Pastor helps others beyond her church

Charlesetta Prioleau has her own church and congregation to keep her busy. But faith pushes her to share the wealth of her boundless spirit beyond the walls of her North Charleston ministry.

Prioleau works tirelessly to help the poor and disadvantaged in and around her humble, metal-siding church off Ashley Phosphate Road. She buys food for the hungry, finds shelter for the homeless, throws baby showers for expecting mothers of little means, counsels troubled couples and seeks treatment for the addicted.

Often such volunteer work has little to do with her own church and instead is driven by a basic desire to help others.

"That's the way it's supposed to be," she said. "We are all people. It doesn't matter what your denomination or creed is."

Prioleau is quick to deflect praise and credits her congregation at New Jerusalem Church and others around the community for answering her calls each time she rallies them with a new challenge, another person in need of a hand.

Prioleau is especially keyed on helping young women. Whether its helping young mothers buy baby supplies, lining up transportation, covering an overdue rent payment or lending an ear in rocky times, she intervenes in hopes of reversing the powerful cycles of poverty and hopelessness.

Trimeka Johnson, a single mother from Greenville, said Prioleau practically gave her the clothes off her back and raided her own closet when Johnson needed professional attire for a job. "She gives of her time so selflessly. And I've seen her do it with so many others."

Another focus is educating children. She has established a tutoring program for neighborhood children and organizes a safety fair where police, firefighters and health officials offer tips to keep kids out of trouble.

Prioleau's efforts also extend to other churches. She gives of her time to counsel pastors and congregations across the Lowcountry that have run out of steam and need encouragement and uplifting — a syndrome she likens to a child who's grown wary of a parent's preaching.

Pastors and their members also can become worn out and lose their focus, Prioleau said. "The sheep can get a little tired. I try to stir up the people, get them pumped up again."

She also believes in second chances, counseling felons about the pitfalls of returning to crime or drugs and steering them toward employment and clean living.

Prioleau, a Charleston native, is a graduate of Burke High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. She started her first church in a Dorchester Road hotel room and says she always has tried to give back her time and energy to the community as her congregation has grown over the years.

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Fishburne, founder and president of New Covenant Women Ministries in Columbia, said Prioleau's deeds are no surprise to her because she helped train Prioleau to serve others through the ministry and beyond.

"We teach our people to be productive citizens and to help as many people as they can. That is her goal," Fishburne said. "She is a fine lady."

Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724.HEAD