June 24th 2024.
Moving into college can be a rollercoaster of emotions for new freshmen. The anticipation of starting a new chapter in their lives is mixed with the stress of adjusting to a new environment. Luckily, there is an organization called Move-in Day Mafia that is dedicated to helping teens who have aged out of foster care settle into their dorms before classes even begin.
Teej Mercer founded this nonprofit in 2022 after completing 13 dorm room makeovers at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. Her passion for youth, especially those in her community who were accepted into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), inspired her to start this mission. However, Mercer noticed that students who came from foster care often lacked the necessary support to fully settle into their new living space.
In an interview with WSB-TV, Mercer explained, "Move-in Day Mafia started in 2020 when I met a young college graduate from an HBCU who had aged out of foster care. Her social worker drove her to campus, dropped her off at the curb, and left her to unload her belongings alone."
As a graduate of an HBCU herself, Mercer recognized the need for assistance in making dorm rooms feel like home for these teens. With a focus on HBCU students, she and her team of volunteers provide supplies and decorations to make each room personalized for its new occupant. The goal is to show these young adults that they have a support system as they embark on their academic journey.
Mercer added, "I couldn't imagine an 18-year-old going through that transition all by themselves. So, I made a promise to myself that I was going to do something about it."
For these students, their dorm room represents more than just a place to sleep. One of the volunteers who helps design the rooms shared that it's often the first time these students have had a room of their own.
"We have many students who tell us that they've never had their own room before. So, it's crucial for us to pay attention to even the smallest details, like the wallpapers, headboards, and their favorite colors or inspirational quotes," said volunteer Mina Starks.
But Move-in Day Mafia's work doesn't stop once the dorm rooms are complete. They continue to provide monthly care packages to each student as they progress through their college journey. As the organization looks to expand its efforts, they rely on funding and volunteers to help fulfill their mission.
In a related story, actress Nia Long shared that she started a college fund for her children even before becoming a mother. Her actions serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting young adults as they pursue higher education. Move-in Day Mafia is making a significant impact on the lives of these students, and with more support, they can continue to do even more.
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