The organization formed in the mid 1990s when the late Rev. Venoy Pearson, Sam Sturgis and Emmett Stevens met for breakfast at Shoney’s in Lenoir every week.  These pioneering men saw the need for financial assistance that existed in the local community.  As they began to give this aide to local families for medical bills, utility expenses and other essential needs, the recognition of the necessity of these efforts grew, as did the need itself.  These were just three individuals who wanted to help someone.  Hence, the name, Just People Now. ​