Building Hope Together with Excel Peer Support Unite for Community Change

In this inspiring episode of the A Brighter Day Outreach Podcast, host Beverly Knox Davis, founder and president of A Brighter Day Outreach, sits down with Stephanie Chavis, founder of Excel Peer Support Services, to share stories of healing, connection, and collaboration within the historic Hoskins community of Charlotte, North Carolina. Beverly and Stephanie reflect on how divine timing brought their partnership together—after a few missed attempts, Beverly’s “spirit said, ‘Be still,’” allowing the perfect moment to align. The result: a powerful partnership rooted in compassion, empowerment, and action. About the Guest – Stephanie Chavis Originally from Lumberton, NC, Stephanie moved to Charlotte in search of new opportunities and a way to give back. After overcoming her own challenges and finding strength through peer support, she became a Certified Peer Support Specialist, dedicating her life to helping others rediscover hope. Her journey led her to A Brighter Day’s food pantry, where she saw firsthand the need for expanded community resources—and the partnership was born. Excel Peer Support Services: A Holistic Approach to Community Care For the past three years, Excel Peer Support Services has been transforming lives by addressing immediate and long-term needs. Stephanie and her team provide an impressive range of services, including: Housing Assistance: Helping clients navigate HUD housing, Habitat for Humanity, and emergency housing referrals. Financial Support: Offering rental and utility assistance to ease financial burdens. Therapy & Counseling: Providing both group and individual therapy, with future plans to expand to children and families. Substance Abuse Recovery: Hosting daily SECOT substance abuse classes and connecting individuals with long-term rehabilitation programs. Transportation Services: Ensuring clients can reach medical appointments and recovery programs safely. Community Collaboration in Action Excel has become an integral part of A Brighter Day’s community hub—setting up outreach tables, offering food, and conducting on-site assessments to connect residents with immediate services. Together, they are creating a safe space where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and care. Their collaboration will continue at the 4th Annual Historic Hoskins Parade and Festival on October 4th, where both organizations will once again serve food and provide community resources. As Beverly beautifully summarizes, A Brighter Day Outreach was “birthed to serve a desert area”—a place without access to basics like a grocery store or library—and now, through partnerships like this, that desert is blossoming with hope. Connect & Get Involved Excel Peer Support Services will continue to visit A Brighter Day Outreach every two weeks. For immediate help or information about signing up for services, contact Stephanie Chavis at 910-258-2868. If you have skills, talents, or a heart to serve, A Brighter Day Outreach welcomes you to join their growing team as they continue building a brighter future for the Hoskins community. To volunteer, donate, or get involved, visit abrighterdayoutreach.org or call 704-612-6390.