Our Story

About our founder, Jessica Williams Peterson and the Start of Never 2 Scarred Ministry

9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 9-10

Growing up I lived in a very loving and caring family. We always attended church regularly and I accepted Christ at a young age. We moved many times from the 6th grade to 8th grade. I was excited, scared and very nervous with each move. For now, I was the “preacher’s kid.” Life just wasn’t the same, though. I slowly started to not love myself. Drugs helped me to forget the hurt, pain, rejection; the feeling of “less than, not good enough,” and the weakness that I felt.

By High School, I was partying on the weekends and attending church on Sundays. I was into crack, meth, cocaine, pot, and ecstasy… whatever I could get my hands on.

I stopped street drugs at the age of 21, because my RA doctor gave me pain pills. I got married and had two wonderful children by 2009. But at the age of 31, my life was spiraling out of control. The pills no longer filled my desires. That’s when meth became my drug of choice. Eventually, my marriage failed and DSS took my kids.
Then, in July 2015, God sent an angel named Linda Pitman. She reminded me whose child I was… GOD’s! Many people were praying for me, and on February 7th, 2016 – while sitting on the top of Roan Mountain I opened my arms and prayed, “God, if you take this addiction from me, I will do whatever you want me to do.” That day… God took it all.

After 17 years of addiction and believing the lies of the enemy, I am now FREE in Jesus name. I give all the praise to my Savior Jesus Christ. I now have the strength I needed to overcome and believe in the one and only God above all else.

I am chosen!

Surrender of Addiction: February 7, 2016

Executive Director, Jessica Williams surrendered her life to Jesus Christ after 17 years of addiction

The inception of Never2Scarred: October 19, 2016

God gave Jessica Williams a clear vision that she would someday help other ladies like her. He not only gave her the vision but also showed her physically where this vision would be accomplished, and she noted this in her diary the day the vision occurred.  

A poignant awakening: August 20, 2019

God woke Jessica up at 2:00 AM with the specific design for the ministry that she had envisioned. 

Realization and Cause for the Vision: August 30, 2020

Jessica attended the Mitchell County Recovery Ministries (MCRM) Board Meeting. This Board of Directors was established for Celebrate Recovery (CR), and at the time Jessica served as the ladies’ leader for CR. On the Sunday night before the board meeting one of the ladies who also attended CR sat on the church steps waiting on Jessica. She was hungry, weary, and at the end of her rope. Jessica saw her and took her to get something to eat. She shared her story with Jessica. They talked and prayed together and then Jessica sent her on her way. The next night at the board meeting for MCRM, Jessica shared the lady’s story. Doug Harrel, the Chairman of the board at the time, was deeply concerned and indicated to Jessica that something must be done to help this lady and so many others with her plight. Jessica had no idea that she would share the story but was certain that God had it in his plan. Jessica was then able to share her vision with the board as a means to address the problem of women with addiction. The MCRM Board rallied around her vision and voted unanimously to begin the journey of implementing Jessica’s plan. For the subsequent year, the board began to look at houses and property. Jessica had a specific house in mind to serve as the place for the ministry. She took the Board to the house but there was hesitation about the property and location. So they continued the search but nothing was quite right. Jessica was certain through all of it that the house she had in mind was THE place. She fought through the housing search process because she knew in her heart that God told her it was where the program should be. 

First Annual Ladies Luncheon: May 1, 2021 

The first annual ladies’ luncheon occurred on May 1, 2021. This continues to be our signature annual fundraising event, raising over 10% of the annual operating budget. 

The luncheon continues to be held in May each year, with nearly 200 attendees.  

Securing the House: September 1, 2021

On September 1, 2021, the papers were signed on Jessica’s original house that she envisioned for the ministry. The house was blessed and dedicated to God’s work on September 13, 2021. A few weeks later on October 2, 2021, a team of 36 people came for a workday with all paint, brushes, sheetrock, and food donated. They did construction and renovations on the house, electrical work, and yard maintenance, all donating their time. 

Open House: October 18, 2021

The Hope House of Never2Scarred Ministries had an open house with over 100 individuals coming in support. 

Process of Search for Night Manager Position to prepare for opening: March 2022 

Grand Opening of Hope House: April 14, 2022

We proudly opened the doors of Hope House on this day, with our first resident receiving services.

Completion of First Book Study: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget: July 28, 2022

First Baptism: August 13, 2022

First Graduation: December 10, 2022

Program Structure:

Hope House is a Christian residential transformation program, overseen by the founder and Executive Director. In addition to Jessica, a night manager, also in recovery, is employed to oversee non-administrative hours operations. The program was initially structured as a 12-month program, focusing on spiritual restoration through Biblical teaching and the healing power of Jesus Christ. 

Through the generous efforts of numerous individuals, churches, and corporations, there is no fee to participate in the program. There is a mandatory orientation process 

And each resident is provided with hygiene kits, food, clothing,  and a safe and supportive environment. They have daily Bible studies taught by community volunteers, devotion/reflection time twice daily, and one-on-one counseling sessions donated by a local health organization. As Christ is the Center of the program, they attend Berry Chapel Baptist Church three times a week. We have structured schedules for showers, laundry, sleep, and meals. They also frequently speak at churches throughout the state sharing their testimonies, singing, and performing in sign language. 

Transitional House Transfer: August 2023

A four-bedroom, two-bathroom fully furnished house was donated to N2S for transitional housing. At this time, the house is being utilized for the ministry until a fully staffed house can be established with former residents in recovery. 

Alumnae Association: Roses of Hope 

Roses are a strong symbol of hope and healing for N2S. Jessica Williams presents a long-stemmed red rose to the graduates at the end of all graduation ceremonies. 

She shares the story of a man in October 2016 instilling in her that she is a long stem rose for Christ. Every time she sees a rose, she recalls what he said, God has also shown her that a long stem rose requires a team of gardeners. First, there was a praying mother, Beverly, preparing the ground. Second, there was another lady, Linda, planting the seed. Third, there was another faithful lady, Janice, watering the seed. Fourth, there was a lady, Mary, ensuring the sunshine. Fifth, hope was given by another faithful servant, Tanya. Lastly, another angel of her life, Selinda, provided her with the fertilizer and continuously ensured she was pruned. This essentially contrasts the recovery journey to a rose garden that must always be watered and pruned, to ensure their beauty and well-being from the planting phase. Hence, the inspiration for the name of our Alumnae Association.

“A Long Stem Rose” 

You are a long-stemmed rose for Christ. You have a team of gardeners who prayed for you and will continue to pray. You’ve had those helping to prepare you for the next season in life. You had seeds planted. You have been watered with God’s love. You have been fertilized with God’s truth. You have been through some pruning but be sure there will be more pruning in the future. You also have a house of sisters and together they love you as much as your sunshine. Now it is time for you to go and not only be a long-stem rose but bloom to a long-stem rose. 

May 2024: Meet and Eat Dinner Initiative Introduced

Each Monday night, community members are invited to host a dinner to fellowship with our residents and learn more about our program. This is an intimate setting in which barriers are eliminated and people can sit around the table together without reservation. 

Total number of ladies served since April 21, 2022: 48

Total Number of graduates: 15

Age Range: 22-58Geographic Origin: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida