Our Mission
Hope on Girard is committed to fostering a secure environment for individuals on the path to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Our mission revolves around facilitating 12 Step meetings, organizing regular social events, linking recovering individuals to vital treatment and housing resources, and engaging in community outreach. We strive to uphold a standard rooted in spirituality and altruism.
As a non-profit corporation, Hope on Girard is devoted to creating a safe haven where people can come together to exchange their stories of experience, strength, and hope. Our collective aim is to support one another in achieving and sustaining a life free from the influence of alcohol and drugs.
This is a great place for those who are in recovery and for those that want to recover from drug and/or alcohol addictions. - Jo Anne C.
Our Team
Erika Krauss
Co-Founder and Treasurer
Erika’s journey began with a decision supported by action to achieve a life of sobriety on March 10, 2012. Erika currently holds a position working as a 12-Step Facilitator at an established Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in New Jersey. She attended Pierce College in Philadelphia and graduated in 2017 with a BA in Legal Studies. She worked as a Paralegal for 6 years and also worked in a Financial Office for 3 years. Aside from her success in the professional world, Erika spent 8 years serving as Secretary for a non-profit recovery organization in South Jersey and is the Owner and Manager of a sober living house for women. Since Hope on Girard’s inception in 2020, Erika has dedicated herself to helping others with addiction live successful fulfilling lives.
Philip Stevenson
Co-Founder
On November 10, 2002, after many years of desperation, uncertainty, suffering, and finally homelessness, Philip began his journey in recovery. He turned to the 12 Steps to treat alcoholism and addiction. His experience of suffering and soul sickness in and out of recovery led him to discover himself and to be of service to others.
In pursuit of perfecting and enlarging a Spiritual way of life, combined with a longing to build community, Hope on Girard was born. As a result, a beautiful community sprung up and now serves the general Philadelphia area.
Philip is the owner of a pet grooming salon in Northern Liberties which has been rated best of Philadelphia. He is also involved in local dog and cat rescue.
Philip studied at the Philadelphia Rebirthing Center and is certified in Rebirthing, Breath Work, and Meditation. He also teaches at Center City Breathe where he helps people explore metaphysical solutions to everyday problems. He has facilitated workshops in Arizona, West Virginia, Delaware, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New Jersey and Chicago.
Tom Haley
Executive Board Member and Secretary
A native Philadelphian, Tom was born and raised in Kensington. He’s had a firsthand look at the struggles in his community. He himself was not immune to the influences. In 2007, when he thought no other options available, his journey of recovery began.
Tom worked most of his early life in the restaurant business, this is where his compassion for cooking and baking originated. In 2012, Tom graduated with high honors from The Community College of Philadelphia with an Associate’s Degree in arts, culture, science and technology. In 2014, he went on to get his nursing degree and has been working in the field. His passion in recovery has him perusing nursing in addiction.
When Tom arrived at Hope on Girard, he found new purpose. His compassion and empathy for helping others does not go unnoticed. On most days you will see him at Hope on Girard in service of some sort. And its not uncommon spending many hours there helping people and making them feel apart of the whole. Tom has kept the doors of hope on Girard open on holidays for those people who have no where else to go.
Twice a year Tom helps in organizing in Hope on Girard’s sneaker and coat drive for the people in Kensington. These are some of the ways he is able to give back to the neighborhood in which he grew up. Words can not compare of the love and dedication that one feels for doing this work.
In Loving Memory
Walter Kowal
Executive Board Member
February 26, 1962 — February 5, 2023
Walter served as Executive Board Member for Hope on Girard where he tirelessly and lovingly offered his time and talents to the recovery community. Born in Wilmington Delaware, Walter was a graduate of Wilmington University and he proudly served in the US Air Force. In addition to his daily duties, Walter took the lead on Hope’s Kensington Outreach projects and was instrumental in The Philadelphia Freedom Roundup.
Walter was also responsible for organizing Hope’s Second Saturday Sobriety Events and was a driving force behind Hope obtaining 501c3 Non-Profit status. Walter could be called upon at any time of the day or night to drive someone to treatment, run an errand, make a repair, give advice, or just listen. His heart was open to all, and his smile was worth a thousand words. We move forward in Walter’s Spirit and miss him dearly. Walter’s positive work in Philadelphia, and the LGBT communities will forever be remembered.