Meet Cindy Sims | Executive Director of Center of Hope, serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Sims and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Around the walls in my 5th grade elementary classroom our teacher, Ms. English, had a saying in bold print, “Do unto others as you would like them to do to you”. It stuck with me. A very simple notion that has a huge impact on your life and those around you. It is something I have taught my children. If you wouldn’t want someone to do that to you, then you shouldn’t do it to someone else. I think it is a good lesson for everyone! We wouldn’t need the organization I work for if people treated others the way they wanted to be treated.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was interviewed for the job at Center of Hope one of the Board Members asked me about why had I had so many different kinds of jobs. I replied, I have worked at an office, I have owned my own business (2 actually) and I have worked in the medical field (corporate America) and I have loved something about every experience. The jobs were right for me at the time. They all made me who I am today. But my job as ED of a non-profit that helps victims of abuse has been the most fulfilling job of them all. And as I am writing this, I am sitting in a new Thrift Boutique that we opened to supplement our income string. Not to mention, we recently we opened a SAFE Clinic (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Clinic) and I am the medical administrator. Now I am using all of the experience I have ever had for this one organization. God is good.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do! I would hope it would be during Christmas so we could do the Christmas Home Tours. We would take the tours of the homes and the shoppes that are decorated for the holidays. We would eat at the local restaurants and eateries (especially Mama Mila’s!). Columbia has so many thrift stores, so we would have to go thrifting! Center of Hope’s Thrift Boutique, Common Threads, Thrift Love, and Glover’s, to name a few. We would have to go to Historic Downtown Columbia to shop and eat! So many wonderful boutiques and eateries. And if were were lucky enough to be together for New Year’s Eve, we would HAVE to attend the Mule Drop in Historic Downtown Columbia. #nomuleswereharmedinthemakingofthisdrop

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is my strength! My husband is my rock, my best friend, my go-to for everything. Without his support in everything I do and have done, I wouldn’t be where I am. My mom and my sisters are my cheerleaders! I had such an amazing childhood because my family rocks! And of course, my kids! the keep you young and keep things real.

Website: centerofhopetn.org

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