We’re honored to share that Charleston Hope was named the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year by the Charleston Metro Chamber! This award recognizes our 13 years of dedicated service to Title 1 schools and the students we support through school-based mental health counseling, emotional wellness programs, and trauma-informed care.

Founded by Goose Creek native Emily Kerr at just 18 years old, Charleston Hope has grown into a leading nonprofit at the forefront of mental health advocacy for youth in poverty. This recognition highlights both the urgent need for mental health access in our schools—and the power of local leadership to drive lasting change.

Click below to read the full press release and find out how you can help us continue expanding our impact.

The Power of Art Therapy: Helping Children Process Emotions Through Art

At Charleston Hope, we believe in the transformative power of creativity. Art therapy offers children a safe, nonverbal way to explore and express their emotions. For students like RR, this approach provides a unique bridge between their inner feelings and outward expression, fostering healing and growth.

Art therapy isn’t limited to professional sessions—it’s a tool parents can use at home. With simple prompts like, “Can you draw a picture of how you’re feeling today?” or “What would your superhero look like?”, you can help your child process emotions, build resilience, and find joy through creativity.

Discover practical tips to integrate art therapy into your routine and learn more about the profound impact this practice has on children facing challenges. Together, we can create a space for healing, hope, and transformation.

Read the full post

Discover how the Community Engagement pillar of the Step-In Program empowers girls to step out of their comfort zones, engage with their communities, and develop essential life skills. Through monthly field trips and hands-on experiences, girls build empathy, leadership, and teamwork, while making a positive impact on those around them. The Step-In Program provides a holistic approach to personal growth, equipping girls with the tools to become confident, active citizens who strive to contribute to their communities.

The Step-In curriculum empowers girls to cultivate emotional well-being through lessons on processing emotions, overcoming negative self-talk, and building resilience. By addressing Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and fostering self-confidence, Step-In equips girls with tools to succeed academically, socially, and personally in a supportive and welcoming environment.

At the Step-In Program, physical well-being is more than just exercise—it's a foundation for a healthy, balanced life. Our curriculum empowers young girls to take charge of their health through engaging activities that strengthen the body and mind. From outdoor yoga to nutrition lessons and hands-on cooking classes, Step-In provides a holistic approach to wellness. By teaching girls the importance of healthy habits, self-care, and resilience, we’re helping them build confidence, teamwork skills, and a positive outlook that will benefit them for years to come.

The Step-In Program’s Healthy Relationships pillar teaches girls essential skills for building strong, positive connections in their lives. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques and engaging activities, girls learn to form and maintain friendships, set boundaries, and develop self-confidence. This holistic approach helps girls foster healthy relationships with themselves, their peers, and their community, creating a strong foundation for their future.

Charleston Hope, a local nonprofit increasing access to mental and behavioral health programs in Title I schools, started as an initiative to provide support to teachers and students. Emily Kerr, executive director and founder, was inspired to make a change after speaking with her sister who taught at a high-poverty school about how students needed more support than they were receiving.

Empowering girls through holistic mental and behavioral health support in Charleston Hope’s Step-In Program. Fostering emotional well-being, healthy relationships, physical activity, and community connection to help girls build confidence and resilience.