KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Tiana Roberts says growing up in Kings Mountain is an experience that led her to her purpose.
“It’s such a small town, such a small community," Roberts said. "All of my family is here. It has just led me to Jesus, like going to church all the time."
However, as a teen, Roberts said she had her challenges.
“You do things as an adolescent. You get rebellious,” Roberts said. “I had a lot of unhealthy relationships. I also contracted herpes when I was 18. Genital herpes. So, it was a lot of having to deal with that.”
Roberts credits her therapist for not only helping her unpack past trauma but also for pushing her to start a nonprofit.
“As I read her what I had journaled, the holy spirit led on her heart, okay this is what you need to do. And she was like you need to file your paperwork for the 501(c)(3),” Roberts explained. “I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it.”
A few months later, in 2021, after graduating with her master’s degree, Roberts started Girl Talk Ministry.
At this point, Roberts also started her career as a therapist and started hosting group sessions at her church.
Roberts brought together girls ages 10-18 to discuss everyday life challenges like mental health struggles, bullying, and self-esteem.
“The likes on social media have, I feel like, made our youth desire the attention and the validation that necessarily isn’t helpful to our growth and development,” Roberts said.
Roberts said the program has expanded. Girl Talk Ministry hosts annual prom dress giveaway events and a teen summit.
“I wasn’t a part of my home church anymore, so we moved online so our reach was able to expand. I had a girl from Connecticut. I still had girls from here. Pennsylvania was another state I had a girl from,” Roberts said.
Roberts said she’s planning to do more events this year and is gearing up for another prom dress giveaway. Roberts has also released a book called "You Don’t Know My Story."
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.