Join us in bringing unconditional love and encouragement to the students of College of Charleston!

At Sea Turtle Ministries, we are on a mission to make a difference in the lives of college students. Loneliness, mental health challenges, and the feeling of being lost on campus are all too common. But we believe in the power of unconditional love, encouragement, and community.

Introducing CHS Free Moms & Dads:

Our message to students is this: YOU MATTER and the moms and dads of Charleston are here for you! We know a lot of moms and dads who have an endless supply of love to give and are looking for someone to bless. We are here to bring unconditional love, friendship, and hope to young adults through food, encouragement, and support with moms, dads, and grandparents who deeply care about them. No strings attached!

We’re bringing unconditional love, encouragement, and support to College of Charleston.

CHS Free Moms & Dads is modeled after NCSU Free Moms in Raleigh, NC, which was started in 2019 by Nancy Nelson, the “OG Free Mom.” It is a large volunteer base of moms, dads, and grandparents who faithfully connect with and support thousands of college students each week through baked goods, hugs, empathetic listening, and unconditional love. Our core mission is beautifully straightforward: To show up, bring treats, and extend genuine care with no hidden agenda but love. Nancy has advocated for other moms and dads across the United States to start similar programs at college campuses in their cities.

We heard the call and saw the value. The mission and vision of Sea Turtle Ministries aligns with theirs, so we decided to bring it here to College of Charleston.

Why It Matters:

• 66.7% of first-year college students experience high levels of loneliness.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
• 1 in 5 college students in the US grapple with mental health conditions.
• Shockingly, about 50% of college students facing mental health challenges do not seek help.

You can help change these statistics. By volunteering your time, donating baked goods, or making a financial contribution to help us with the operational costs of this program, you can make a positive impact in the lives of college students at CofC. Your support, whether through prayers or action, is invaluable to us.

Join Us Today:

Sign up to serve college students at Cougar Mall on Tuesdays from 2:00-4:00 pm through May 8, 2024. Can't commit to on-campus service? No problem – we also need volunteers to donate baked goods!

Together, let's make a difference.