Interview with Joyce Ervin, October 10, 2022

Partial Transcript: Today is October the 10th 2022

Segment Synopsis: Ervin is introduced and she summarizes her schooling and career. She introduces her organization, the Open Hearts Center and details the organization's work with homeless children and their families.

Keywords: Athens Technical College; Cedar Shoals High School; Hilsman Middle School; Nancy Travis House; Oglethorpe County Head Start Center; Open Hearts Center; Truett McConnell University; Winterville Elementary School

Partial Transcript: Now-um- what did your parents do

Segment Synopsis: Ervin talks about the work that her parents did. She describes God and her parents as her biggest inspirations and shares some of the advice they gave her throughout her life. She also talks about her older sister's work with children, and how she wanted to emulate her.

Keywords: East Athens School

Partial Transcript: Now we- you took us through a quick journey of your schooling

Segment Synopsis: Ervin describes her neighborhood as a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. She explains that her father kept toys in their yard for all of the children in the neighborhood. Ervin also lists and details some of the games that she played as a child.

Partial Transcript: Now let's go to middle school

Segment Synopsis: Ervin describes her middle school experience and talks about her position as a nutrition counselor. She also lists some of the teachers that were most memorable for her. She explains that teachers who acknowledge the students and their feelings are more memorable because they keep students engaged in the classroom.

Keywords: Hilsman Middle School

Partial Transcript: Ok, now we're going to move to high school

Segment Synopsis: Ervin talks about the different extracurricular activities that she participated in, emphasizing that she was the only Black cheerleader on her squad. She details the only fight that she ever had in high school and explains the difference between school lunches then and now. Ervin also recalls her graduation and discusses her father's views on education and working.

Keywords: Joe Fazier; Mahamad Ali; Sugar Ray; Thankful Baptist Church

Partial Transcript: Ok, now, from there, you went to college

Segment Synopsis: Ervin explains how she went to college multiple times in her life for various different reasons. She mentions her lifelong friend who she met in college and how she impacted her. She also details her experience searching for jobs and teaching in and outside of Athens. Ervin also talks about her children and their current situations.

Keywords: Clarke Middle School; Gainsville Junior College; Oglethorpe County Head Start Center; Winterville Elementary School

Partial Transcript: Open Heart is not medical, it's talking about the spiritual and physical part of doing things for other people

Segment Synopsis: Ervin explains how her previous work in community outreach and with children in shelters led her to create her own nonprofit organization. She explains the mission and the services that the Open Hearts Center offers. Ervin also shares why she gives out nonperishable goods to the homeless community.

Keywords: Hattie Lawson; Keeping it Real; Nancy Tarvis House; United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; WXAG Radio

Partial Transcript: Give me -um- examples of two success stories

Segment Synopsis: Ervin recalls working with a man who was always appreciative of what she gave him. She describes wanting to make him and others like him feel welcomed. Ervin mentions how some people would donate damaged goods and explains why this is wrong. She also reflects on a girl who she used to help who is now currently working as a registered nurse.

Partial Transcript: What advice would you give them to get to where you are no, or where you eventually plan on being

Segment Synopsis: Ervin advises children to always seek and acknowledge God and to stay true to themselves. She emphasizes treating others with respect. Ervin also discusses the significance of understanding personal likes and dislikes as it relates to one's goals and careers.