Lucreta, having never met her biological parents, was placed in foster care at birth. Victimized as a child, she was abused, placed in a mental hospital and became a runaway. Believing she was invincible, that no one cared, and in a search for love and acceptance, she turned to a life of drugs and crime. This destructive lifestyle led to her being banished from the state of Ohio and incarcerated in state prisons.

Lucreta is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ and the founder and director HAVING THE COURAGE TO CHANGE Ministry. The New Beginnings House, Eve House and Ruth & Naomi House are holistic housing programs for women who desire to change after experiencing addiction, incarceration, abuse or other destructive situations.

Lucreta has gone through Certified Chemical Counselor Training, Certified Prevention Specialist Training and Certified Nursing Assistance Training. She is a licensed pastor and has a School of

Lucreta, named the 1996 APPLAUSE! Magazine ImageMaker for Advocacy has been instrumental in the recovery of many. She is a trailblazer for implementing programs to assist those who have been victims of dysfunctional lifestyles. She often lends her knowledge and expertise to others who desire to operate programs such as hers.

Lucreta’s story and mission have been featured in the following publications: The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Cincinnati Post and The Cincinnati Herald. She has been a guest on Tracie Live Talk Show – WCVG AM 1320 and 1480 Talk Show – WCIN AM 1480. She has appeared on Cincinnati Matters – WXIX TV 19 FOX Affiliate, and the nationally syndicated Maury Povich Show.

Lucreta desires to be an inspiration to others. She has written two books entitled, “Positive and Inspirational Thoughts” and an autobiography "Breaking the Cycle of Self Abuse."

Lucreta is hailed by many as a “living epistle.” Hearing her life experiences will forge an everlasting, life-changing impression in your heart. She has wowed-packed churches, conferences and even high school assemblies with the soul-stirring delivery of her testimony and Holy Spirit-inspired messages. Some of her phenomenal presentations have been delivered to: The National Corrective Institute, The University of Cincinnati Criminal Justice Department, The Hamilton County Adult Probation Division, The Hamilton County Youth Conference ’96, The Vessel of Praise Workshop ’96 and ’97, The Talbert House, and Beyond The Veil Women’s Fellowship.

Lucreta believes that God has called and ordained her for such a time as this to proclaim the Gospel and set captives free. Today, with the support of her husband, Charles, her sons, and her staff she is diligently accepting the call on her life.