In 2020, Charleston native Stephanie Harvey worked full-time at The Vitamin Shoppe in North Charleston. A certified health and wellness coach and holistic nutritionist, she spent her days helping customers find supplements but was struck by the weight of the questions often posed to her. “People would ask me questions almost as if I was a doctor,” says Harvey. “I realized that there’s a lot people don’t know when it comes to their health, especially when we’re talking about underprivileged communities. When you’re not taught about health at home and you never think to learn about it, then as you get older and have kids, that mind-set goes on to the next generation.”
Having identified a problem—generational socioeconomic barriers to wellness information and tools—Harvey decided to be part of the solution, and in March 2021 founded MAD PARK Community, a nonprofit that aims to spread awareness about nutrition, fitness, and mental health through free community events and in-school programming.
As for how Harvey got the gumption to make something out of nothing—when faced with a deep-seated societal issue, no less? Much like her passion for health, Harvey’s “if-not-me-then-who?” spirit didn’t fall far from the tree. The daughter of two pastors, she grew up watching her mom and dad regularly collect and deliver food, clothing, and other necessities to neighbors in need. “If someone needed something, they could always knock on our door and know that they could get help,” says Harvey. That support extended to other realms. “My dad created a home gym—he still has all of the OG fitness equipment—and he started allowing boys in our community to use it. It essentially became a safe space for young men; it was like a brotherhood,” she says.
While connection to others can sometimes be overlooked, research shows that it’s as vital for well-being as diet and exercise. Harvey says she’s witnessed its impact through the students at MAD PARK. For example, she watched one girl do a complete 180 during a 10-week emotional wellness program supported in part by local fitness studio The Works. “She was very quiet and didn’t really want to participate,” says Harvey. “Then toward the end of the sessions—especially when she got to go to The Works—we saw her shine so brightly. She was laughing, she was enjoying herself, she was talking to everyone.”
Harvey knows that taking that first step toward connection can be difficult, whether you’re trying to get help with an initiative or simply trying to grow your support system. “You have to practice being uncomfortable,” says Harvey, who describes herself as shy and notes that she sometimes experiences self-doubt. “That’s something I have had to get used to. It’s like, you’re not going to be comfortable with it, but you have to just do it.” Another tip? “We always tell our scholars that they can do hard things. Hard things become easy things. It feels uncomfortable in that moment, but after a while, that discomfort goes away.”
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Harvey’s ideas and resources for fostering community
■ Focus on the why. In 2023, the surgeon general released a report declaring “an epidemic of loneliness and isolation” in the country, with studies showing that more than half of adults experience loneliness, with rates highest among young adults. And it’s a significant threat to health: loneliness and isolation, the report notes, can increase risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. “Deepening your connections allows you to no longer feel alone,” says Harvey. “Your mental health receives a great impact; your sleep, mood, and overall behavior receive a positive boost when you begin the steps of deepening your connection with others.”
■ Use social media as a pro not a con. MAD PARK has garnered grassroots support, in large part, thanks to being active and clear about its mission on social media and engaging with others in the local health and wellness industry online. “Social media is not just a platform, it is a bridge that connects people across the globe,” says Harvey. “It allows us to break down barriers, share our stories, and connect with others in ways we never thought possible. Don’t be afraid to use it to reach out, make new friends, and build meaningful connections.” Just be sure you’re using social media to complement and foster human interaction, rather than replace it.
■ Give back. Volunteering in the community is a win-win—you’ll develop friendships while helping other people or a cause you care about, too. The Lowcountry has a host of nonprofits, from animal shelters and environmental groups to organizations combating homelessness and health disparities.
Visit charlestonmag.com/givingback to read dozens of articles on local nonprofits, and identify one you’re eager to support.
