Episode 22 "Help Other People Everyday" H.O.P.E. Special Guest April Parker

April Parker grew up in Indian Land, South Carolina, often escaping her tumultuous home life by playing outside, reading, and pretending to be a teacher. Despite being molested by her siblings and ignored by her parents, who were preoccupied with her father’s alcoholism, April excelled in academics and sports, earned a scholarship to Winthrop University, becoming the first in her family to attend college, and graduated with a BS in Elementary Education

During college, she met her ex-husband, became pregnant, and was pressured into marriage, only to later discover he was already married and living under a false identity from Africa. Despite these challenges, April supported her family, completed her education, and became a middle school science teacher.

After her father’s death from cancer in 2014, April felt lost but remained self-sufficient. However, she began using and selling drugs, got involved in illegal activities, and neglected her children. She quit teaching due to a scandal and turned to high-dollar prostitution and drug dealing, losing herself in the process. April was raped multiple times, and was incarcerated on October 20, 2020, leaving her kids under the care of gang members. Social services eventually stepped in and placed her kids with her mother, who then handed them to her ex-husband.

Encouraged by a fellow inmate, April sought help from the chaplain and realized she didn’t want to live like this anymore. The incarceration was April’s start to a life of sobriety, with a sobriety date of October 21, 2020.

After getting a bond, she went to a Sober Living home, although she stopped using drugs, April struggled with ingrained behaviors and the need for attention. Even though April was clean, the darkness continued to grow. April finally surrendered, began working the 12 steps, attending meetings and established a fitness and nutrition routine that brought her spiritual peace and a deeper connection with God.

April met a wonderful man who taught her about love, service, family, and recovery, but he passed away from COVID shortly after celebrating 14 years of sobriety. Despite numerous challenges, April found direction and support, choosing sobriety over the urge to use. She moved back into Sober Living home and began working at a treatment center. April dedicated herself to serving others as guided by God.

April now has a stable relationship with her kids, is engaged, and actively helps women in recovery, including sponsoring females in prison. She states, “Watching them heal, helps me heal”. April is involved in an addiction ministry, maintains strict routines and behaviors. April embodies the statement:

“Living by the power of Christ and striving to love like Jesus until I am called to Heaven”.