Board of Directors
Founder & CEO
Monica Bates
Ms. Monica Bates is the Founder and CEO of CHARSO (Creating Hope Aspiration & Reassurance to Striving Overcomers.) Monica is a Licensing Resource Specialist and single mother who understands the plight of those she is on a mission to assist via the CHARSO Organization. Monica earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Calhoun Community College in Decatur, AL. She went on to attend Athens State University in Athens, Al, and eventually to Strayer University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Monica’s passion for her community, and her servitude spirit lead her to an opportunity to work for the results driving nonprofit Community Actions Partnership of North Alabama.
Monica has committed the past twenty-three (23) years of her career working at Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, serving her community. Her first 10 years with the agency were served teaching Pre-K, pouring love and knowledge into 4 and 5-year-old children from poverty driven background. Realizing the only true way to help her children overcome a future of trauma and poverty, she would first have to change the mindset of the parents. Her career continued as a Family Service Manager, where she focused on providing parents with the tools needed to change the family’s dynamics. In 2011 Monica received a Family Development Credential from Temple University Harrisburg, and in 2012 she completed the Family Development Credential Advisor’s Training. She also completed Franklin Covey’s The 7 Habits Master of Effectiveness Degree, and in 2018 Monica received a certificate of graduation form The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Leadership Program. She has dedicated countless hours preparing herself for this journey, by participating in trainings, workshops, and leadership class. Monica is committed to serving youth & young adults in her community, ensuring them that their current situation is not their final destination.
Vice President
Janelle Brown
Janelle Brown is a native of The Shoals. And, a graduate of The University of North Alabama; double majoring in Accounting & HR Management. This lead to a 18 year career in finance and banking. She absolutely loves real estate and is licensed Realtor in Alabama. From this love, her family provides quality, affordable houses. Janelle developed a passion for reading at an early age. And, has a life mission to increase literacy in marginalized communities. This resulted in her greatest venture Brown Books & More bookstore. When Janelle isn’t reading, she loves to travel with her husband and two children. Not to mention, she absolutely loves to encourage people to be their best selves and is always pleasant.
Treasurer
Shannon Shackelford
Shannon is a native of Florence, Alabama and has resided in Decatur for the past thirty years. Shannon is married and has one son, two bonus sons and a bonus daughter. She studied in the field of Psychology (University of North Alabama) that led her into a deep appreciation of all people. She also later received a business degree from Virginia College – Huntsville. Her professional environment has been in the Non-profit and Community Outreach field. This experience ignited the passion to push others to succeed. And now being planted at Decatur Youth Services it provides enormous opportunities to create and enhance tools and resources for families to be able reach their goals and to show them in a positive way. Shannon’s mission in life is to inspire change to help build healthy lives for our youth and community.
Secretary
Kurtistyne Bellamy White
Ms. Kurtistyne Bellamy White, affectionately called Ms. White by the community, is a U. S. Army Veteran. And, a former corrections officer serving in three different jurisdictions. She is currently employed with Decatur City School and Decatur Youth Services. Ms. White has a heart of gold and actively seeks equality for everyone. She is the President and Founder of Village Library. Which places and maintains little libraries throughout the city. Ms. White is formally educated by Calhoun Community College and Athens State Alabama. She has three sons and nine grandchildren.
Board Member
Denise Rice
Denise Bates Rice was born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Decatur, Alabama. She is a mother of two children, one son and one daughter. Denise is an aerospace technician, and she enjoys her career. She loves to travel and plan family vacations. She has amazing organization skills, and a talent for planning business events. Denise is the liaison for all fundraisers and events presented by the CHARSO organization