Local teacher and actress helping Clayton County families

Shalét Monique Jefferson, back, with fellow “Straw” cast members Sherri Shepherd, left, and Ashley Versher. Special Photo: Shalét Monique Jefferson

JONESBORO — When local actress and teacher Shalét Monique Jefferson was cast in a Tyler Perry movie, it was the break of a lifetime — but now she’s using that opportunity to help feed local families.

Jefferson — who goes by Shalét Monique professionally — recently received residual checks from the hit movie “Straw” and decided to use the money for a food assistance initiative to help Clayton County families affected by the recent government shutdown.

“I think it was a blessing because we never know as actors,” she said. “We never know when our residuals come in and my residuals literally came in right during the shutdown when the news hea