Get In Touch
About Us
Our Mission
The mission of Claudia & Eddie's Place is to give structure and supportive housing to those who are struggling to find their way, and to empower them to become productive members in today's society. Our program is designed to target those with mental illness, substance use disorders, are homeless, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and are ex-offenders. Our goal is to provide an environment that supports the individual as they use the tools of recovery and focus on positive lifestyle change.
Jocelyn Wells, Founder & Director
CRADC NCRS, RECOVERY COACH
Woman Behind the Vision
Claudia & Eddie’s Place founder Jocelyn Wells has worked in the behavioral services field since 1994. She began her career 6 months into her own recovery working for Haymarket Center, one of the largest treatment service providers in the State of Illinois. Grateful for the chance at a new life, she also attended St. Augustine College and Oakton College part-time to become certified as an addiction counselor, while working. Ms. Wells has worked for Human Resource Development Institute/HRDI (2000-2004), Community Counseling Center (2004-2010), and Loretto Hospital (2010-2020) in their Behavioral Health Department. Jocelyn used her education and work experience to open the first Claudia & Eddie’s Place location (Hazel Crest, IL) in 2006. She has since expanded to open a second location (Harvey, IL) and seeks to further her services in the future with a recovery home for men.
Our History
Claudia's & Eddie's Place, is the vision of Ms. Jocelyn Wells who began the organization as a way to help women overcome addictions while providing an alternative to their former way of life. Her mother Claudia and her son Eddie are her inspiration, and so she named the program after them. Ms. Wells' mother was a survivor of domestic violence which was at the hands of Jocelyn's father who was an alcoholic. After 12 years of mental, emotional, and physical abuse; and 6 children, her mother was able to walk away. Claudia returned to school, and struggled with homelessness with her children while studying to earn a Ph.D. in education. She purchased a home in Hazel Crest where she retired after 15 years as the Vice Principle of Creiger High School on the west side of Chicago. Ms. Wells' youngest son Eddie, at the age of 17 years old made life decisions that cost him and his family a huge price. This motivated Jocelyn to give something positive back to society by helping others in the community learn positive conflict resolution.
Jocelyn's Grandmother and Mother
After 26 years of sobriety, Ms. Wells knows firsthand the difference a "helping hand” and an opportunity for a "new start" can make. In June 2006, after the passing of her mother, Jocelyn was entrusted with the home in Hazel Crest, IL where she immediately decided to convert the' home into a safe haven for women to conquer their self-defeating past and begin anew. It was in November 2007 that the doors of Claudia & Eddie's Place opened, focusing on assisting individuals to become productive in today's society. Our housing program focuses on lifestyle changes that create a new and better life beyond previous hindrances.
Board of Directors
Claudia & Eddie's Place is governed by a Board of Directors who believe in the work we do and the people we serve. We are grateful for their dedication to keeping our doors open and our program strong.
Sade Shields-Bryant, President
Stephanie Norman, Vice President
Carolyn Clark, Treasurer