About our founders...

​The Cupboard was originally founded by Bill Mays the father of Joyce Licorish (maiden name Joycena Mays).  Bill's original  vision for the cupboard was to fill the ever growing need to help people simply get back on their feet after disaster strikes, whether that be in the form of a natural disaster of nature or a personal trial or  tragedy, death, illness, divorce, or displacement.  He originally had a warehouse located at 1202 E. 23rd St in Indianapolis, where individuals in need could come and get major household goods and other necessities  such as furniture, clothing, and major appliances for free or for a minor donation.  

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Joyce's father has since retired at the tender age of 77 after years of helping the less fortunate and he has passed the torch on to his daughter.  The Cupboard's original purpose will still  be served ,it will now be funded however by what Joyce Loves most... the arts.  Joyce Licorish singer/actress has been seen locally and nationally in the theater and center stage, performing genres from Opera to Soul. Her most notable local performances include several appearances with Indianapolis Opera including Porgy & Bess, Aida, Don Pasquale, and The Elixir of Love and the 2007 production of Dreamgirls where she starred as Effie White under the skillful direction of former Fox Network casting director, Bob Harbin.

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Joyce has been seen everywhere from the local Connoisseur Room to the world renowned Copacabana in New York City. Joyce has also has appeared on the Tom Joyner Morning Show- Sky Show and has also had the honor of opening for superstar-performers including Chaka Khan, Babyface, The Isley Brothers, 112, Ohio Players, Confunkshun, and for Joss Stone to name a few.

Joyce appeared for several years at American Cabaret Theatre here at the Athenaeum and for shows produced by BOBDIREX including, DIVAS!! Elton & Stevie, Solid Gold Soul, Classic Soul (Co-Producer/Performer) and Singin' the Blues. Joyce also recently completed a run of ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ where she starred as ‘Nell Carter’ with Indy Performing Arts Centre, she was also cast in the 2011 production of Hairspray as ‘Motormouth Maybelle’ which served as the grand opening for Carmel’s Tarkington Theatre complex, and has recently been cast as leading lady in ‘Hand Me Down Heartache’ an original stage play written and directed by Essence bestselling author TJ Butler. This production is set to open Mothers Day 2013. Joyce was also honored to be a part of the opening ceremony for the Indianapolis International Airport.

In Feb 2009, Joyce made her writing and directorial debut with her creation of “Birth of Soul” an original musical staged at the Madame Walker. Joyce fronts the band “Soul Candy” and is in negotiations with a major label for a distribution deal on their first album. Register to follow Joyce’s performances at www.JoyceLicorish.com or via her band site at www.SoulCandyBand.com.