About the founder

My name is Scheherazade “Sherry“ Charles, and I am the founder of Community Storehouse Inc., which was established in August 2020, when families in Sumter and the surrounding areas were facing real hardship and uncertainty. What began as a simple desire to help individuals in the community quickly grew into a mission that the IRS later recognized as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

I’m a resident of Sumter, South Carolina, a wife, a mother of two daughters, two sons-in-law, and a grandmother of four. I also served 23 years in the military, where I held leadership roles that taught me discipline, compassion, and the importance of serving people with integrity and care. Alongside my military experience, my faith, and family have deeply shaped my compassion for others and my commitment to serve. All have guided me to lead with purpose, humility, and a heart for people.

I founded Community Storehouse because I saw families in our community struggling not only with immediate needs such as food, toiletries, and other essentials, but also with deeper challenges that kept them from long‑term stability. Many of the individuals and families we serve face financial hardship, limited resources, or generational barriers that make it difficult to move forward. I have experienced similar challenges in my own life, which have deepened my passion and commitment to serving the community. 

Through scheduled community events, we provide essential resources, food, toiletries, and educational support, ensuring people receive consistent care and personal attention. Our vision, “Providing Community Relief With Care,” reflects my heart to meet people where they are while helping them grow beyond their current circumstances.

Our mission is to provide food, toiletries, and education with care to families experiencing financial hardship, while offering mentorship that builds resilience and lasting stability. This mission led to the launch of Community Mentorship, a faith‑centered initiative designed to guide youth and adults through personal development, life skills, and positive decision‑making.

I started Community Storehouse because of my compassion for our communities, and I believe in what’s possible when people are given the tools, support, and encouragement they need. My faith, family, military service, and my love for people all fuel my passion to disrupt patterns of poverty by getting to the root, strengthening individuals, and building pathways toward long‑term, stable living.

This work is personal to me, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to serve one family, one young person, and one life at a time.