Meet Our Staff
The services we provide at Origin would not be possible without the wonderful people behind the scenes making everything happen. We feel truly grateful to work with such an amazing team and wanted to introduce staff members,
Josette Lee Pearson & Hailey Lapa.
Josette Lee Pearson
Housing Stability Program
Hometown: Merced, California
Years Working for Origin: Just celebrated 1 year on September 14, 2021
Favorite Hobby: DIY Furniture Makeovers, Interior Decorating, Crafting, Jewelry Making, Painting, Hand-writing letters and cards, invitations.
What drew you to Origin SC originally? Core Values and Mission represented by the organization and the invaluable services that it provides to the community is what initially drew me to Origin.
And how has the organization changed since? I joined the staff 6 months into the Pandemic. The organization has adapted well to having the office closed to in-person visits and being successful in allowing staff to work from home and has created new and innovative ways to provide seamless quality services to our clients.
What has surprised you the most about working at Origin SC? How nice and helpful everyone is and their willingness to help you succeed.
How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?
Introduced me to another area of community service – Homeless Prevention
What is one thing that you are most proud of? My family and especially my two children and how well they are doing, despite the pandemic and the daily challenges that they still face at middle school and at college. It has been a real challenge for them to bounce back from social isolation and anxiety, and fear caused by the pandemic, but they are doing better. I hope that everyone is.
Hailey Lapa
Title:
Licensed Social Worker/ Case Manager & Court Advocate
Family Violence Intervention Program
Hometown: Warren, NJ.
Years Working for Origin:
I have been a full time employee at Origin SC for over 2 years.
Favorite Hobby: Going to the beach!
What drew you to Origin SC originally?
I was drawn to Origin SC when I was in the process of getting my Masters degree. I applied to be an intern, and was hired to work in the Family Violence Intervention Program.
And how has the organization changed since?
This organization has grown tremendously over the last 2 years. We are now reaching more clients than ever across the state of South Carolina.
What has surprised you the most about working at Origin SC?
I was surprised the most by how welcoming the staff at Origin SC are. I always feel included, and my hard work is consistently recognized.
What is an experience that has really shaped who you are?
I am constantly growing and evolving as a social worker each day I work with victims of violence. Their testimonies, their strength and courage, their positive attitudes, their resilience shapes me every day to be the best service provider possible.
How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?
Origin SC has greatly contributed to my growth and success as a social worker. As an employee at Origin SC, I feel like the sky is the limit for me. I am reminded daily that my coworkers and supervisors will support me in every endeavor I embark on.
What is one thing that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of all the victims of intimate partner violence in South Carolina and across the nation who have transformed into survivors.
