From struggle to service: Mark and Joi Smith fight to keep people from going hungry and homeless with their non-profit Joi’s Angels

They overcome personal heartbreaks, fell in love and experience incredible success– then decided to become guardian angels of the community by building Joi’s Angels in East Orange, New Jersey.  Mark and Joi Smith’s story of 20-years of service will inspire you to believe you can make a difference too.

By Natasha S. Alford/TheGrio

For Mark and Joi Smith, the founders of Joi’s Angels in East Orange, NJ, service is not just an action—it’s a calling. Their journey to building a community-centered nonprofit is a powerful testament to the principle of “it takes a village.” In an interview with theGrio’s Natasha S. Alford, they shared how love, healing, and faith became the foundation of their work, transforming lives for over two decades.

Mark’s story began in darkness. “I used to be a drug addict, alcoholic, and I was homeless,” Mark told theGrio. “I prayed to God one night and asked Him, ‘If you clean me up, I promise I will give back.’” Mark held on to that promise, even as life started improving and he began a successful construction business. After meeting Joi, whose sense of direction anchored them both, Mark knew he was being guided toward his purpose. 

The One night, I heard God say, ‘I thought you told me you were going to give back if I cleaned you up.’” That calling led to the creation of a non-profit  in 2004 called Joi’s Angels, named, fittingly, in honor of Joi.

For Joi, supporting Mark’s healing was intertwined with a deeper understanding of his need for purpose. “I felt like if he didn’t have a purpose, he would fall back into drugs,” Joi explained. 

Once they committed to buying a property in East Orange, NJ to be the homebase for their work, there was no stopping the two spouses who were determined to make a difference

Together they set out to create something bigger than themselves—something that would fill a gap in East Orange community, just 30 minutes from New York City and next door to Newark that struggled to get adequate resources– it was time to show the power of love in action.   

The Heart of East Orange

Although Mark is a Newark native and Joi hails from Jersey City, the Smiths have made East Orange home. Over the course of 20 yearts, they’ve forged deep connections with the residents and local leaders, creating a sense of community wherever they go. “East Orange reminds me of a place that always had a sense of togetherness,” Mark reflected. Joi added that when they arrived, they didn’t know what to expect. “Wherever God led us to find the property, He probably said that’s where we were needed.”

In addition to their nonprofit work, the Smiths recently opened The Angel Spot, a thrift store in East Orange designed to benefit the community. The 2,000-square-foot warehouse includes mattresses, furniture, and household goods that people can access in times of need. 

However, the store is currently sitting closed as the Smiths wait for inspection and approval from the city to move forward. “We need workers to man shifts,” Joi explained. The store has the potential to become a critical resource for families but requires volunteers and operational support to fulfill its mission.

The challenges of sustaining their work are immense. “The more we do, the greater the need,” Mark said candidly. Between securing funding, scraping together donations, and managing daily operations, the couple’s commitment remains unwavering. Mark offers the heart and guidance that comes from lived experience, while Joi brings a sharp administrative focus, searching for resources and partnerships.

“We definitely need to increase our level of volunteerism and service,” Joi emphasized. “Not just the youth—we need adults.”

A Holiday Giveaway and Call to Action

One of the most impactful events hosted by Joi’s Angels is their annual Holiday Giveaway, which draws over 1,000 people. This year’s giveaway will take place on December 22, 2024, at their headquarters on 114 S. Arlington Avenue in East Orange. 

The event is not only a celebration of the season but a lifeline for families in need. Yet, the Smiths are facing significant challenges. Some of the normal toy donations they received in past years with certain partners haven’t come through, so The Smiths have been working phone lines to get all their can.

Despite limited resources, the Smiths remain undeterred. Their love—for each other, for their work, and for their community—fuels their resilience. They embody the spirit of Black love and the village mentality that sustains communities through even the hardest of times.

How You Can Help

The Smiths are calling on the village—neighbors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors—to step up and support their mission. Donations of new toys can be dropped off at 114 S. Arlington Avenue, East Orange, NJ, and volunteers can sign up to help via their Google form.

As Mark poignantly shared, “I just want to go to Joi’s Angels one day and not have to do anything. We need workers, we need finances, and we need people that are knowledgeable. We need to get to that next level.”

In a world often too busy to pause, Mark and Joi remind us that love, faith, and community can change lives. It truly does take a village.