Joi’s Angels was founded in 2004 in East Orange, New Jersey, by Mark and Joi Smith as a safe haven for underserved individuals in Essex and Union Counties. What began as a small outreach has grown into a powerful community resource addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty. After facing personal challenges, Mark Smith, Executive Director and Visionary, committed to helping people overcome “difficult moments” in life with dignity and compassion. Partnering with his wife Joi, a seasoned community service administrator, they built an organization that now provides food, clothing, toiletries, furniture, and emergency aid to thousands.
Today, Joi’s Angels serves over 2,000 families monthly with fresh groceries, meats, and produce while promoting healthy eating through cooking demonstrations and recipe guides. Beyond basic needs, they partner with human services agencies to transition displaced individuals into housing and the workforce. With a reputation for compassion, professionalism, and measurable impact, Joi’s Angels continues to uplift communities—transforming lives from hardship to hope and helping families achieve lasting stability.