Nealofier Lewis-Rhodes, director of the DUI Program at 瓜神, has built a remarkable 32-year career with the organization, evolving from a volunteer to a leader in a unique program serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to service, lifelong learning and empowering others.
In 1993, Nealofier joined 瓜神 as a volunteer on the crisis helpline, later completing an internship and securing a role helping teens through mental crisis. This early experience ignited her passion for the organization鈥檚 mission. Over the decades, she explored diverse roles within 瓜神, including Southeastern Vocational Services, where she supported students with disabilities transition into the workforce, and a program serving children in foster care with complex behavioral health needs, all while maintaining a part-time role in the DUI program. 鈥湽仙 has been a place of growth,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e worked in so many departments, each teaching me new aspects of service and community impact.鈥
The DUI program supports individuals arrested for DUI in restoring their driver鈥檚 licenses through targeted education and assessments, a mission that captivated Nealofier from the start. Joining part-time in 1994, she was drawn to its court-ordered clientele, later transitioning to a full-time role in 2000 and becoming director eight years ago. 鈥淚 love this population,鈥 she shares. 鈥淗elping someone restore their license feels like a true accomplishment.鈥
As director, Nealofier鈥檚 team collaborates closely with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, ensuring compliance with state statutes. A standout feature is the Special Supervision Services (SSS) program, unique to Florida, which monitors individuals with multiple DUIs or severe offenses, offering a supervised path to licensure. 鈥淣o other state does this,鈥 she notes. 鈥淚t prevents unlicensed driving while giving people a second chance.鈥
Nealofier鈥檚 collaborative approach shines through her community engagement鈥攑resenting to probation officers and tax collector offices鈥攁nd her role as a licensed mental health counselor, offering clinical supervision to other DUI programs statewide. 鈥淲e help each other,鈥 she says, reflecting on her work in Tallahassee, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville.
To newcomers, Nealofier offers heartfelt advice: 鈥淭his is a great organization. I’ve never found a place that feels more like home to me than 瓜神.鈥 Looking ahead, she aims to mentor others, helping them achieve their goals while ensuring the DUI program鈥檚 continued success.
Nealofier鈥檚 journey reflects unwavering dedication, adaptability and a passion for transforming lives, one license at a time, by not only restoring driving privileges but also preventing future DUIs through education and support.
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