Guiding & Encouraging Youth
Wake Harvest is a youth mentorship and development organization dedicated to making a positive impact on young people and the community.
PURPOSE
With the rising youth suicide rate, we are on a mission to give children hope for the future by showing them the many possibilities of who they can become.
GOAL
Our goal is to sow seeds of encouragement and support in their hearts and reap a HARVEST of hope, success, and potential!
Wake Harvest Team
Mrs. Jessica Pilling
Founder & Executive Director
Miss Libby
Camp Counselor - 1:1 Specialist
Miss Damaria
Camp Counselor - 1:1 Specialist
Mrs. Jessica founded Wake Harvest in 2019 with a heartfelt vision: to create a place where children feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow. Inspired in part by her experiences as a mother, she built a program centered on mentorship, meaningful relationships, and helping children discover their strengths.
As a woman of faith, Jessica’s relationship with Jesus Christ shapes her commitment to serving others with love, compassion, and integrity. She welcomes families of all backgrounds and beliefs and is passionate about supporting children with diverse abilities and needs.
Jessica takes a hands-on approach to leading Wake Harvest, supporting her team and staying closely connected to children and families. Her greatest joy is watching children build confidence, develop friendships, and grow into young leaders who encourage others.
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Miss Damaria is currently in her third year at North Carolina Central University. She describes herself as a bubbly, creative person who loves decorating, finding ways to express her creativity, spending time with God, and making memories with family.
She enjoys bringing enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the things she does and is excited to bring that energy to Wake Harvest. She looks forward to getting to know the campers, building meaningful connections, and being part of a team that makes each child's experience special!
Miss Joann
Camp Counselor | 1:1 Support Specialist
Jeriel
Camp Counselor - 1:1 Specialist
Mr. TJ
Camp Counselor | Transportation Team
Miss Joann joined Wake Harvest in July 2025 and brings patience, kindness, and dependable support to her roles as a camp counselor and 1:1 support specialist. She helps create a welcoming environment where children feel cared for and encouraged.
A proud Puerto Rican from New York, Joann also serves as a cafeteria manager at a local elementary school. Her work in both settings reflects her commitment to supporting children throughout their day. We are grateful for her reliability, warmth, and dedication to our Wake Harvest family!
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Mr. TJ’s Wake Harvest story began in 2019, when he joined our youth mentorship program as a teenager. Over the years, he grew from participant to volunteer, then counselor-in-training, before becoming a paid camp counselor in 2023. Today, he also serves on our transportation team.
Fun, kind, and playful, TJ brings energy and a personal understanding of the Wake Harvest experience to his work with our kiddos. He enjoys engineering and building things with his own hands. His journey reflects the growth, leadership, and lasting connections we hope to nurture in every young person who joins our program!
Mr. Belford
Camp Counselor | 1:1 Support Specialist Transportation Team
Mr. Belford has been a valued member of Wake Harvest since September 2024. As a camp counselor and 1:1 support specialist, he brings patience, kindness, and individualized encouragement to the children in his care. He also serves on our transportation team, driving before- and after-school routes and field trips.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Belford is bilingual in English and Spanish. Outside of Wake Harvest, he enjoys anime and video games. We are grateful for the care, versatility, and positive spirit he brings to our team!
Mr. Scott
Transportation Director
Mr. Scott oversees Wake Harvest’s vehicle maintenance and supports transportation planning, helping keep our vehicles ready for daily routes and field trips. He provides practical guidance on route efficiency, school pickup options, and transportation capacity as our program grows.
Scott’s involvement began by helping resolve vehicle maintenance issues and developed into a leadership role supporting our transportation operations. His hands-on problem-solving and thoughtful input make him a valued member of our team.
Outside of Wake Harvest, Scott is a sports photographer specializing in action photography at championship games and tournaments. He also enjoys Brazilian jiu-jitsu and tacos!
Mrs. Rachel
Administrative Coordinator
Rachel became part of the Wake Harvest family as a parent, seeking a camp that could provide the individualized, one-on-one support her son needed. Today, Rachel supports Wake Harvest's daily operations, family communication, and overall growth.
With a background in photography, creative services, and website development, Rachel enjoys bringing organization and creativity together. As both a parent and team member, she understands the importance of creating a welcoming environment where every child and family feels supported.
Our Locations
Experience personalized mentorship and development in our two vibrant locations. Whether you're looking for a safe, structured environment or a creative outdoor escape, we provide a nurturing space where every child can thrive and find their own path to hope.
