Jennifer

Jennifer is a local family business owner as well as an exemplary volunteer. She describes her volunteer work and service to others as a great way to give and receive joy. Jennifer has a family of three beautiful children and a wonderful husband (her words!). She works often, but when able she enjoys hiking in the mountains and finding locations steeped in history.  While she uses her skills in administration, human resources, accounting, and community work she shares and cares for members of the Sumter community she grew up in. She does this by giving to women she knows and those she doesn’t. In turn, she speaks volumes about our mission and shines a light on God and His good and perfect gifts. Jennifer describes God as the One who is her teacher, advocate, advisor, friend, and most importantly Lord and Savior.

Landy

Landy is a happily married mom of four boys and a corporate home school teacher and administrator. She has made a career out of homeschooling all four of her children, teaching, mentoring, and advising her local homeschool co-op. Landy has also been president of the Officer Spouses Club and chair of the organization’s scholarship committee.  When she taught high school, she worked with students who at a young age became pregnant and were unwed. She saw these women needed kindness, clarity, and discernment above anything else being taught in schools. She wanted to be and has become, a mentor and voice in the lives of those who need counsel and direction by sharing the gospel message with them. Along with her role at the center, Landy ministers her talents decorating as an event setup coordinator and co-teaches a ‘College and Careers’ Sunday school class at her local church.

Melissa

Melissa is a wife and mother who cares about the Sumter community. She is involved in her church, Bible study, and women’s activities in Sumter. She has a heart for foster care and adoption, as well. She has invested many years in volunteering in family ministries and continues to help our neighborhood thrive by investing in the lives of Sumter families. She has seen lives changed through the work of Jesus, including her own.

Ashleigh

Ashleigh was born and raised in Sumter.  What she is most thankful for is to be married to her high school sweetheart, Knowl, and then feels very blessed to be the mama of 4 children. When she’s not supporting one of their children at baseball or dance recitals, she’s working with children as a Speech Therapist for the Sumter schools. Her family has worshipped and served at Harmony Church for over 25 years, and it is through their church that she first volunteered at The Advocacy Center. As one of the newest members to our team she says, “I look forward to being a part of educating families and sharing the love of Christ with them as we support them on their parenting journey”.

Hanna

Hanna is a wife and mother of 3 children. Originally from Manning, SC, she has served as a nurse and then a nurse practitioner in the Midlands since graduating from Clemson University in 2007. Hanna strongly believes in the values taught by Jesus Christ, the importance of family, and the stability of the home to provide a firm foundation in the lives of children. This is why she has dedicated her personal and professional life to caring for families and children. She first learned of the Advocacy Center’s mission through a placement during NP school. Now, she is excited to find herself back in a position to serve the parents and children of Sumter through the ministry of the Advocacy Center. 

Sharon Gould, Founding Mission Director

Tony and I have been married for 64 years and have three children and 10 grandchildren and are expecting our first great-grandchild. We pastored churches in the US for 32 years and I was involved in many departments of the church, especially music, hospitality, and Bible studies. We went to South Africa in 1990 and served there for 18 years. My main ministry was as a librarian in a Bible college. I have been involved in the Advocacy Center since its inception in 2008, serving on the board, as office helper and Treasurer. It has been a joy to be part of a ministry that helped many girls and families in parental education, counseling, and becoming parents who make a difference in our world. It was fulfilling to see many girls choose life instead of abortion. It has been a joy to see many of our churches in the Sumter area involved in this ministry and being part of our fundraisers. The Lord has always provided all that we need to continue this ministry. Though I am now retired, please consider partnering with or volunteering for the center it is such a humbling and worthy experience.

Ashley Still, Programs and Services Manager

Ashley Still is the newest member of our staff at the center. She was hired in August of 2023.  While she is nearly finished with an associate degree (AAS) in Human Services from CCTC she comes to us with experience in patient care and the medical field or in doctor’s offices. Her work experience as a certified medical assistant (CMA) at local practices led her to begin school at CCTC in Human Services. She now has an Associate degree under her belt and is working on a Bachelor’s degree in social work. They placed her with us as an intern and we immediately scooped her up as staff. She is now our Programs and Services Manager and Teacher. Ashley is a strong team worker, has excellent working relationships with our clients, and offers them courteous care. She is a dependable client advocate or case manager.   

Ashley graduated from Lakewood Highschool and now lives in Greeleyville with her five children and husband. She is familiar with the Sumter community, having graduated from Lakewood High. When she is off work, she is carting children to and from school and extracurricular activities or cooking in her kitchen.