Meet Betty Neal-mantion

We were lucky to catch up with Betty Neal-mantion recently and have shared our conversation below.

Betty, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity is rooted in my faith. I truly believe we are blessed to be a blessing to others and as you unselfishly without looking for praise or recognition bless others God continues to bless you. To whom much is given much is required.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am married and have 3 children a daughter in love, several bonus in children and four grandchildren. I love spending time with family and friends and I am always planning events and gatherings to ensure we are spending quality time with each other and making precious memories.
I am currently retired and spend many of my retired hours running the nonprofit I founded.. I wear many hats and honestly don’t know how I ever did all that I currently do and managed to work a full time job. To God be the glory.
I have a Doula certificate and just recently put my training to use as I was my niece and nephews Doula. I am a certified Domestic Violence Advocate having completed 40 hours of professional training. I worked for Access Family Services as an advocate and answered hot line calls. I am grateful for the experience as it helped me to identify how the foundation can add value in looking for ways to assist community organizations that provide direct support to domestic violence survivors. I recently earned my SORA license a I am seeking a part time employment opportunity as a Security Officer.
I have always in some way advocated for those in need, through volunteering with my former employer, Allstate Insurance or my church St. Matthew AME in Orange, NJ. I consider myself an advocate for women as I believe when women support each other amazing things happen.
The Love You Girl Foundation was born of tragedy after my best friend, Alice Jenkins was shot and killed by her estranged husband on February 18, 2011. The foundation is dedicated to her memory and legacy. The work I do with the foundation is a labor of love and has helped in my healing. We are advocates against the crime of domestic violence. Our mission is to turn tragedy into triumph by educating and creating awareness of the crime of domestic violence in our communities and beyond. We want to empower domestic violence survivors and advocates. Our comprehensive program focuses on education and awareness. We also give back via our community service projects, by volunteering at local domestic violence and homeless shelters and community organizations that mentor young adults. 90% of the board have received Dynamics of Domestic Violence training and can present training and workshops on same. We have presented the training in houses of worship, schools, colleges and before professional boards and organizations. We have set up awareness tables at community events, Women’s Expo’s and pop up shops.
I am most proud of our scholarship program. Recipients receive the Alice M. Jenkins scholarships award for up to five years each semester as long as they are in good standings with their colleges and universities. We have had as many as five recipients at one time and have given in excess of $40,000 in scholarships.
In September of 2024 to further our mission and ministry we opened Love You Girl Foundation Boutique Events & More.
This anointed space is open to members of the community. The boutique is an up scale thrift shop where we carry new and slightly used clothing, shoes and accessories. Most items are donated by the community and supporters. 90% of those impacted by domestic violence also experience financial abuse. When attempting to break free repairing credit, looking for permanent housing and employment are key. We offer professional clothing to domestic violence survivors free of charge. Also in the space is a relaxation Lounge where we invite our customers and supporters to come in and just relax. Self care is important and very necessary. No purchase is required to spend time in the relaxation lounge. We offer complimentary herbal tea, water and hot cocoa.
As a bonus we can transform the boutique into a classy /intimate event venue where we can accommodate up to 40 people with tables and chairs. We tale great pride in helping our customers customize events and seeing their vision turn into reality.
Boutique Events & More is run 100% by volunteers. All proceeds from sales and rental go to fund the foundation’s mission and ministry. For the most part the Co Founder, Mattie Crowley and myself run the boutique and ensure the doors are open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We ensure our valued customers receive the best in class customer service and everyone who enters receives information regarding the dynamics of domestic violence. 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men and 1 in 3 young adults at some point in their lifetime will be impacted by domestic violence. We want people to know if they or someone they know is impacted by domestic violence how to get help safely.
I have received numerous community service awards and recognition for the work I do with the foundation. To honor me is to honor all who work with and support the foundation for I do not do the work alone. While I am appreciative for all recognition the most notable was recognition received as Allstate’s volunteer of the year, recognition at the Jefferson Awards for Community Service in Washington D.C. and most recently I was inducted into my high school (West Side High) hall of fame..

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The ability to be empathetic without judgement, customer service and professional domestic violence/ support training. We must always be able to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and avoid the urge to impose our own beliefs and values especially when we have not been in their situation. Listening to understand before being understood. In other words being quick to listen and slow to speak. Investing in professional training is a must. Having a mentor and being open to. Coaching and constructive feedback to determine what your opportunity areas might be and then doing the necessary work to ensure there is improvement. I remind myself often that the work is not about me. It is about helping to restore lives of those impacted by domestic violence. It is my hope and my prayer that by educating and creating awareness and by doing the work someone is encouraged to break free of domestic violence before the unfortunate happens and that one day the crime of domestic violence might be eradicated.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The Co Owner Mattie Crowley has been very instrumental in helping me to stay focused on the mission vision the purpose and the goals. I have no doubt that Mattie is in the trenches with me. She ensures and reassures me that I am not in this alone. Her talents, skills and strengths compliments mine and helps to make our team stronger. Mattie is my first cousin and so I have known her a very long time. Our mothers are sisters so we share the same core beliefs and values. In ventures that require long term commitments it is imperative that those you partner with are like minded and follow through on commitments to ensure you deliver on the mission. At least once a week we huddle to determine what we need to focus on. What did we do well and what was not do well. What were the learnings and how can we improve upon. advocating on behalf of others can be quite challenging while juggling personal challenges and responsibilities. Self care and knowing when to step away is necessary. Having Mattie to partner with in the day to day tasks and responsibilities of running the foundation and boutique has been most inspiring. My mother and family have also inspired and encouraged me along this journey. Both Mattie and my Mom have been the recipients of the foundations Inspiration Award. I am thankful and grateful to all who have supported and inspired me. Lady but certainly not least I am thankful to God for he never fails to provide what we need as we continue to face the daunting challenges of domestic violence advocacy.
If you or someone you know is ever in immediate danger call 911. If you are in need of assistance please contact your local state domestic violence coalition or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233(SAFE).

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Marquita Neal
Keneddie Singleton
Randy Mantion
Betty Neal-Mantion

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