Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Graham.
Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Jennifer T. Graham am I am the Executive Director of Shelter From the Rain – a 501c3 non-profit here in Savannah, Georgia. I founded this organization in 2010 because I have a passion for giving hope to single parents in need. I became a mother at the age of 16, and I understand firsthand the importance of having a community of support while reaching your goals. If it were not for the grace of God, my parents, and my community, I would not be where I am today. I have worked with local organizations for over a decade to ensure that single parents have the resources that they need to thrive and care for their children.
I was born in Savannah but left when I was 3 years old. My Dad was called to pastor a church in Ohio. After graduating from Howland High School, my parents sent me back to Savannah to attend SCAD. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design where I majored in Graphic Design and minored in Advertising. I later earned my MBA in Marketing from Saint Leo University and founded a design company called FreshWorks Media as well.
I have served as a volunteer for T.H.A. Group’s Island Hospice, Savannah Church of God, The Living Vine Christian Maternity, and several other nonprofits. I have a history of 15 years in Communications and Marketing with organizations like Savannah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Arrhythmia Alliance (an international non-profit that helps patients with arrhythmias), and T.H.A. Group Home Health Care.
I am the single mother of an amazing son, Jalin Graham, who plays the viola and attends The Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. He will graduate in May 2024. He is my greatest gift.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has not been as hard as it could have been for me. I have been blessed not to become a statistic. My life could have easily been much different. I was put in this position to help others. I listened to voicemail messages of single mothers who have nowhere to turn and no one to help them, and I say to myself – “That could have easily been me.” My gratitude for the life I live fuels my passion to help others and give hope. It makes my heart so full to see women reach their goals and embrace the greatness inside themselves. Getting to this place was not easy, but the pain and difficulties are what made me perfect for this role. And that makes it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shelter From the Rain, Inc. (SFTR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, based out of Savannah, Georgia, that provides assistance to single mothers and children in need. To share the love of God by enriching the lives of single mothers and their children through acts of kindness that empower the mind, body & soul. To create a community of strong, economically independent single mothers through education, mentorship, personal & professional development, homeownership, health, and wellness.
We offer baby supplies through our diaper bank, pantry, household items, financial literacy, education, workforce development, virtual mental health counseling, virtual tutoring services, mentorship and support groups for single moms. We are the only non-profit that specializes in helping single moms with wraparound services that help them build a legacy for their families.
It gives us great pride to empower the moms in our community and then watch them do that for other women, too.
What do you think about happiness?
Very simple things make me happy. Spending time with my family and fur babies, going to the beach, watering my plants, watching movies, enjoying comedy shows, eating seafood and chicken wings. Just resting makes me happy because I am always on the go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shelterfromtherain.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelterfromtheraininc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelterfromtheraininc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelter-from-the-rain-inc-
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shelterfromtheraininc.4424
Image Credits
Corey Brooks
Mike Davis
