About WakeUp Carolina
A Recovery Community Organization Serving The Greater Charleston, SC Area New Here?Download BrochureAbout Us
WakeUp Carolina is a recovery community organization (RCO) dedicated to supporting and empowering young adults, individuals, and families touched by substances. As an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by members of the local recovery community, impacted family members, and recovery allies. We are committed to advocating for recovery, raising awareness, and educating our community. Through peer-based recovery support services, outreach programs, and recovery-focused advocacy, we create a safe and welcoming space where hope thrives and recovery is possible for all. Together, we are building a stronger, unified, healthier community.
Vision & Mission
WakeUp Carolina is dedicated to fostering hope, healing and recovery for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use. Through peer-based support, education, and advocacy, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where recovery is celebrated and resources are accessible to all.
WakeUp Carolina is an independent, nonprofit, recovery community organization (RCO) promoting awareness, providing education, and hope in recovery for young adults, individuals, veterans, and families touched by substance use through collaborative community partnerships, trusted resources, and support services in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.
Our Story, Our Promise
WakeUp Carolina began with a promise. A promise made to a beautiful boy by his Mother ignited our community’s desire to affect change. We honor that promise and Creighton Shipman’s memory by supporting every youth, individual, and family and ensuring no person has to walk this journey alone.
Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
We work to demonstrate the power and promise of Recovery, and the value Recovery provides to individuals, families, and communities throughout the Lowcountry.
Founder & Executive Director

Abby Foster
CARES Program Coordinator

JR Weaver
Berkeley County Programs Manager & Veteran Program Director
Lani Jumper
Community Outreach & Overdose Prevention Director
Elizabeth Szala
Berkeley County Community Outreach & Overdose Prevention
Colin Gray
CARES Recovery Coach
Jamie MacGeorge
Community Engagement & Program Support
Tanya Kramer
CARES Family Recovery Coach & Healing Hearts Moncks Corner Facilitator
Denise Snipes
Office Administrator
Chip Perkins
CARES Grants Manager
& Special Projects Coordinator
Claire Gregson
Mt. Pleasant Family Recovery Coach
Brian Conn
Mt. Pleasant Community & Youth Prevention Coordinator
Bryan Turner
Mt. Pleasant Veteran Program Coordinator
Healing Hearts Mt. Pleasant Facilitator
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to raising awareness, education, and support for Recovery. Today, with the support of a professional staff, the Board remains dedicated to advancing our mission and guiding the continued growth of WakeUp Carolina.
Jay Thrower
Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Nanci Steadman Shipman
Our Team
Creighton’s Story
Get Involved
Our Beliefs & Strategies
We are a recovery community organization (RCO), an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of our local recovery community. We organize recovery-focused advocacy activities, carry out recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and provide peer-based recovery support services.
Building strong, grassroots organizations
that develop leaders, offer opportunities for recovering people to express their collective voice, and provide a forum for community service.
Advocating for meaningful representation
for people in long-term recovery and their family members on issues that affect their lives.
Assessing needs
related to the adequacy and quality of local treatment and recovery support services.
Educating the public & service providers
about the prevalence and multiple pathways of addiction recovery.
Developing human & fiscal resources
by expanding philanthropic and public support for addiction treatment, recovery support services, and recovery advocacy, and cultivating volunteerism within local communities of recovery.
Celebrating recovery from addiction
through public events that offer living testimony of the transformative power of recovery.
