1) Who are you?
I am a 39 year old, single, African- American mother of four children. I have three sons and a daughter who is the youngest. I was born in Northwest Washington D.C. and have spent time living in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince George County, Maryland, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania and now reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2) What is your blog, program, agency about? When did it start?
My organization is “DaVillage” Pop Up Shop. I created this organization based off of my own personal story and struggles. I’ve experienced homelessness for myself. I lived in a Battered Women's Shelter in Washington D.C while pregnant with my third child, I am a Domestic Violence Survivor, a High School drop out with my GED. I was conceived in prison, my father was in jail for 28yrs for murder. He recently came home and died of a drug overdose. So, what "DaVillage" does is love on those who have a similar story as mines, or just need support. My journey began starting with collecting purses and filling them with hygiene items and taking them to battered women's shelters; as well as handing them out around the city in 2012. That wasn’t enough for me and with some of my background experience including working in high-end retail.; I wanted to give a shopping experience to not just the homeless, but also to low-income families, for FREE!
Everything the Pop-up shop provides is new or gently used. We have a variety of things ranging from in season clothing, to shoes, hygiene items, food and etc. We play music and have a good time with the community. This gives them a positive experience, and we started doing this in 2017. In 2020, we created “FREE FOOD” community fridges with one of them being Vegan / Plant based to help with food insecurities.
3)What is your mission? Why do you feel strongly about this particular area of interest?
My mission is to “BE A BLESSING ON PURPOSE” one day at a time. One person at a time. Not only does “DaVillage” provide for local Charlotte communities, but we also travel to different states each month to bless other communities! The goal is to have a Resource Center where people can obtain their GED, Job Employment, Apartment Searching Assistance, Mental health support, as well as Planned Parenthood.
4) If someone asked for your feedback on how to live their best life? What would your response be in one sentence?
" IT IS YOUR LIFE AND ITS ONLY GIVEN TO YOU ONCE!!! DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY! "
5) How and where can people find more information about you?
Instagram: DaVillage_PopUpShop
Website:
Email: Meekmelly4@gmail.com
"IT IS YOUR LIFE IT'S ONLY GIVEN TO YOU ONCE!!! LIVE IT HOW YOU WANT"... the power in this statement is everything you need God Bless you
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