JANS – The General Missionary Baptist State Convention’s Woman’s Auxiliary FASHION SHARE raised $1,800 during its July event at Greater Pearlie Grove Baptist Church. The annual fundraiser supports a community initiative that encourages Christian living. This year’s recipient is Great Motivation Starts w/Self (GMSS). The check presentation was held  August 28, 2024, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Natchez, MS.

GMSS (pronounced GEMS) is a non profit organization founded in 2016 by Glennese Smith. Although its primary goal is to reduce domestic violence, GMSS is also involved with feeding the homeless, bill assistance, fire victims, burial, and other emergency family needs. 

Smith is a Natchez, MS native and a domestic violence survivor. She has three children, Lexus, Camry, and Layla; and two grandchildren, Ja’Chari & Carma. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Alcorn State University (2009, 2011). Smith became a published author in 2011, writing “Surviving A Thousand Deaths, The Glennese Smith Scott Story”. She is certified as a Mental Health Therapist in Louisiana and Mississippi, and operates Taxes By Me, GMSS Shelter, and GMSS Counseling & Consulting LLC.