The Genesis Project: How a Mother Is Keeping Her Son’s Spirit Alive — Episode 095

*Content note: In this episode, you will meet Jennifer Holmes, a
mother who tragically lost her son, Genesis, in a drowning
accident. This episode contains an emotional account of her
traumatic experience, so please listen with care when you feel
you are able to, as the content may be triggering for some
listeners. If you are unable to listen but want to learn more,
please visit the links below for more information on The Genesis
Project.


We are just about at the halfway point of Park and Recreation
Month, and it has been so inspiring to see how many people are
embracing the theme of “Our Park and Recreation Story” and
sharing their heartfelt stories, memories and experiences related
to parks and recreation.


One story that caught our attention — and really moved a lot of
us on NRPA staff — is that of Jennifer Holmes from Charleston
County, South Carolina, and I’m honored to welcome her, as well
as Gina Ellis-Strother, the chief administration officer for
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC), to
the show today.


In 2014, Jennifer’s 13-year-old son, Genesis, tragically drowned
in a local pond because he didn’t know how to swim. After
Genesis’ drowning, the Genesis Project was established, which
aims to raise funds to offer aquatic safety programs in rural
areas of Charleston County, alongside CCPRC. Despite her grief
and her own fear of water, Jennifer not only conquered her fears
and learned to swim, she also volunteered with the Charleston
County Parks Foundation to offer swim lessons and water safety
instructions to rural areas of the community.


What’s more, when CCPRC opened the West County Aquatic Center in
June 2019 in the same small town in which Genesis drowned,
Jennifer was one of the lifeguards on duty. And, in keeping
Genesis’ spirit alive, the pool at the aquatic center is now
named, “The Genesis Pool.”


Tune in to the full episode to learn more about the incredible
young man Genesis Holmes was, as well as how Jennifer has
channeled her grief into ensuring other families in rural
Charleston County don’t have to experience the same loss she and
her family experienced. You’ll also learn:


How Jennifer’s faith and the support of her community gave
her strength in a time of pain.

How The Genesis Project is raising awareness and providing
education about swim lessons and water safety.

How CCPRC is addressing access to water safety resources and
education in rural areas of Charleston County and meeting
community members where they are.

How Jennifer felt when she conquered her own fear of water
and received her lifeguard certification.

What the relationship between Jennifer and Gina has meant to
each of them during this time, and more!



Additional Resources:


The Genesis Project

Charleston County Parks Foundation