shea chambers
About Shea Chambers
Shea Chambers is the co-chair of Friends of Morning Light, an initiative of Star Gospel Mission dedicated to creating a place of stability, dignity, and hope for women and children experiencing homelessness in Charleston, South Carolina. Through Friends of Morning Light, the first transitional housing for women and children in Charleston that goes beyond providing shelter, focusing on the holistic needs of women and children through community, support, and pathways toward long-term stability. Shea empowers women not by giving them a “handout,” but a “hand up.”
My Reflection
Shea is the perfect example of not just contributing to the solution, but innovating it. Shea does not see a ceiling to her work. Not only is she empowering the women she serves, but she also empowers the women she works alongside, helping them find their purpose while she finds hers. Through Friends of Morning Light, Shea has helped provide a space for other women to learn to find their voice and purpose.
Shea says that she believes “we are designed to love others before ourselves,” directly inspiring me to find my voice and purpose through service. This can be done by simply “showing up and seeing what’s available.” Whether this be beach sweeps, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or designing your own non-profit, showing up and serving is the first, crucial step to finding opportunities to fill gaps. Shea says that “if you have the desire to fix something, a passionate heart, and the will to work hard, then you’re equipped.”
As I continue exploring journalism, entrepreneurship, and discovering my future home for the next four years, this conversation will remind me that if I ever feel lost, service will bring me back to my voice, desire, and most importantly, purpose. To Shea, her work has been Made by Her, as a result of what the Lord has given her. Shea Chambers encourages us to consider our own definition of success, but to remember the extreme fulfillment in being there for others.
Three Lessons
By serving others, you can find your purpose and voice, and empower others.
Although you may feel stuck on where to start, if you have the dedication, the passion, and the will to fix something, you can be a force for good.
Sometimes when you’re presented with a need in your community, it shouldn’t be a choice to fix it; it’s a calling.
The Need She Saw
Shea helped to address a gap in the Charleston community in shelters available to homeless women and children. She helped build the first women’s and children’s transitional housing in the history of Charleston, and has empowered many women through Friends of Morning Light to find the desire to work towards a stable life. Indirectly, Shea has helped build a community of women who empower one another and help women find their voice and purpose by serving others. The space of Friends of Morning Light for both women and children in need, and women searching for their purpose, is Made by Her.
