Hope finds healing in her work at Star Gospel Mission

Hope Wells is the Human Services Associate at Star Gospel Mission.

Hope’s journey has taught her to lead with compassion as she serves at Star Gospel Mission.

“It makes a huge difference when you can actually empathize and help guide that person because you’ve been there,” she said. “And it might not be the exact experience, but struggles are struggles.”

Ms. Wells works as the Human Services Associate at Star Gospel Mission. People are often curious why a woman is working at a place that seemingly serves only men, said the Mission’s Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Marion Platt.

Of course, the Mission’s reach extends beyond the male guests who live within its transitional housing. Ms. Wells assists people from all walks of life as they seek help at the Mission.

“She’s a unique individual,” Dr. Platt said. “She’s really sharp, and I’m proud of the work she does here.”

Dignity in Recovery

Ms. Wells developed an interest in social work during a difficult time in her own life. About four years ago, she left an abusive relationship. She fled to a women’s shelter with her four-month-old daughter.

She was surprised by the support she received.

“It was so unlike what I thought it would be like. It was such a good experience,” she said. “I guess I had been so used to not being treated well. There was a lot of dignity and support in how they cared for me.”

Ms. Wells had tried to leave her abuser before. Her newborn daughter was her incentive to try to make it stick for one final attempt.

“You leave, and you go back because you don’t really think you have anyone else. That’s how your abuser makes you feel,” she explained. “I’m so grateful for the people who were there to help me through that.”

A New Outlook

The experience at the women’s shelter inspired Ms. Well to pursue social work as a career.

“I wanted to be that support for someone else,” she said. “In many recovery programs they say you can only keep what you have by sharing it with others. That’s how I feel about a lot of things in life.”

As Ms. Wells began to work toward a degree in Human Services from Trident Technical College, she needed an internship. Star Gospel Mission needed an intern.

Ms. Wells wasn’t sure if she was ready to be around so many men when she first applied. As it turns out, the experience has been integral to her healing process.

“I think they need me just as much as I need them,” she said. “When you have been around a man that has treated you so badly, it’s encouraging to see men actually trying to heal instead of taking it out on others.”

A Supportive Team

Ms. Wells now works full time for Star Gospel Mission. Her role is to connect guests with the resources and community connections they need as they work toward stability. She often helps them obtain documents like birth certificates and government IDs, which they’ll need to obtain jobs and long-term housing.

“It’s rewarding to see the good outcomes: people becoming stable and finding recovery,” she said. “Even just one guy putting down a deposit on a new apartment or one saying, ‘I’m ready to go to treatment.’ That’s huge.”

Ms. Wells also assists women, families and senior citizens in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, often providing emergency utility assistance.

She said she loves that she works with a team that is so supportive and concerned for each other’s overall wellbeing. That’s important for a single mom caring for her daughter, who’s now 4.

Ms. Wells has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Iowa State University, certifications in Mental Health First Aid through SC Thrive, and Legal First Aid through the South Carolina Justice Navigators Network. She’s also a Trained Co-Facilitator for W.R.A.P, Wellness Recovery Action Training, through Holy City Well Being.

She’s thankful for the experience and mentorship she’s received at the Mission.

“I feel the future is bright here,” Ms. Wells said.