Strength and decided it was time to return to Atlanta. In February, Executive Director Joya Harris flew Aneta to Atlanta for the interview and she was hired in March.

Currently, Aneta oversees outreach programs as well as A Day for You. A Day for You, is a free confidential program which promotes breast health awareness in medically underserved communities. Participants receive educational workshops, free clinical breast exams and mammogram screenings. (From Left to right – Joya Harris, Executive Director, Aneta Thomas Lee, Outreach Coordinator , Kandi Burruss, and Kelly McCluskey, Fundraising and Special Events Coordinator.)

What differentiates Breast Cancer Network of Strength from other breast cancer organizations is the YourShoes program. YourShoes has the country’s only 24/7 toll-free hotline staffed by peer counselors who are breast cancer survivors. These peer counselors are experienced in handling all types of questions related to breast cancer, and can talk with you about your feelings and concerns. Call YourShoes at 800-221-2141.

An upcoming event for Breast Cancer Network of Strength is Walk to Empower on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, 2010. Click here to find your local Breast Cancer Network of Strength Affiliate to join the Walk to Empower.

If you would like to join Aneta’s team, Walk Like Christ, for the Walk to Empower event contact Aneta at alee@networkofstrength.org