About Us
MEET MICHELLE
My name is Michelle Banks and I am a proud single parent of 2 adult children. I grew up in Jamaica, Queens, New York. I had my first child at age 20 and my second child at age 23. I faced many challenges due to the lack of social support and services within my community. As a result of having these past experiences both personally and professionally I felt compelled to introduce Showers for Flowers, Inc to the community.
I am the Executive Director of Showers for Flowers, Inc. which was founded by my sister in 2016 in California’s Bay Area. I have been working in social services for the past 20 years in various modalities including domestic violence, formerly incarcerated, substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, etc. I am very familiar and passionate in regards to the needs of others.
In 2007, I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies from Metropolitan College of New York formally known as Audrey Cohen. In 2017, I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Touro College. As a result of my extensive years of experience both personally and professionally, working with socially displaced individuals, I developed a compassion to advocate for their needs by introducing and extending Showers for Flowers, Inc. to New York servicing all 5 boroughs.
MEET Cornelia
My name is Cornelia Banks and I am the Founder and CEO of Showers for Flowers, Inc. I was born and raised in Jamaica, New York and come from a large family consisting of 5 brothers and sisters. I graduated from San Francisco State University obtaining my Bachelor’s in Social Services. I have over 18 years of experience working and volunteering with various populations of individuals and families in crisis. These populations included elderly adults, autistic children, homeless and at risk youth.
Showers for Flowers, Inc. was initially piloted to host baby showers for families in need. Throughout my time working with differenct populations, I began to see the need for wraparound services. This led my sister and I to expand the support services Showers for Flowers, Inc provides. Families need access to resources that could serve every member of the family. Therefore, we shower support in children’s lives to produce growth. Showers for Flowers believes every child should be celebrated.
Our Partners
