Daily Inspiration: Meet Cheley Douglass MSW, LCAS-A, CCC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheley Douglass MSW, LCAS-A, CCC.

Hi Cheley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started with the population I am passionate about. Growing up middle class on the Southside of Raleigh, North Carolina with divorced parents, and a house full of siblings, I internalized my emotions and was considered a behavioral child. I was outspoken, and blunt, and did poorly in school. I was verbally and emotionally abused by family, and their close friends and told by many that I would not become anything. However, instead of dwelling or agreeing with the negative comments, I knew that my purpose existed before people started making opinions. I think that mindset also was influenced by me being a tomboy and feeling as if I can do things just as well as the boys or even better.

My life made me want to advocate for the at-risk youth population. Many people count them out as they did me, not understanding life just dealt us a crazy hand. For example, if this was the game spades, we had no face cards and one spade. When I wondered if I was good enough, God showed me I am more than enough. I went from graduating high school in summer school to being a summa cum laude double HBCU graduate holding a master’s in social work and a certification as a clinical addiction specialist. Shoutout to my alma maters Shaw University and North Carolina Central University.

Through it all, I left my career in sales and started working in Pediatric and Adolescent Behavior Psychiatric.

Climbing the ladder into a leadership position made me realize I wanted to increase my impact on youth outside the hospital. Mental Health is a hot topic and currently, we are in a youth mental health crisis. I saw how my community lacked the knowledge of existing resources and I witness the lack of communication between resources. I wanted to be part of bridging that gap.

So, I transitioned my career from the hospital setting to the community and school settings. I became actively involved with the youth and the community through community engagement, activism, volunteering, networking, joining organizations (such as NAMI-Wake, the National Association of Social Workers, etc.), and being a mother. I knew that if I wanted to be a change agent then I need to be present. So here I am!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A professor once asked me “If you can describe yourself in one word what would it be?” My answer is relatable. Life was not smooth for me, and just like many others, I have had to fight to get to where I am.

I started college in 2003 and did not retrieve my bachelor’s until 2016. Within that timeframe, I transferred schools (more than twice), was placed on academic probation, lost all my grandparents and family elders (one by a drive-by shooting), took breaks, experienced homelessness, and became pregnant. I had to learn how to juggle life and my desire to attain higher education. My dreams are so big they scare me, but I know God did not give me these desires for me not to excel.

Also, because I am a confident, outspoken, goal-driven black woman, striving for success came with obstacles. I have been in spaces of leadership where I was the only female, the only black person and sometimes I was both. Through these adversities, I have learned to advocate for myself and others so that voices are heard.

I have a praying mother (who is my best friend), and an awesome support system. When I worked through my past trauma and learned to be selfish about the access people had to me, I ended up with people that only provide good vibes, good times, motivation, and celebration. I am thankful to have reached my winning season.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am what many call the #YouthPlug. Even though I am a mother to one, I’m a community, Aunty, too many, and mentor to all. I’m known to have large ties to the community and sports. My friend Dominique joked recently and said I am a walking charter school because I always travel to events with a large number of kids.

I serve as the Program Director and Executive Board Member of the nonprofit Beyond Basketball Inc. Our mission is to connect youth to mentors and resources to increase their success on and off the court. I also work in the school system with the high school special education population by teaching life skills and building community business partnerships to enhance students’ success as they transition from school to career. I serve as a crisis counselor with the national crisis text line which offers a nonjudgment safe space of support and hope while providing mental health resources such as crisis interventions and suicide prevention.

Not only do I have an education and career background in social work, therapeutic recreation, and clinical addiction but I host many certifications including behavior specialist, youth, and adult mental health and first aid, crisis counselor, and trauma-informed care.

I am very family oriented. My biggest accomplishment has been my son. Being his mother brings me so much joy and continues to teach me many lessons. He’s such a dynamic child. I am very honest with him and transparent. I thank God daily as I watch him grow, and excel in academics, sports, and the relationships he builds. His name is Juice, but I call him Mr. Personality. I am proud of myself for being true to myself and for never giving up. It made me the person I am today. The characteristics that got me in trouble as a child are the same ones that people gravitate to now that I’m an adult.

What sets me apart from others is my integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn. My character and reputation are the same. I’m not your average youth advocate or clean-cut professional. I’m real. I don’t run from controversy. The only limitations I have are the ones I put on myself.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Email me and check out the Beyond Basketball website! Keep me in the know with resources, and opportunities for the community, youth, and young adults. And not just in Raleigh because I work with community leaders and youth in the surrounding areas as well. Being that I connect youth to programs and leaders, I am always looking for those interested in becoming a sponsor, partner or just wanting to know how they can become a mentor.

Lastly, just be present with the youth! They need people’s support even if it’s not directly through me. They need more than just the annual back-to-school drives and holiday food giveaways- no shade as these events are needed.

They need an ongoing village!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cheleyd.carrd.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheley_d/