About Organization
When You Can’t Cope, There’s Hope is a nonprofit organization established in 2025 with a clear and urgent mission: to restore dignity, direction, and opportunity for women recovering from substance abuse. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, we were created to address a critical gap in recovery services, long-term, women-centered support that allows individuals the time and stability needed to truly rebuild their lives.
Although we are a newer organization, our impact is already real and measurable. In a short period of time, we have built strong community partnerships, established trusted referral pathways, and demonstrated the effectiveness of a recovery model grounded in structure, accountability, and compassion. Our approach recognizes that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process and that women benefit from environments designed specifically for their needs.
We operate a transitional recovery home serving up to 10 women at a time, providing a safe, supportive, and substance-free environment where residents can focus fully on healing and growth. Our structured 12-month program is intentionally designed to break cycles of addiction, instability, and homelessness by addressing both recovery and the practical realities of daily life.
The program is divided into four intentional phases, each guiding residents through a progressive journey
Stabilization and recovery engagement
Life skills development and accountability
Employment readiness and workforce participation
Long-term planning and transition to independence
Throughout each phase, women are supported through holistic services that promote emotional well-being, personal responsibility, and economic stability. Early program outcomes already reflect strong engagement and employment participation, reinforcing the importance of long-term recovery housing as a foundation for sustained success.
We are intentional about doing this work the right way. From complying with state and community standards to investing in evaluation, partnerships, and sustainable systems, we prioritize transparency, responsibility, and impact. Our work strengthens families, reduces homelessness, and promotes economic mobility, creating benefits that extend far beyond the individual women we serve.
Our journey may be just beginning, but the foundation we are building is designed for lasting change. As we grow, we remain committed to supporting women in every phase of life and contributing to healthier, more resilient communities across South Carolina and beyond.
About Founder
The founder of When You Can’t Cope, There’s Hope brings nearly three decades of lived recovery experience to the heart of this work.
Before recovery, her journey included years of cycling in and out of detox and treatment, an experience that gave her firsthand insight into the gaps, barriers, and short-term approaches that too often leave women without the time or stability needed to heal. Through perseverance, support, and commitment, she achieved long-term sobriety and has remained sober for almost 30 years.
After years away, she made the intentional decision to return to Columbia, South Carolina, the place where her recovery journey began, to give back and help create what she once needed herself. This organization was founded from that purpose: to offer women a safe, structured environment where recovery is not rushed, dignity is restored, and long-term stability is possible.
Her lived experience shapes every aspect of the program, from its length and structure to its emphasis on accountability, independence, and hope. Having walked the path herself, she understands that recovery is not just about stopping substance use, but about rebuilding identity, purpose, and opportunity.
Today, her leadership reflects a deep belief that women deserve recovery models designed specifically for them, and that lasting change is possible when compassion is paired with structure, time, and community.
