As part of our efforts to create a peaceful wellness community through Peaceful Living Wellness we are bringing you interviews with the people associated with community-based non-profits. These are people who devote their time, energy and hearts to bringing wellness to those in need in their communities.
We call this our Local Heroes Series.
Erin Jones is a mental health therapist and clinical social worker in Charleston, South Carolina. She is also the founder of a non-profit called Waves4Women that uses the ocean and surfing to help women heal from trauma. Here at PLW we honor people like Erin, and organizations like Waves for Women, that are dedicated to helping people heal through nature. I am also very grateful for the time Erin devoted to allowing me to interview her for our PLW community.
Jennifer
Editor-In-Chief
Who are you? Please tell us about yourself and a little bit about your background.
My name is Erin Jones. I am a clinical social worker (LISW-CP), mental health therapist, and Founder of a nonprofit therapeutic surf program, Waves 4 Women. I have my Masters of Social Work. I have worked in adventure therapy programs with disadvantaged youth, as a trauma therapist and as a surf therapist with veterans.
I now run a nonprofit therapeutic surf program for women who have experienced trauma and other life stressors. I have three kids, ages 10, 9, and 7, and a spouse of almost 20 years who works in outdoor education/recreation for Clemson University. In my own life, I have found exercise and time in the outdoors to be incredibly therapeutic and essential to managing life’s ups and downs and am thankful to be involved with a program that offers other women the same opportunity.
Tell us about your organization. What is it and how does it serve the community?
Waves 4 Women is a nonprofit therapeutic surf program. we work with women ages 18 and over who have experienced trauma and other significant life stressors including mental health disorders, substance abuse, loss of a family member, medical issues and physical or sexual assault.
We provide a combination of wellness education, surf and mindfulness instruction, as well as community-building for women. We began our program in april of 2019 and plan to continue growing and serving more women throughout the Charleston area.
What was it about the people your organization serves that inspired you to create/ work in this issue area?
I have worked with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds which include children, veterans, and families. As a professional therapist/social worker, and as a mom who has experienced both depression and anxiety, I can relate to the challenges many women face when balancing multiple roles, responsibilities, and commitments. I also know from my own experience how empowering and therapeutic outdoor/adventure based sports/activities can be for women.
What is your strongest desire for your organization in the next 3 – 5 years?
To reach a broader range of women from diverse backgrounds throughout the Charleston community. And to connect and collaborate with other organizations throughout Charleston to more effectively meet the psychological, emotional, and social needs of women and girls in Charleston.
What is your dream for your organization in the long-term?
To enhance psychological and physical wellbeing for women and girls.
What is the one thing you would like to ask the Peaceful Living Wellness community for to help your organization?
To help Waves 4 Women spread the word about our therapeutic surf program so that we can serve more women and so that we can connect with other organizations looking to enhance physical and psychological wellbeing.
If you would like to know more about Waves for Women, and how you can help even if you are not in the Charleston, SC area, watch my YouTube video interview with Erin.
You can also find out more about Waves for Women on their website waves4women.org
And on Facebook! SCWaves4Women
To find a surf therapy program in your area check out these resources!
The International Surf Therapy Organization
If you are suffering from the effects of trauma and are in need of urgent or emergency help, please call 911 or the equivalent in your area.
