Teresa Yvette Pernell strives to help young people especially while they are in their formative years through her learning academy, projects such as Dorm-Ready, scholarships, and other activities in the community.
Teresa was born in Dillon County to the late Margaret Jane McKinnon and James McLean. Teresa has received her master’s degree (Health & Human Services) from Walden University. Bachelor’s degree (Psychology) from Ashford University. Associate degree in Liberal Studies (Limestone University). Teresa is the wife of Joseph Pernell, and they have three children Octavia Bethea, Shanta Pernell and Kerria Pernell. One grandson Alex Pernell. Teresa and her husband Joseph are the proud owners of Pernell Family Services LLC, Pernell Academy Learning Center, and Pernell Community Center. Teresa is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. -Mu Kappa Zeta Chapter covering Marion & Dillon County and a member of The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Dillon County.
Pernell Family Services LLC was established in 2019. It is a case management business that is contracted with the Department of Health & Human Services through Home and Community-Based Services;(HCBS), delivered to eligible participants with long-term care needs, if they choose, allowing them to remain in a community-based environment. HCBS waiver programs allow participants who meet an institutional level of care to receive services and support not covered through the South Carolina Medicaid State Plan. These services and support are provided through the waiver programs to assist participants in remaining in their own home or other community setting.
The Pernell Academy Learning Center was established in 2023. It is an after-school program that provides after-school care to students in 5K to 8th grade. The students receive tutoring, home-work assistance, they build teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
Pernell Community Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The organization was established in 2020. This organization provides food drives, clothing closet, scholarships, and essential supplies. The organization has awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to students in Dillon County. One of the biggest organization projects is called Dorm-Ready. Dorm-Ready is an annual project that was established in 2022. This project assists college students by providing free supplies that are needed while living on college campus. The free supplies consist of hygiene products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, snacks, and toiletries. Since 2022 Dorm-Ready has served over 900 college students throughout the Pee Dee Region and the borderline areas of North Carolina.
What has inspired Teresa to make a difference in the lives of others? “My mother Margaret McKinnon has inspired me to be the woman I am today,” Teresa said. “She was a hard worker, and she would give you the shirt off her back. This woman taught me how to pray, encouraged me to believe in myself and work for what I wanted. Through her teachings and my upbringing, I have learned that I can make a difference by helping others. I have seen my mom work from sun-up to sundown, go without, and put her needs on the back burner. She always made sure that we were taken care of. We may not have had a lot, but she showed me how to appreciate what we had, treat people with respect, and love people with out looking for nothing in return,” Teresa said.
How does Teresa make a difference in the lives of others? “I think I make a difference by showing the love that I have for people. I personally think that people need transparency, and that is something that I feel people see in me. The love that I have is genuine and there is no wondering about whether it is real or not,” she said.
What would you say to others about the impact they can have in the community? “First, I will have to say put your trust and faith in God. Corinthians Chapter 9 verse 7: ‘Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Pour your heart in everything that you do and always remember you can do all things through Jesus Christ.’ If you want to do something, do whatever it takes to make your dream come true. Nothing is impossible, it starts with a dream!,” she said.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH DIFFERENCE MAKER: Teresa Pernell–Nothing Is Impossible, It Starts With A Dream
