Do you live in Marion, Dillon, or Darlington County?
Do you or a loved one have a problem with substance use?
We can help.
What Can You Do?
Unconditional Love
Individuals experiencing substance use disorder are human beings. Human beings that may be experiencing extreme pain physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They exist with a stigmatized disorder that shames them into believing they don't deserve basic human compassion. They may believe they are unworthy of love. Our society treats individuals experiencing substance use disorder as though they are undeserving of love.
"When we are in the flow of unconditional love, it is powerful and limitless. We are empowered to step into our greatness as well as to help others do the same" (unity.org).
When we are asked what we believe is the answer to this public health crisis, we respond by saying one thing that everyone in society has the power to do to help combat this crisis is to show unconditional love.
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
Our Programs
One-on-one Peer Support
One-on-one Peer Support
One-on-one Peer Support
Meet with someone who has experience with substance use to discuss your wellness goals.
Support Meetings
One-on-one Peer Support
One-on-one Peer Support
We have several types of support meetings focusing on all recovery, opioid education and support, and family education and support.
Harm Reduction Services
Harm Reduction Services
Harm Reduction Services
Wellness does not always mean complete abstinence. We will support you and provide supplies you may need to remain alive and well.
Connection to Services
Harm Reduction Services
Harm Reduction Services
Do you need to find treatment, housing, employment, healthcare, mental health care, or other resources to help you work toward wellness? We can help you find what you need.
Contact Us
our board of directors
Aaron Kucharski
Aaron Kucharski
Aaron Kucharski
Aaron Kucharsk (he.him.his) is a community organizer and recovery advocate residing in Horry County, South Carolina. He has run political and issue campaigns around environmental, labor, social justice and recovery causes since 2001. He ran the Advocacy Leadership Program in New Jersey from 2010-2018, and currently works with the Mobil
Aaron Kucharsk (he.him.his) is a community organizer and recovery advocate residing in Horry County, South Carolina. He has run political and issue campaigns around environmental, labor, social justice and recovery causes since 2001. He ran the Advocacy Leadership Program in New Jersey from 2010-2018, and currently works with the Mobilize Recovery Initiative and Recovery Advocacy Project. He is an author and has been in recovery since 2003.
Jessica Seel
Aaron Kucharski
Aaron Kucharski
Jessica Seel leads efforts to eliminate barriers to mental healthcare and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use within rural communities in South Carolina. This work includes suicide prevention programs, and collaborations to address substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). A Columbia native, J
Jessica Seel leads efforts to eliminate barriers to mental healthcare and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use within rural communities in South Carolina. This work includes suicide prevention programs, and collaborations to address substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). A Columbia native, Jessica received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Columbia College and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Carolina. Her career has included working in the healthcare field in various capacities including marketing, management, and community education.
Ed Schafer
Aaron Kucharski
Donna Herchek
Ed Schafer, JD, CPSS
Ed graduated from Hartsville High School in Darlington County. He graduated Cum Laude from the Honors Program at The Citadel with a BS in Biology and Minor in Psychology. He then graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has over 18 years of experience as legislative counsel and lobbyist for SC
Ed Schafer, JD, CPSS
Ed graduated from Hartsville High School in Darlington County. He graduated Cum Laude from the Honors Program at The Citadel with a BS in Biology and Minor in Psychology. He then graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has over 18 years of experience as legislative counsel and lobbyist for SC local governments and state associations. After getting sober on July 12, 2021, he became a Certified Peer Support Specialist. He then saw a need to address the high prevalence of substance use disorder with lawyers and formed the non-profit, Joyful Justice. Joyful Justice boosts lawyer well-being by promoting joy in the justice system through service, advocacy, and connection. He also serves as a life coach in the recovery program at Oliver Gospel Mission.
Donna Herchek
Pastor Anthony Hooks
Donna Herchek
Donna Herchek, Ed.S, LPC, LAC, AADC
Donna Herchek is the Executive Director of Counseling Services of Lancaster. She has over thirty-five years' experience in substance use prevention, intervention, treatment services and systems. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees fro
Donna Herchek, Ed.S, LPC, LAC, AADC
Donna Herchek is the Executive Director of Counseling Services of Lancaster. She has over thirty-five years' experience in substance use prevention, intervention, treatment services and systems. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees from the University of South Carolina. She is licensed in South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and is certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She currently serves as a board member on the Behavioral Health Services Association of SC. Ms. Herchek is a surveyor for CARF International- The Center for Accreditation for Rehabilitative Facilities.
