Heads-Up Guidance Services Inc

I am going trough a divorce process and I was feeling very lost and hopeless, one day somebody gave me a flyer about this place and it took me a couple of weeks to call and ask for help I thank God I did it has been one of the best decisions I have made lately, I was assigned a counselor who took the time to listen to me and provide me with some tools so I can heal myself and start a new life, I couldn't afford to go to another place since counseling services are very expensive this organization is making a difference in a lot of people who are struggling with life issues and don't have the income or insurance to go somewhere else.
It's been only 3 months since I started my sessions and I can see a difference on my way of thinking and solving the everyday life isssues.
Thanks HUGS counselors and volunteers for this wonderful service to the community I will be forever grateful for your help!

Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) is an amazing, one-of-a-kind organization. I have seen first hand the huge difference that HUGS makes in the lives of our clients. Providing affordable professional counseling to those in need is a service that makes our community a better place to live! Our counselors volunteer their time and talents to make this happen!

I am a new volunteer with Heads-Up Guidance Services Inc. (HUGS). The executive director and board chair kindly welcomed me into the organization, and equipped me with the skills I needed to thrive in my volunteer role. The clients are treated with dignity, and the counselors are extremely committed to providing high quality service. I would highly recommend this organization to other prospective volunteers.

I started HUGS through a doctor referral a few years ago. I knew I was in a very dark place personally and knew I needed someone to help me, as I could no longer deal with it on my own. I didn't realize how broken of a person I was and traumatized from past life events and how it had took a toll on me. I had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, along with dealing with a mountain of family issues and I just felt "done" with life. Daniella (counselor) Was my angel in disguise who saved me from myself. She was put in my life at the right time, and I will forever be great full to her. I got blessed twice with Rebecca (counselor) who has made me focus on me, and has made me see that I am worthy of whatever I seek out to do. I am important and i do have a voice that should always be heard. Both Daniella & Rebecca have taught me more than any words can ever say, and they are both angels. Hands down this organization has the talented, skilled, and trained professionals that know what they are doing. Andrea has an awesome team and for that I am forever thankful.

For as long as I can remember I was looking for love,I am 55 years old. I came through the doors of this phenomenal spiritually filled healing station and I found it. I have a history of physical,mental,emotional and spiritual abuse. I had the unfortunate inception of encountering these deterrents at the tender age of three. My need to seek acceptance of someone or something to ease my wounded mind,body and soul led me on a forty year love affair with cocaine (crack and powder). The rampant devastation's (bipolar depression,co-dependence,PTSD,anxiety disorder) of this fractured demonic lover led me in and out of prison four times and numerous hospitalizations and rehabilitation programs. The most crucial integral part of this terror filled liaison was I always has a desire to die rather than continue to keep failing at life as this cycle of viciousness had left me over and over. Ten months ago I walked through these doors and met a former staff member from a past failed rehab attempt at another facility. We were both surprised to see each other, she assured me I was in the right place and someone would take care of me. To hear those words coming from her I felt a sigh of relief, because she had been a ram in the bush so many times before. The moment I met Ms. Beverly something inside of me said please do not let me fail this time Lord- because I am TIRED!!!!. My beginning was sketchy because I was afraid of change,truth and trust. The time I have spent in every IOP group ,one-on-one session and family group session has given me the freedom to delve into myself. Intensely and profoundly I discovered my true self as a child, a loving beautiful woman, devoted caring mother , grandmother,mate,sister and friend. I faced so many obstacles these last ten months and with each one I ran into the arms of HUGS for the embrace I needed to forge ahead. I have the mos:t wonderful news to tell about HUGS and Ms. Beverly, they are a poignant example of ,Isaiah 58:9-12,"Repairer of the Breach" I will return to S.S.U. next week after ten years of being out of school. Thank the Lord for HUGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HUGS has been a Godsend to me! Over the last ten months, I have experienced much growth and a peace level that is truly amazing. Andrea is a Godly, caring, compassionate, insightful counselor who has provided me with a new perspective on my life issues. HUGS has made a huge difference in my life. Thank you, Andrea & the HUGS staff, for the outstanding services you provide. :)

For over 3 years, HUGS with Andrea Epting has professionally and personally helped our family overcome life changing struggles, heal and guide us forward to a positive, healthier, happier lifestyle.
HUGS services has made a beautiful difference by improving and enriching my life, my family, and so many others.

