V Marie’s Heart was founded by Artica Jenkins in memory of her late mother Vonderia Marie Jenkins. Vonderia Jenkins was a humanitarian who served families and children in various settings. She had a huge heart to serve people within the community. Her passion was supporting the underserved and bringing out the best in them regardless of their circumstances. Founder Artica Jenkins learned to cherish and advocate for mental health and people within the community by the teachings of Vonderia Jenkins. Unfortunately, she passed away from heart complications in 2016 at age 53. Even though she died at a young age she definitely left her mark in the world.

Our mission is to expand resources and create opportunities for the underserved to improve their quality of life by providing support to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

Underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and rural communities, often face barriers to accessing mental health services. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), only about 1 in 3 individuals with a mental health disorder receive treatment each year in the United States.

Financial literacy serves as a pillar of economic empowerment and stability, yet disparities persist among underserved populations, hindering their ability to navigate the complex landscape of personal finance. In an increasingly interconnected world driven by financial decisions, understanding the statistical landscape of financial literacy among underserved communities is essential for crafting targeted interventions and fostering equitable opportunities for economic advancement.

Our vision is to improve the quality of life for as many people as we possibly can. We believe if we decrease socioeconomic barriers, improve individual’s mental health, and increase individual’s success all mankind could benefit.

We pride ourselves on promoting good mental health by eliminating distorted thinking. Not only do we encourage positive self- talk with empowering and positive statements, but we also provide physical support. Here at V Marie’s Heart we believe in “giving a helping hand”.

Many underserved populations experience higher rates of poverty and lower median incomes compared to the general population. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019, the poverty rate for African Americans was 18.8%, compared to 7.3% for non-Hispanic Whites.

Underserved communities often have lower levels of educational attainment, higher dropout rates, and reduced access to quality education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the United States, students from low-income families are less likely to complete high school and attend college.

Access to healthcare services is a huge concern for underserved populations. They may experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, reduced access to preventive care, and face barriers to accessing quality healthcare services. For instance, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that marginalized populations often have limited access to essential health services.

Underserved communities often experience higher rates of unemployment, underemployment, and job insecurity. Factors such as discrimination, lack of education, and limited access to economic opportunities contribute to these disparities.

Stigma surrounding mental health issues persists in many underserved communities, discouraging individuals from seeking help and support. Cultural factors, including beliefs about mental illness and traditional healing practices, can further compound this stigma and inhibit access to mainstream mental health services.

V Marie's Heart Ribbon Cutting Brunch & Fundraiser

Helping You Fill The Void