Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharrelle Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sharrelle, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My name is Sharrelle 32 years old and the reason why I’m writing is because I was asked to write down what really happened to me what change my life and let me know where I am now on so when I was 12 years old, I am getting into trouble with some friends and I was a sentence to a Youth Development Center until my 21st birthday. Due to good behavior I was released at 17. When I came home I was in 12th grade. It was my senior year. Every credit that I got from being in the Youth Development Center didn’t count towards my highschool credits, so I had to start over.I did not allow that to stop me and I graduated from Dudley High School in 2010. l received a scholarship to college at Guilford Technical Community College, majoring in criminal justice. I wanted to be a lawyer, I always wanted to help young kids stay on the right path, and also help individuals get a second chance. Even though I had the right mind frame I was still a product of my environment. Ever since I was young I was always in the streets, but I really tried to stay on the right track. In 2011 I lost my grandfather. My grandfather was more like my father and we had a bond that was unexplainable, and when I lost him I gave up on myself and turned back to the streets. In 2013 everything finally caught up to me and I was sentenced to 10 years in a North Carolina state prison. I spent most of my early adulthood in prison. Adjusting to prison was hard in the beginning. I was still learning how to be an adult. After a few years in prison it became clear to me that I had a release date and I wanted to go home this time and do right for myself, and also make a difference in my community. I started taking every class the prison had to offer and came home with lots of certifications, from food service, sewing, to CDL etc. In July 2023 I was released from prison, I immediately started a construction program for women called hope renovations and completed that program at the end of 2023. I worked a few odd jobs. I even got a driver job working for ups that was seasonal, but still felt something was missing. It felt good being home with my family. I established deep bonds with my nieces and nephews and I wanted to be a good example for them. I got a job coaching for a youth basketball team in greensboro Nc and that’s when it hit me, sports has always been an outlet for so many kids in my community and I wanted to start a program that not only offered sports, but mentorship, job readiness, a support, and most importantly a safe space for little to no cost.. In July of 2024 I Launched Poverty Plus nonprofit organization. Poverty Plus Is a nonprofit residing in Greensboro Nc for underprivileged youth, where we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to shine on and off the court. We offer low cost basketball clinics, leagues, mentorship opportunities, to help kids build skills,confidence, and teamwork. We provide tutoring, scholarships, and resources to ensure that our youth excel academically. Today I’m working to grow Poverty Plus and working a full-time job at O’Reily auto parts driving trucks and coaching, and helping the youth in Greensboro right after work. Even though I feel I still have plenty of room left to Grow grow im looking forward to the future. I finally feel like my life has a purpose. Everyday I think about my grandfather. He was the prime example of what a person should be, and even though I would never fill his shoes I know that he is part of me, and is continuing to look over me.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Demonstrate positivity, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Your attitude can significantly influence the team’s morale. also celebrate small and big achievements, and create a safe environment here individuals can learn and grow.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn is thinking that everything is going to always workout. I had to realize that everything isn’t going to always work out but to have resilience and strength to overcome those rough times.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/povertyplus_nonprofit2024/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/815441027305974