Angels

Jean’s Angels works with children who are experiencing catastrophic life changes, providing them with everything from adult mentors to trips to Disney. We most commonly work with children of gun violence, children of domestic violence, children of drug use, and children with terminal illnesses. We also work with children whose parents have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses, children who have recently become homeless, and children with severe injuries or physical limitations.

We're there for those who need it

At Jean’s Angels, we pride ourselves on serving as a resource to the community and bringing joy, wholesomeness, compassion, and essentials to the life of anyone who needs it.

Homeless individuals, as well as children of poverty, drug situations, gun violence, and domestic violence, do not have the means to fend for themselves, and could always use a helping hand. Children who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses- or whose parents have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses- need nothing more than genuine love, care, and support.

Our team of dedicated professionals sets out to do whatever can be done to provide comfort, joy, and meaning to the lives of any individual who needs it. We believe that every single person on this earth deserves to be shown empathy, and we see it as our goal to make sure that every individual we take care of moves on with a smile on their face, and their feelings of humanity and self-worth restored.

OUR TEAM

Katrina Carpenter

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Katrina Carpenter was born to the late Mr. Rufus and Mrs. Bobby Jean Smith in Cross, SC. Raised in a household that valued education, she graduated from Cross High School in 1996 and earned a Bachelor's degree from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned both an Associate and Bachelor's degree from Limestone College and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University.

Katrina began her healthcare career in 2000 at Apria Healthcare in Mooresville, NC. After leaving Apria, she took a position in special education with the Berkeley County School System. Following the passing of her mother in 2011 due to ovarian cancer, Katrina transitioned to Fresenius Dialysis Center, where she served as a front desk supervisor.

Still mourning the loss of her mom and dad and now facing the heartbreaking loss of both her brothers to suicide, Katrina allowed her grief to fuel her passion for helping those in need. Recognizing that a single event or stroke of bad luck can push anyone to the brink of homelessness, Katrina founded Jean's Angels in 2015. This community-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports underserved youth, single-parent families, the unhoused, and nursing homes across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida.

At Jean's Angels, the belief is that everyone deserves compassion, dignity, and access to basic necessities, regardless of their circumstances. Among their many initiatives, the Hygiene Outreach Services have made a significant impact. In 2022, the vision for Jean's Angels Mobile Laundry Trailer became a reality. In 2023, she built a mobile trailer featuring three showers, a laundry setup, and a barbershop, enabling the organization to provide essential services such as showers, haircuts, laundry, hygiene products, new outfits, and meals to the unhoused every week. In 2024, Katrina opened her day shelter that provides showers, a hot meal, and a place to sleep for the unhoused. In 2024, Jean's Angels served 32,563 individuals.

Katrina lives by the motto, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Beyond her work with Jean's Angels, Katrina enjoys traveling with family and friends, singing, cooking, and cherishing her role as a mother. She is actively involved with her church, BOLD Ministry.

Married to Dwayne Carpenter for four years, they are the proud parents of nine children.

Dwaine L. Carpenter

BOARD MEMBER

Dwaine L. Carpenter (born November 4, 1976) is a former gridiron football defensive back. He was signed as a street free agent by the Buffalo Destroyers in 2002. He played college football for the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Carpenter has also played for the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams in the National Football League, and Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.

Dwaine has always had a love for the youth and serving his community. In 2016 Dwaine became a volunteer with Jean’s Angels. He is currently a board member.

Jloundia Pinckney

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Jloundia Pinckney is a native of Cross, SC. She is the daughter or the late Mr. Caldwell and Rosa Lee Pinckney. She is the proud mom of her daughter, Shauntell Pinckney.

She attended the Local Schools in Cross. After graduation, she attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, where she received a BS in Applied Professional with a concentration in Fashion and Retail Management. Jloundia moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, where she received her Associate degree in Funeral Services and Embalming (licensed Embalmer for the state of SC). She obtained her Master of Arts in Management and Business from Webster University.

Jloundia has been employed at Trident Technical College for the past 18 years as the Director of Auxiliary Services.

Jloundia has dedicated her life to services in her community, Church, and many Organizations. She works with the board of Directors for Tri-Community Center. She is a Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, where she has served in many capacities. She served on the regional level with many committees for over 20 years. She is a Member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she has held serval positions in the chapter and on the district level. In 2022 Jloundia, along with 44 other women from all walks of life, Chartered Top Ladies of Distinction- Low Country Emeralds, where she served as the Organizer. After the chartering, she was elected as the President.

