Shawna’s House Inc. was founded in 2011 by Shawna K. Perez Clark and for 10 years this youth mentor network has been making solid connections with teens in the community. Through youth-focused activities and our Teen Chat Room and Financial Literacy programs, the Shawna’s House mentors have been able to reach and support countless teens, young adults, and families.
Our Story
Shawna K. Perez-Clark
Founder/Mentor & CEO
Since the tender age of 13, the Philly native Shawna dreamed of a place that teens like her could go for guidance, counseling, and overall support dealing with everyday struggles and challenges that most inner-city youths faced.
She thought, “if there was only a place where teens could express themselves, talk about their feelings and discuss things that were most important to them, they would be less likely to turn towards negativity and make better choices for their lives”. Shawna was fortunate enough to have a few positive role models in her life and she knew that the presence of those people had a great impact and left a positive impression on her life. She didn't know how, but she knew that she had to make a life commitment to “giving back”.
In 2000, Shawna decided it was time to turn her dream into a reality so she hit the streets and began volunteering with community organizations that provided mentorship for teen girls. With her youthful spirit, the teens connected with her instantly and sought after her for counseling in their times of trouble. The girls knew Shawna was a voice of reason, someone who would allow them to have a voice, and speak their mind when no one else cared. All the while, being a mother and counseling her teenage daughters and son, she also began welcoming their friends into her home for group discussions which became quite popular. Shawna’s house became the place for teens to go when they needed to vent, get sound advice, or simply needed the support and comfort of family.
“be the change you wish to see in the world ”
It started with the vision of a “safe house” or place in the community where young people could come and feel free to express themselves without fear or judgment. A place where teens felt safe to trust adults and accept their guidance, and In 2011, it all came together.
Shawna realized that her volunteerism over the years was more than “just something” to do in the community, it was her calling. The teens she mentored touched her heart in such a way that she wanted to do more. She needed to make it official...she wanted to create that place that she’d always dreamed of. Thus, Shawna’s House Inc. was born. Shawna’s House is a mentoring network that not only provides support to teens but to teen parents, couples and provides resources for the entire family. Each year, Shawna and her mentees participate in several community service projects and she’s the perfect example of a positive role model who encourages teens to be the change that they want to see.
Naturally, the first developed division of Shawna’s House Inc. is the SH Inc. Teen Chat Room where Shawna meets up with teens monthly and they sit around the table to discuss topics that are important and relevant to their age group with the guidance of unbiased adult mentors. Other divisions of Shawna’s House Inc. include Teen Parent Control and Shawna’s House Blog. Shawna’s House has grown into a family of people supporting people.
In addition to her dedication to Shawna’s House Inc. Shawna was a Court Appointed Advocate for Children with CASA Philadelphia and served on the board of Kaboose Rescue, a shelter for homeless and displaced pets. Today Shawna has dedicated her commitments to the development and growth of Shawna’s House Inc.
Shawna K Perez-Clark and her family are committed to serving the community together; they are true believers that “it takes a village”.
“we recognize the impact that positive adult relationships have on the healthy development of young people…we are here to contribute to that positive outcome.”
