Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelice Johnson.
Hi Shelice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
At just 16 years old, Shelice found herself facing the life-changing reality of teenage pregnancy. Determined to finish high school despite the challenges, she gave birth to her first child at 17 during her senior year. Just months later, she discovered she was pregnant again. In December 2004, Shelice welcomed her second child into the world—a preemie born at 32 weeks, weighing only 4 lbs. 6 oz. In the same year, she had already given birth to her first daughter, who was only 10 months old at the time. Navigating motherhood, school, and life’s hardships, Shelice experienced the raw and unfiltered reality of being a teen mom—the struggles, the fears, the doubt, and the overwhelming responsibility. But she also discovered resilience, faith, and strength she never knew she had. Now, as the visionary and founder of Providing Mothers Joy Inc., Shelice is using her own journey of survival and success to uplift, empower, and guide other young mothers. She understands firsthand what it takes to overcome the barriers of teen motherhood, and she is deeply committed to ensuring no young mother feels alone.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The journey of being a single mother of five while building a nonprofit like Providing Mothers Joy Inc. has been anything but easy. There were days when I felt stretched beyond my limits—balancing motherhood, work, and my passion for helping young mothers who are facing the same struggles I once did.
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming doubt—both from others and from within myself. There were people who didn’t believe I could juggle it all, and sometimes, I even questioned it myself. But I refused to let circumstances define my potential.
Another struggle has been resources and support. When you’re a single mother, every decision matters—every dollar, every moment of time, every ounce of energy. There were times when I had to choose between investing in my vision for PMJ and making sure my own household was taken care of. I knew I couldn’t pour from an empty cup, but I also knew that this mission was bigger than me.
Despite the challenges, my faith in God has been my anchor. There were moments of exhaustion, moments where I felt unseen, but God always provided—whether through unexpected financial blessings, people stepping up to help, or just the right encouragement at the right time.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every bump has been a lesson, and every struggle has built the foundation for something greater. That’s why PMJ exists—to remind young mothers that they are capable, worthy, and never alone in this journey. If I could push through the hard days and build something beautiful out of my struggles, they can too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Providing Mothers Joy?
Providing Mothers Joy Inc. (PMJ) is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a lifeline for teen mothers who feel unseen, unsupported, and unprepared. We specialize in providing faith-based support, mentorship, and resources to help young moms not only survive but thrive. Our mission is to break generational cycles of struggle and create a community where teen mothers are valued, empowered, and equipped to navigate motherhood with confidence.
What sets PMJ apart is that this isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement birthed from lived experience. I know what it’s like to be a young mother, to carry the weight of responsibility while still trying to figure out life myself. PMJ is built on that understanding, and we meet these young women where they are—without judgment, just love, support, and the tools they need to rise above their circumstances.
One of our biggest goals right now is Phase 1 of PMJ—building small support groups for teen moms, where they can receive mentorship, emotional and spiritual guidance, and practical resources. The ultimate vision is to establish a teen maternity home, a safe space where young mothers can find stability, gain life skills, and prepare for independent, successful futures.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the hope PMJ represents. This isn’t about handouts—it’s about breaking chains, restoring dignity, and showing teen moms that they are more than their mistakes, more than their struggles, and more than society’s expectations.
To every reader: If you’ve ever been counted out, if you’ve ever felt like the odds were against you, PMJ is proof that resilience, faith, and the right support system can change everything. We are here to remind young mothers that they are strong, capable, and called to more. If you believe in that mission, I invite you to partner with us—whether by supporting, volunteering, or simply sharing our message. Because when we uplift one mother, we uplift generations.
What matters most to you? Why?
Legacy and impact. What I do today isn’t just about me—it’s about the lives I touch, the children I raise, and the young mothers I help lift up. I want my life to be proof that struggle doesn’t have to define you, that faith and perseverance can rewrite any story.
What matters most is seeing teen mothers realize their worth, step into their power, and create a better future for themselves and their children. I know firsthand how easy it is to feel stuck, to believe the lie that your situation determines your future. But I also know that with the right support, mindset, and faith, you can overcome anything.
I want my children to look at me and see strength, resilience, and faith in action. I want every mother who crosses paths with Providing Mothers Joy Inc. to feel seen, valued, and empowered to break the cycles of struggle.
At the end of the day, what matters most is that my life leaves a mark—that my work continues long after me, shaping generations to come. Because when we change the life of one mother, we change the future of her children, and that ripple effect is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hopbirthingservice.wixsite.com/mysite/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQpQlrvJjp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