Willie Thompson
Pastor Anthony Hooks
Pastor Anthony Hooks
Pastor Willie J. Thompson Jr., is the senior pastor and teacher at Oak Grove Baptist Church of Elgin, SC. He is a local faith leader providing extensive pastoral care, coordination of recovery organizations, a liberation theologian and leading multicultural sociologist. Pastor Thompson holds a Ph.D. and M.Div. from Howard University in W
Pastor Willie J. Thompson Jr., is the senior pastor and teacher at Oak Grove Baptist Church of Elgin, SC. He is a local faith leader providing extensive pastoral care, coordination of recovery organizations, a liberation theologian and leading multicultural sociologist. Pastor Thompson holds a Ph.D. and M.Div. from Howard University in Washington, D.C. His work experiences have included diversity student recruitment, retention, mentoring and support, and teaching at Northern Virginia Community College, University of Maryland College Park, UC San Diego, Howard University, Allen University & Benedict College. Dr. Thompson is the founder of AURISE Collegiate and Recover ALL SC Recovery Initiatives, AU PATHWAYS and has led projects funded by the Lilly Foundation, the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Climate Action Campaign (CAC). At Allen University he served as Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees, and top producer of undergraduate research scholars. Dr. Thompson is the Project Director for Recover All SC and the founder of SC Recovery Faith Leaders Coalition, The Grove Foundation, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is holds certifications for PSS, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and Faith Based Support Services.
Dr. Thompson is the author of three books, Suffer The Children, Make It Right and The Great Awakening. He consults non-profits and coaches executives to excel in life and business. He is caring, relevant, energizing and a sought after prophetic voice and leader. He loves his family and is found often nurturing the life and destinies of his siblings, sons and daughters. He is truly a man after God's own heart.
Pastor Anthony Hooks
Pastor Anthony Hooks
Pastor Anthony Hooks
Pastor Anthony Hooks is a native of Chesterfield County, SC. He is a veteran of the Armed Forces. He holds degrees in Computer Electronics and has an AA and BS in Religion. Pastor Hooks is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Rice Seminary. Pastor Hooks currently serves as Senior Pastor of the Wayside Chapel Baptist Chur
Pastor Anthony Hooks is a native of Chesterfield County, SC. He is a veteran of the Armed Forces. He holds degrees in Computer Electronics and has an AA and BS in Religion. Pastor Hooks is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Rice Seminary. Pastor Hooks currently serves as Senior Pastor of the Wayside Chapel Baptist Church in Florence, SC. He has previously pastored congregations in Anson County, NC and Darlington County, SC. Pastor Hooks is the Historian for the Pee Dee Baptist Association, a member of the Darlington Branch of the NAACP, a 33rd Degree Mason for the State and Jurisdiction of the Most Worship Prince Hall Grand Lodge of SC where he serves as Special Deputy of Chesterfield County. Pastor Hooks loves impacting people's lives through the preaching and teaching of the gospel and pointing them to the Kingdom of God. He is a family man and loves spending time with family.
our staff
Nicole Criss, DHS, NCPRSS, CPSS Executive Director
Nicole Criss, DHS, NCPRSS, CPSS Executive Director
Nicole Criss, DHS, NCPRSS, CPSS Executive Director
Dr. Criss has been in recovery from substance use disorder since February 2014. She has her doctorate in Human Services specializing in Leadership and Organizational Management. She received her master's degree in Addiction Studies. Dr. Criss has worked in recovery support since 2017 in various leadership and training roles.
Greg Jacobs, BS, CPSS, Deputy Director
Nicole Criss, DHS, NCPRSS, CPSS Executive Director
Nicole Criss, DHS, NCPRSS, CPSS Executive Director
Greg Jacobs is a person in sustained recovery. He has a Bachelors Degree in Health Systems Mgmt. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in various roles in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment and recovery. Greg has dedicated his professional and personal time helping develop and maintain adequate recovery support services to underserved populations in the state of South Carolina.
Helpful Information
What is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO)?
What is a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)?
What is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO)?
"An RCO is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. These organizations organize recovery-focused policy advocacy activities, carry out recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and provide peer-based recovery support services. The broadly defined recovery--people in long-term recovery, their families, friends, and allies--includes organizations who members reflect religious, spiritual, and secular pathways of recovery. The sole mission of an RCO is to mobilize resources within and outside of the recovery community to increase the prevalence and quality of long-term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction. Public education, policy advocacy and peer-based recovery support services are the strategies through which this mission is achieved."
-Valentine, P., White, W., & Taylor, P.
(2007)
What Are All-Recovery Meetings?
What is a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)?
What is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO)?
All-Recovery Meetings have a format that is designed to be open and all-inclusive. The meetings are a place to find acceptance, love, education, and support. The meetings are open to anyone touched by substance use disorder, family members, loved ones, and allies. The meetings are facilitated by Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) to ensure the safest space possible for those who attend.
What is a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)?
What is a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)?
What is a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)?
A CPSS is a person with lived experience and specialized training with a passion to share their transformational journey of wellness with someone who has a desire to improve their wellbeing and quality of life. Peer Support Specialists walk with the individual in their journey of wellness and provide resources to aid in that process, including, but not limited to, employment resources, connection to medical care, connection to mental health support, information on different pathways of recovery, connection to safe and sober living homes, and other community resources to support recovery and wellness.