The Founder

Born and raised in Clinton, South Carolina to the late Mary Ellen DeShields and Thomas Glenn, Treca dedicated many hours and a lot of energy to the small town. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1989 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development from Benedict College in 1994. She completed her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2011 while serving as Director of Minister of Music at New Beginning Ministries International, Inc. at the same time. Throughout her tenure, Treca has served her community by working to ensure access and opportunity for youth and families.

 

In March 1990, Treca’s life was transformed in more ways than one. She suffered a brutal assault during which she was stabbed nine times, a hair’s breadth from death when one of the wounds almost severed the main artery in her neck Prior to the incident that left her physically and emotionally scarred, Treca was at a spiritual crossroads in her life.  She contemplated completely surrendering to God but was unable to make a full commitment. A near-death experience on the operating table after she was stabbed left her with an ultimatum from God – she could remain in the afterlife, or she could return and spend her renewed life serving God. She chose the latter.

 

Treca’s newfound purpose and lifelong youth and family ambassadorship led to her first venture: Save Our Youth (S.O.Y.) Choir in Clinton, South Carolina. Established in 1990, it served as a positive platform for the children of that community to express themselves through spiritual song and praise, and learn to relate to one another as members of the body of Christ.  The 100-voice choir has traveled throughout the United States opening for gospel choirs and performing gospel plays written by Treca herself. Save Our Youth Choir was only the beginning of a simple vision that would later develop into a multi-faceted youth, family, and community outreach organization, Future Leader Center of America.

 

As Treca continued working with youth in the Clinton area, she saw the need for quality, affordable childcare. New Generation Early Learning Center (currently Future Leader Center for Development) was established in May 1994.  With a mission to prepare leaders to lead the nation, the center grew in popularity. In March 2004, another center was opened in Anderson, and the Clinton center was downsized to group home daycare.

 

Continuing on her journey of supporting youth and families, Treca founded The Zone and Love Zone Ministry in 2011.  The mission of this organization is to provide services that build trusting relationships with youth and their families. The Zone partners with various entities in the community to provide more effective services and build natural support systems. Some programs and events the organization provides include Target 111, an emergency food bank housed in churches in Laurens County; Creating Opportunities Reaching Everyone (C.O.R.E.), an outreach program that focuses on life skills, math, reading, and workforce development; 1st Saturday Exchange, an event through the C.O.R.E. program that allows community members to purchase items from upcoming entrepreneurs and artists at low costs; and much more.  Partners of the organization include: Positioned with Purpose, Modern Woodmen of America (Youth Service Clubs), and 107.3 Jamz. Some utilized resources are the Workforce Investment Act and the ABC Childcare Program (Anderson and Clinton).

Love Zone Ministry was founded on November 1, 2011. 

 

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (KJV).  The Love Zone Ministry is committed to loving you as Christ has loved us. For years, we have impacted the growth and salvation of others by ministering through outreach, empowerment sessions, family activities, intercessory prayer, weekly bible study, and Sunday Service Fellowship.  Our focus remains on submitting to the Word of God and putting it into practice through our hospitality.  Knowing that love covers a multitude of sins, we are dedicated to providing a no-judgment zone where people are free to express themselves and receive the support and guidance they need. 

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Together we press forward, forgetting those things which are behind us.

In addition to her work with youth, families, and Ministry Treca is also team lead for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health IPS/SED program and a member of the CRSIS Team, a facilitator for Girl Circle, Boys Council, Triple P, South Carolina Children Trust Strengthen Families Program, instructor for Mental Health First Aid, ACEs and motivational interviewing.  She is the author of “Note to Self, The Authentic Me, My Journey Journal of Validation” book.  She is known in South Carolina for her motivational and energic conference presentation about self-care, authentic me, and my dream a reality presented at Clemson University, Foothill Alliance, and other venues.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, a minister, songstress, business consultant, certified grant writer, and therapeutic support specialist. She is the owner of Deshields Elegant Catering Services, Expression of Love gift basket, and Kazan event planning business. Treca serves on the board for Foothill Community Health Care Clinic in Anderson, South Carolina, and fulfilled other roles with various organizations throughout the community.  In 2022 Treca was honored for her services to the Upstate Community by being selected as a 2022 107.3 JAMZ Black History Maker and The City of Greer 2022 Honorable Community Service MLK Samaritan’s Award.