By Diamond Carroll
Move-In Day Mafia, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support for Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students who have aged out of foster care, is looking for volunteers to help transform dorm rooms at Livingstone College in Salisbury this weekend.
The organization’s founder, TeeJ Mercer, is traveling from Atlanta to oversee the effort, which involves moving in eight students on Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2.
Since its inception in 2022, Move-In Day Mafia has supported 109 students across 28 HBCUs by creating customized dorm environments and offering monthly care packages.
Mercer highlighted the importance of stability and choice for these students, many of whom have never had a space that is truly their own.
“For us, it is non-negotiable that these students get a choice on what kind of toothpaste they use,” Mercer said.
Livingstone College was chosen for this weekend’s initiative because of its focus on helping students who have aged out of foster care.
“I love what the president has built,” Mercer noted.
Dr. Anthony J. Davis, the college’s president and a foster care alum himself, aims to provide a supportive environment for these students.
The selection of the eight students who will receive support involved an application process in collaboration with Livingstone, which is one of the eight HBCUs the organization is assisting this year, moving in a total of 17 students.
Move-In Day Mafia helps to address the disparities faced by students from foster care backgrounds, as many struggle with the transition to college life without traditional family support.
Mercer, known for her charisma and dedication, emphasized that the initiative is about more than just moving in; it’s about creating a sense of family and providing mentorship.
Mercer explained that it costs approximately $5,500 a year per student to maintain the support system. The organization relies on donations and volunteer efforts, and Mercer is hopeful the Salisbury community will get involved.
The nonprofit also aims to disrupt the foster care-to-prison pipeline by fostering a supportive network that helps students succeed academically. Mercer remarked,
“When you see a kid really appreciative … it means that support and just giving them stability is giving them the courage and the freedom to explore possibilities,” Mercer remarked.
