Eugene Barnes

Author bio

Rev. Barnes, Founder and Executive Director of the Metanoia Centers, a 501(c)3 community-based organization founded in 2000, works in employment, economic development, community organizing, youth development, technology, and banking/housing. It became a catalyst for improving both the physical and financial health of residents in Central Illinois. He’s combined over 40 years of experience in social work with community organizing, beginning with the NAACP in 1965. His diverse experience from private and public caregiving institutions enriched his capacity to understand the complexities of change from within the community. Dr. Barnes has organized citizens to have a voice in shaping public policies and programs nationally as Board President of National People’s. He has been instrumental in forming over seventy national nonprofits. His most recent accomplishment was being invited to the White House for the signing of the historical Financial Reform Bill of 2010. In 2012, Dr. Barnes held the first Faith-Based Conference in Champaign, IL, bringing houses of worship to partner with the city government to effect change. Dr. Barnes has traveled to Israel, Palestine, and South Korea as an Ambassador for Peace and a member of the American Clergy Leadership Conference