Our Founders
Thais W. West
Program Director
Thais W. West brings more than 20 years of experience as a guidance counselor to her role as Program Director at Jessie’s Hope. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where young women feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
Using her experience in counseling and youth development, Thais helps residents build confidence, overcome challenges, develop life skills, and prepare for greater independence. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she is committed to serving and empowering young people.
LaToya M. Davis
Executive Director
LaToya M. Davis serves as Executive Director of Jessie’s Hope, bringing more than 20 years of leadership and financial experience to the organization. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where young women can build confidence, develop life skills, and prepare for successful, independent futures.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, LaToya is committed to service, empowerment, and helping every young woman recognize her potential.
LaToya is committed to building a home where trust can grow, healing can begin, and hope can build upon.
Meet Our Dedicated Youth Experts
LaVonda Lake
Direct Care Staff
Lavonda Lake brings previous group home experience and is passionate about helping young women build confidence, develop life skills, and overcome challenges as they prepare for adulthood. Guided by the belief that “It takes a village to raise a child,” Lavonda is committed to being a dependable source of encouragement and support.
Tabitha Newman
Direct Care Staff
Tabatha Newman is passionate about encouraging young women to recognize their worth, build confidence, and overcome challenges. Through kindness, patience, and support, she reminds each resident that her past does not define her future. Tabatha’s guiding message is simple: “Always remember that you are somebody!”
Willie Mae Banks
Direct Care Staff
Willie Mae Banks brings more than 25 years of experience working with children and young adults to Jessie’s Hope. She is passionate about building trust, providing positive guidance, and helping young women develop confidence, life skills, and greater independence. With patience and compassion, Willie Mae is committed to helping each resident recognize her strengths and believe in the future she can build.
Kyshaunda Smith
Direct Care Staff
Kyshaunda Smith brings 15 years of experience working with children and young adults to her role at Jessie’s Hope. As a mother of three and Newberry, South Carolina native, she understands the importance of providing young people with consistent care, encouragement, and guidance. Kyshaunda is passionate about helping each girl build confidence, recognize her strengths, and know that she has someone who believes in her and her future.
Valencia Jackson
Direct Care Staff
Wilhemina McKeever-Hunter
Direct Care Staff
Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time
Discover a nurturing environment where at-risk adolescents in Newberry can grow. Join Jessie's Hope to empower and guide futures.