About Us
About Our Founder & Executive Director
Joyce Maybin Nesmith
Celebrating 20 Years of Focused Commitment and Strength
In 2004, Joyce Maybin Nesmith was inspired by a public plea for volunteers at the schools served by Charleston County School District. Joyce felt she could serve and encourage others to serve as volunteers at local schools. She founded Beyond Our Walls, Inc. (BOWs), a non-profit organization, with the goal of increasing the involvement of parents and neighbors at community schools and organize resources to benefit parents and their schoolchildren.
She contacted the current superintendent, the late Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson, and discussed her desire to help in the schools. Dr. Johnson referred her to work with her associate superintendent in North Charleston, Former Charleston County School District Associate Superintendent Dr. Vashti Washington, supervisor of Elementary Schools in the Low Country Learning Community, who also wanted to increase the involvement of parents and neighbors in the area schools. Dr. Washington had successfully engaged parents during her career and included community involvement in her district goals. After meeting with Ms. Nesmith, she started a district-wide partnership with BOWs, working primarily to advance organizing community volunteers.
After volunteering for years in North Charleston schools, in early 2014, Joyce Nesmith, BOWs' Board Members, Donors, and Volunteers, decided it was time to find a neighborhood location to provide a meeting place for children, parents, neighbors, and volunteers with a focus on education.
On May 10, 2014, BOWs kicked off its tenth year by officially opening its new location in the heart of the neighborhood. We are excited about serving families during school closings, including: after school, holidays, weekends, and summer vacation months. Parents and neighbors can support their neighborhood center, the BOWs Meeting Place, by participating in events and activities for children living in the served areas.
Founder Joyce Nesmith (center) with BOWs Board Chair Martin Deputy and wife Andrea Deputy -- true Champions for Children.
Our Story
Our founder, Joyce Maybin Nesmith, believed children could thrive if communities reached out beyond their own walls to help. After gathering resources, Joyce developed BOWs, a safe, out-of-school experience for children to learn and grow. BOWs opened its doors in 2014 and has served numerous children and families. Volunteers, partners, and donors have invested their talents, time, and treasure to help BOWs continue its mission.
Volunteer Opportunities
BOWs needs Volunteers!
Volunteer opportunities are available for adults and youth.
Here's how to Volunteer at BOWs:
Email: volunteer@beyondourwalls.org
Partner Opportunities
Become a BOWs partner! You will be in good company. Partner companies and organizations help extend educational and learning experiences for BOWs' children.
Here's how to partner with BOWs:
Email: partner@beyondourwalls.org
Donation Opportunities
BOWs operates on donations from people like you who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Monetary and in-kind donations are needed and greatly appreciated.