Juantia Green, Founder and CEO of Mary’s Angels.
Photo provided.
For more than 17 years, Mary’s Angels has served at-risk youth, the homeless and veterans of Williamsburg County, and across the state.
Juantia Green became a foster parent in 2002 to provide a safe haven for young girls that had lost their parents, were involved in the justice system, or whose parents had temporarily lost custody. At the time, she was also working in several group homes. “I realized there was a population that wasn’t as fortunate to be placed in loving homes and many of them were being released on their eighteenth birthday or signed out of the system with no knowledge of appropriate survival,” says Green.
After she was fired by an agency after taking in a young lady who had just been released, she realized what she had to do. “I don't regret it, because that was confirmation from God that my mission was greater without the red tape,” she says.
She took the money she got back from her income taxes and applied for 501(c)3 non-profit status. Since that day, she has served over 300 youth and their families.
“Since 2021, demographics have shown an 18% increase in the homeless population in South Carolina, which includes unaccompanied youth,” said Green, Founder and CEO of Mary’s Angels. She aims to give young women a chance who have become homeless, victims of abuse, stalking, sex trafficking, or are substance abusers. The organization’s general transitional home serves young women, ages 16-21 (up to 22 years of age, with special circumstances), even if they are pregnant and/or parenting.
The organization helps them overcome their past struggles, and helps them gain the skills and stability needed to lead healthy, successful lives - not lives as statistics. They are provided with consistent and dependable on-site coaches and mentors, and a calm, home-like environment. The young women are educated on social and mental health development, family life skills, and are provided with therapeutic and recreational services with off-site partners.
When Through the Storm, a local group home, lost their funding in 2018, Green was able to open her home to the young ladies and their children who were left homeless. “I provided a safe environment that enabled them to get back on their feet. Since then, they are independent and doing great,” she says. That is just one of her success stories.
Mary's Angels expanded in 2013 to also serve adults and veterans that are homeless or at risk. The organization also joined Eastern Carolina Homeless Coalition which helps people experiencing a housing crisis.
She collaborates and partners with agencies like Dollar General, Eastern Carolina Homeless Coalition (ECHO) / Total Care for the Homeless Coalition (TCHC), Black River United Way, Williamsburg County Community Coalition (WC3), and other service providers to offer literacy programs (MAIL 101), housing for the homeless, emergency food and shelter assistance, and community resources.
One of the ways she highlights the organization is through the Miss Williamsburg County Scholarship Organization, where young women showcase their talents and compete for Miss South Carolina and the Miss America Organization. “The organization wears many hats, but I couldn’t do any of this by myself,” she says. “I thank Shadi Tyson, Marketing Director, D'Asia Green, Public Relations, Dominique Walters, Choreographer and our donors.”
Green says they want to continue providing these vital resources and be a safe haven to those in need, but they need the community’s support.
The organization is always in need of monetary donations. People can donate to Mary's Angles Ind. Living (no cash), there is also a need for in-kind donations such as nonperishables, hygiene items, wash clothes and towels, and under garments for both males and females.
Mary’s Angels Independent Living for Young Women is hosting the A Night of Hope charity gala on Friday, May 17, to support their efforts in serving the homeless population in Williamsburg County. With a goal of $100,000, this event will assist the organization in continuing to provide housing, food, clothing, literacy programs, and more as they guide families and individuals toward independence and stability. During the gala, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner, entertainment and a silent auction.
“With the support of individuals and businesses here in Williamsburg County and beyond, we’re sure to achieve this season’s fundraising goal and continue our mission of serving the many people in need within our community,” said Green.
For more information about Mary’s Angels Independent Living for Young Women, the gala or to become a sponsor, visit marysangelsliving.org, or search for Mary’s Angels Independent Living for Young Women on Facebook.com.
