Nationwide — TeeJ Mercer, the dynamic founding father of Transfer-In Day Mafia, was lately spotlighted on the nationally syndicated Sherri speak present hosted by Sherri Shepherd. Throughout the April ninth episode, Mercer was honored within the “She’s the Boss” phase for her groundbreaking work serving to low-income and former foster youth transition into school life at Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities (HBCUs).
A proud Howard College alum and 25-year Hollywood veteran, Mercer launched Transfer-In Day Mafia in 2022 to offer totally decked-out dorm rooms and ongoing month-to-month care packages to college students who’ve aged out of foster care or face housing insecurity and excessive monetary hardship. The nonprofit has since served 84 students throughout 21 HBCUs, with outstanding retention outcomes—92% in 2024, in comparison with 0% in its pilot 12 months.
The thought was born when Mercer met a younger girl who shared how her social employee dropped her in school with no steering or assist. This heartbreaking encounter, coupled with the staggering stat that only one% of youngsters in foster care ever graduate from school, propelled Mercer into motion. What began as a single act of kindness has developed right into a full-fledged motion—one which’s catching nationwide consideration.
What units Transfer-In Day Mafia aside is its deeply customized method. Every room is curated by skilled designers from Nikki Klugh Design Group, and college students get to pick their very own snacks, hygiene merchandise, and provides, right down to their favourite toothpaste and cereal. “The tears don’t fall after they see the attractive rooms,” Mercer shared. “They fall after they understand we paid consideration to what makes them really feel seen and liked.”
Her look on The Sherri Present not solely sparked laughter—because of a hilarious on-air slip-up from Mercer—but in addition ignited a surge of latest donations and volunteers. It’s not Shepherd’s first time supporting the trigger; she’s additionally helped elevate $55,000 by taking part in on Superstar Jeopardy and Superstar Household Feud, all in honor of Transfer-In Day Mafia.
Mercer’s efforts have been widely known by main retailers like Essence, CNN, ABC Information, Black Enterprise, and Roland Martin Unfiltered. The group’s rallying cry, “The place goals get the inexperienced gentle one dorm room at a time,” completely captures the mission. And it’s working: students are thriving in internships at Disney, Chase, and the Tennessee State Lottery, finding out overseas, pledging Greek life, and changing into scholar leaders.
Transfer-In Day Mafia is now gearing up for Thee HBCU Bingo Expertise, a high-energy fundraiser hosted by Sherri Shepherd in Atlanta on July 12. Full particulars can be found at MoveInDayMafia.org/HBCUBingo
To see TeeJ Mercer’s phase on the Sherri present, go to:https://wiseguys.moveindaymafia.org/TeeJOnSherri
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