Jloundia became a board member with Jean's Angels in 2021. She joined the non-profit organization because she saw it changed many lives. She now works side by side with the CEO/Owner in receiving merchandise, working in the storage units, going to meetings, and working many events in the community. One of the proud moments working with Mrs. Katrina Carpenter and Mr. Dwain Carpenter was seeing the look on the CEO's face when her/their dreams came true in purchasing mobile units for the homeless and the less fortunate. These mobile unit gives Jloundia joy as well! She enjoys assisting in the washing of the clothes and putting a smile on the people's faces.

Belinda Edwards

SECRETARY

Belinda Edwards, a native of North Carolina, is a proud mother of two. She has a daughter who is also a volunteer at Jean’s Angels and attending UNCC and a son who attends Johnston Community College. She currently works for the company Grant Thornton where she is a Supply Chain Manager and consultant for the firm. She is a board member of Jean’s Angels, holds the Administrative Assistant position, and is a volunteer. In addition to helping with Jean’s Angels, she is also a member of Christ Dominion Church, a volunteer on the outreach ministry and planning committee, and the administrative assistant to the Pastor. Belinda’s passion for helping others and her heart for God’s people make her a perfect fit for this prestigious organization. In her free time, Belinda likes to travel, do things with her church, and have a great time with her friends and family.

Caprice M Bennett

EVENT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

For the past 16 years, I have faithfully worked as a human resources professional who has been rewarding in many ways.

I take pride in helping others, which drew me to connect with Jean’s Angels. I began volunteering with Jean’s Angels in 2017. As the Event/Volunteer Coordinator, it is my desire to maintain and establish positive relationships and lines of communication with the individuals that volunteer with Jean’s Angels. As the volunteer coordinator, my job is to make sure our volunteers are trained and understand the Jean’s Angel mission and Jean’s Angels way of working in the community. We incorporate all our work and how we do it in a way that new volunteers can quickly learn and replicate.

Our events/giveaways are to assist the homeless and the poverty-stricken in our surrounding communities with the necessities of everyday life. We also provide them with a piece of mind and emotional support. We show them that we care. We want them not to be ashamed of where they are right now but to look forward to the great things ahead. Jean’s Angels' goal is to meet the needs of the underserved in other aspects of their lives to help equip them with some of the tools and resources to help them get back on their feet and back to being a productive citizen. This support can make one feel whole again. We’re helping them realize this is not the end but a new beginning.

Renata Smalls

Born and raised in Goose Creek, South Carolina, Renata graduated from Goose Creek High School in 1998. Her passion for Real Estate started at an early age while she did summer internships in high school at The Space Company under Terry Seabrook. Upon graduation, she furthered her career in Real Estate by becoming a successful Agent and Property Manager. Now holding her broker license and over 25 years with The Space Company, she is also now the managing Broker. Renata is a mother of one, along with two grandchildren. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and taking trips worldwide. She also uses her free time volunteering with various non-profit organizations and supporting small businesses.

Annual Disney Trip

Jean’s Angels believes that every child deserves a happy childhood filled with fond memories and laughter. Unfortunately, many children are robbed of this right by factors that they can’t control. Thus, every year, our team puts together a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida for 25 local Lowcountry children who demonstrate bravery, strength, perseverance, and a positive attitude.

Our trip focuses on giving children an escape from the struggles they may be facing in their day-to-day lives. We all need some enjoyment every now and then, and our Disney trip ensures that these kids are able to live, laugh, and just be kids.

At the same time, our Disney trips are about more than just giving children a good time. After the conclusion of the trip, our team continues to mentor the kids that we brought down to Disney World to give them the guidance they need. This guidance continues until they graduate high school, ensuring that they are well-equipped to take their next step to adulthood.

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Toy Giveaway

Each year, Jean’s Angels distributes thousands of toys to children throughout the Lowcountry. We distributed over $120,000 worth of toys in 2022 in each of eight separate toy giveaways, and from 2020-22, we have handed out over 9,000 toys to children across the Tri-County area. To learn more about how Jean’s Angels makes a difference in the local community, please visit our “Community Outreach” page.