Her Story
Alison Thompson Bennett also affectionately known to some as “ALIKAT” was born in April 16, 1962 in Columbus, Georgia, to James and Mary Thompson. As the oldest of three siblings, she naturally embraced the role of leader, protector, and source of encouragement for those she loved.
Throughout her life, Alison was so many things, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, caring sister, and faithful friend. She possessed a heart full of compassion and a spirit that touched everyone she encountered. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering love created lasting memories and left a lasting mark on the lives of her family and community.
Our Story
I'll never forget that beautiful Sunday morning. We were on our way to church when I heard my mother say, "I know that God is going to heal me." At the time, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
Attentive and eager to hear what God had revealed to her, I listened closely. She repeated it again, "I know that God is going to heal me because He gave me a vision to help the women in our community. I want to provide clothing and resources to help them get back on their feet."
Although she was terminally ill she still would spend time volunteering with the Brown Bag of Columbus and her church in between her chemo therapy treatments. Even in the battle for her own life, she still had a heart to serve her community.
At the time, I didn't realize that Sunday would be one of the last times I would hear her speak about the vision God had placed in her heart. As a family, our focus was on her getting well. Like many daughters, I longed for my mother to be healed physically. But God had a greater plan and in July of 2009, our mother succumbed to breast cancer.
Years after her passing, God began stirring that same vision in my heart. What began as my mother's dream became our family's mission, a calling to serve women and families with compassion, dignity, and hope. Today, The Alikat Foundation stands as a living testament to her faith, her love, and her desire to see women restored and empowered.
His Story
God's plans are always greater than our understanding. What appeared to be the end of a story was really the beginning of His story.
Through loss, God brought purpose. Through grief, He brought hope. Through one woman's vision, He created a ministry dedicated to restoring lives and reminding women that they are seen, loved, and never forgotten.
The Alikat Foundation exists because of God's faithfulness. Every resource provided, every life touched, and every woman empowered is a reflection of His grace and His promise that beauty can rise from ashes.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
Her story became our story, and together they are all part of His story.