HUGS is such a huge blessing to me and to Savannah. The staff and volunteers are always so nice and help you with whatever you need. Andrea Epting is an amazing counselor who has changed my life over the past 3 years. She is genuine, compassionate, patient, and truly cares about her clients. I am so grateful for all she and HUGS has done for me.

I cannot behind to tell you how much of an impact on my life HUGS has made. Andrea has gotten me through the last year and a half. My granddaughter has gained so much through HUGS too. The program and counsellors are a godsend.

Absolutely love Andrea Epting. She is by far the best counsellor I've ever had! Very personable, caring, uplifting and inspiring me to be a better me, stronger me and her dedication to work and people sets a great example to me and many others I'm sure as well! She always puts,God in the center and that makes it that much more valuable to me!! I recommend HUGS to all striluggling and seeking help. God bless!

HUGS = Altruism at its finest
Their counselors exceeded my expectations. I never dreamt I would benefit from any form of therapy; especially, at an affordable rate. This nonprofit is a blessing to Savannah and others should follow their lead.

The people are the nicest I've ever known. They treat me with respect.

Several of the counselors here have helped me and my family to function better and to become stronger and happier. They provide a resource that we otherwise would not have been able to access.

Amazing organization! Could not think more highly of Andrea Epting and ALL she does for our community.

Professional services to the masses based on need (Not benefits). A true non profit meeting the mental & emotional needs of its community! Finally quality (affordable)counseling with no strings attached!!!

Heads-Up Guidance Services Inc. (H.U.G.S.) is a change agent that constantly lives out its Mission and Vision for all walks of life and community. As a volunteer I have the esteem pleasure in working with awesome and professional Counselors, as they assisted in addressing community, individual, and family needs in order to provide resources in living a healthier life. A few things that enticed me to volunteer is gaining knowledge in the field of interest as well as becoming a supportive figure that educates, encourages and uplifts individuals in the time of need. HUGS, stand strongly in giving a “Hands Up” and not a “Hand Out” which is empowering because it advocates helping others own the growth and teach others to do the same.

Heads Up Guidance Services (HUGS) does an incredible job of providing counseling services for individuals who, otherwise, cannot afford it. The staff and counseling environment is professional. HUGS endeavors to attract people of all cultures, economics status, religion, and/or walk of life to take advantage of its services. One word that most definitely describe HUGS is "benevolent."

The experience with Hugs has not only allow for me to gain the knowledge of understanding this field of study, but also assists with providing help for those in need of services, whom can't afford to pay. I've work with Hugs for 2 years and this organization has established a tremendous helping hand out in the community.

Heads Up Guidance Services is one of the finest organizations in the Savannah community. Since I have been a volunteer here, I have gained insight on the importance of making a difference in people's lives, and HUGS does just that. It's an organization that dedicates many resources to helping a group of people that usually get overlooked by society, and HUGS has shown me that it is possible to make an actual difference.

It is by far the healthiest work environment that I've volunteered for. I would like to one day run a practice with the same set of principles that HUGS incorporates. Inclusion, a strong sense of community, effective communication, and compassion all make HUGS a unique organization in the mental health arena.

HUGS is priceless resource in the Savannah community. The organization offers counseling services of all sorts (e.g. individual, group, couples, IOP, child and adolescent, play therapy, an anger management class, etc.) to people who would otherwise go without. The Director and staff are totally focused on what they can do to help each individual that walks through the doors of HUGS. Their have been, and continue to be, many people helped by HUGS each day.

