Meeting Recap
01/09/2025

Reverend Bill Stanfield

Metanoia, North Charleston

Today we heard from Reverend Bill Stanfield, the CEO of Metanoia in North Charleston. Rev. Stanfield is a founder of Metanoia and has been living in the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood of North Charleston with his wife Evelyn and their two teenage sons. He has been leading the organization since its founding in 2002, working to generate positive changes in the community through various initiatives focused on youth leadership, affordable housing, and economic development.

Rev. Stanfield sees the glass as half full rather than half empty. While problems are an obvious challenge, he looks at the gifts and talents in a person and focuses on providing the right opportunities for them to succeed, prosper, and live meaningful lives.

Metanoia is a nonprofit community development organization dedicated to creating thriving neighborhoods in North Charleston, South Carolina. Their mission is to amplify opportunities for families in Chicora-Cherokee and surrounding historically Black neighborhoods by investing in and harnessing existing community assets.

The organization's key priorities and initiatives include:

1. Youth Leadership Development: Metanoia runs after-school and summer programs that focus on building character, academic excellence, and leadership skills among local youth.

2. Affordable Housing: The organization works to provide quality, attainable housing options to help guarantee student success and combat gentrification.

3. Economic Development: Metanoia invests in neighborhood assets to generate economic opportunities, supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs from middle school through adulthood.

4. Community Empowerment: The organization values community participation and ownership, requiring parents to invest time in community activities and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

5. Sustainable Revitalization: Metanoia aims to achieve sustainable neighborhood revitalization by focusing on strengths rather than problems, attracting investments to community assets.

Metanoia's approach is rooted in faith and emphasizes community-based leadership, with the majority of its board and staff living in the communities they serve. The organization envisions a diverse community where quality housing, livable wage jobs, achieving schools, and economic opportunities are accessible to all.

An inspiring presentation and organization making a real difference in the lives of people and an entire community.