About WakeUp Carolina

A Recovery Community Organization Serving The Greater Charleston, SC Area

Our Story, Our Promise

We invite you to be a part of the awakening.

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 battling substance misuse and their family.

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Mission & Purpose

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi

More than bricks and mortar, WakeUp Carolina gives wings to the belief that there should be a safe place for our community to come together and provide hope, raise awareness, and facilitate recovery for Charleston’s youth, young adults and their families. Community partners throughout the area have united to address the rising substance misuse among our youth head-on.

Our Team

Creighton’s Story

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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.

Testimonial: Recovery Dharma Gave me true tranquility & understanding

I knew this was the program that would not only save my life but help me see that I deserved an existence I could be proud of. This notion was once radical and preposterous to me.

What Is Recovery Dharma?

Our group is inclusive, free of judgment, and a safe space for anyone in our community.

Finding Peace In Prison (Part 6)

Having access to several recovery pathways of support to the prison system has had its barriers.

“Magnifying Mind” To Attitude Of Gratitude (Part 5)

“Today I believe that reason is to give back and share my testimony with others to give them hope for their future.”

Putting It Out Into The Open (Part 4)

I am currently incarcerated and I am spiritually free.

Don’t Leave ’til The Miracle Happens (Part 3)

Even with the immense tragedy Keegan’s addiction caused, he classifies his initial choice to get sober as a “semi-decision” because it was incredibly daunting.

Where Are Your Feet Today? (Part 2)

“Never give up, just when you give up the next minute could have been when things were going to start getting better.”

Turning A Mess Into A Message (Part 1)

I am truly free today from the inside of a prison.

“You Don’t Drink… Like Ever?”

“Words are important. If you want to care for something, you call it a “flower”; if you want to...

Virtual Recovery Meetings From The Comfort Of Home!

Not everyone can make it to meetings in-person. Here are some resources that many use to access...

Who We Are

Our Team & Leadership

We work to demonstrate the power and promise of Recovery from addiction, and the value Recovery provides to individuals, families, and entire communities throughout the Lowcountry.

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Nanci Steadman Shipman

Founder & Executive Director

Tim Maguire

Senior Program Director

Allen Williams

Young Adult's Program Manager

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.