I accepted the board member invitaiton because I wanted to volunteer for a local charity that makes a difference in people's lives. I is very gratifying to know that all the monies are used localy to help local Savannahanians. I am on a few charity boards, and it is by FAR my most satisfying and inspring.

An amazing non-profit organization that provides many services through its dedicated volunteers. Counseling, work readiness, gardening, and culinary are just a few of the many programs created to support the needs of the under-served members of our community. I volunteer for HUGS because I know it has changed lives for those who had no other resources and needed a "hand up" and not a "hand out."

I have decided to start volunteering with Heads Up Guidance Services because they are in the business of changing lives and giving a hand up instead of a hand out. HUGS believe that everyone can have the opportunity to have a second chance if needed. As a volunteer I help to spread the message that there is always hope for a better life even after bad decisions. Therefore, I am so excited to be involved in the vision and mission of HUGS as we work together to change the fabric of our community one person at a time.

I completed my graduate internship with HUGS, and now am volunteering as a professional counselor. This organization extends a hand-up to individuals who are usually cast aside by society (those suffering from addiction, homelessness, joblessness, emotional dysfunction, and so forth). As a counselor, I have first-hand experience as to how the work we do is critical and necessary to increasing the quality of life of those we serve. I volunteer my services to HUGS, because it is a benevolent organization.

As a volunteer with Heads-Up Guidance Services, I have seen first handily the impact of our work within the Savannah community. Our outreach have impacted the lives of our local folks, and continues to do so on a daily basis. Persons who needed counseling services and can't afford to pay for such are helped by HUGS who provide these services free of cost.

I am truly blessed to be a part of such a great and most encouraging organization, whose main goal is to reach out to as many of our community folks as we can.

Evelyn m. Thomas, M.S.W.

The entire staff at HUGS is dedicated to providing services to those most in need. Best of all the participants are a part of the process because they pay a minimal fee for services. They also have the opportunity to learn skills needed to be a contributing member of the community. There is a very positive feeling among clients, staff and volunteers.

As a licensed professional counselor for all of my adult life, I have seen the huge need for counseling in our community. I worked with teens and their families and know that once they finished high school, their counseling needs did not necessarily go away. So many people could and would benefit from ongoing counseling, but most people are not able to pay for the counseling they need or feel it is not the priority purchase when it comes to their budgets. Those people who are homeless or addicted or in volatile family situations often are the ones who most need and never get counseling. How nice to have a local organization here to provide these services to those in special need. HUGS does great work in our community, and with ongoing support, will continue to "give a hand up" to those in need.

Heads-Up guidance services has been a big part of my life and the lives of many people who need a hand up, Once their new facility is finish I will be the caretaker of that building. Andrea and the other members of their team, has effected my life in such a way that it is hard to express in words.

I have watched this organization grow from its inception as the brain child of Andrea Epting and Ellen Bradley. These two dedicated women have consistently kept their focus on the goal of building an organization which lends "a hand UP" to members of our Savannah community, who are working hard to overcome the personal and professional obstacles in their lives.
I'm so very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization as a volunteer. I have pledged my time and financial resources to support their efforts.

I'm proud to be part of Heads-Up Guidance Services, providing holistic services to the Savannah, GA community in assisting people to achieve their potential! HUGS offers a unique blend of traditional, innovative, and faith based services with emphasis on participant accountability. HUGS continues to expand services, supported by a passionate, professional and enthusiastic board and staff, donors, as well as community partners. Thanks to all supporting HUGS!

What a great non-profit organization providing much needed services to the Savannah area! I'm proud to be volunteering on the HUGS team. I've seen the difference that counseling by licensed professionals can make in a person's quality of life. I've watched as people helped by HUGS turn their lives around, and are now contributing to our community in a positive way.

I recently attended my first HUGS advisory board meeting in Savannah, GA. I was very impressed by the enthusiasm of the members and the positive gains made by this organization in such a short time. HUGS clearly has the support of the community, and I am pleased to be contributing my efforts to this worthwhile cause...the only nonprofit providing professional clinical counseling services to at-risk individuals unable to qualify for mental health benefits.