Chantel Stringer: Learning in Service & Faith
In 2020, Chantel Stringer transferred from her community college to Indiana Wesleyan University on the suggestion of a colleague. Since then, she believes IWU has consistently strengthened her conviction that the path she is on is God’s will for her. “I’ve been able to gain confidence in myself, my studies, and my career path,” she notes. “I’ve gained the ability to ask for help, implement useful resources, and complete goals that I thought would take a lifetime to accomplish.”
As part of her bachelor’s in social work, Stringer has helped establish Dola Mae’s Place, a home for women transitioning out of sober living programs. She and the rest of the team there created it to honor the legacy of Dola Mae Landis, a local individual in Dayton, Ohio who was hugely impactful in the lives of many in the community—including Stringer. “Her unwavering commitment to helping others and dedication to being fully present in every moment exemplified her beautiful spirit,” Stringer says. Dola Mae’s Place provides a safe and nurturing environment for women working through a 12-step program, attending church, and seeking dependable employment. Stringer believes overcoming addiction requires both Heavenly and earthly support, and she is hopeful about the impact Dola Mae’s Place can have.
Stringer faced challenges—from learning about renovation and building permits to running a safe and successful women’s home—but overcame them with support from friends, family, volunteers, church, and IWU. There were times when funding and energy ran low, but God continued to lead the Dola Mae’s Place team.
In August 2024, Dola Mae’s Place proudly opened, welcoming their first clients and receiving massive support. Every aspect of construction—from painting to heating and beyond—has been made possible through generous donations and the hard work of volunteers, Stringer proclaims. Dola Mae’s Place has also been able to assist other agencies within the Dayton, Ohio community with outreach, food ministries, feeding and clothing the unsheltered, establishing recovery support groups, and more. While she may be gone, Dola’s legacy lives on.
“IWU has helped prepare me for my work at Dola Mae’s Place by instilling the values of education, hard work, dedication, competency, and faith. The education that I’ve gained since becoming a student has prepared me to think critically, logically, ethically, and outside the box,” Stringer says. “The years of hard work that I have completed leading up to the end of my bachelor’s degree have been both necessary and useful in not only creating a business plan but carrying out many proposals, policies, and procedures that are needed when operating an establishment such as this.”
The team at Dola Mae’s Place recognize the challenges many women face in securing stable housing. As a result, Dola Mae’s Place offers a safe, drug-free environment where clients can reside while maintaining a manageable weekly fee that covers rent and utilities. “This space allows them to work, save money, remain active in their recovery, and engage in a spiritual faith-based program,” Stringer explains. “Many of the clients we serve have previously dedicated considerable time to programs that included structured programming, and our objective is to build on that foundation. Our approach aims to empower women in their recovery journeys while fostering a sense of community and personal growth.”
When she first started at IWU, Stringer lacked confidence in her abilities as both a professional and student and wasn’t sure of God’s plan for her. Now, she feels equipped for her future as a leader, team player, encourager, and partner. Working at Dola Mae’s Place while attending IWU has enabled her to build strong relationships with her community, church, social circle, and clients. Throughout this time, she has leaned on God, His Word, and His faithfulness. Stringer is confident that God will continue to guide her path and help her live the life He has for her in the years ahead.
“The competency that I’ve gained as an IWU student has been the key to making this agency thrive,” Stringer adds. “My professors, my field instructor Jessie Pablo, and my classmates have taught me so much about myself in these last few years. I believe that God led me to IWU. I knew what I wanted for my education, and I wanted to grow closer to God. IWU has taught me more about God, the Bible, and living a faithful spiritual life than I would have ever imagined. I’m blessed to have been led to this university and I’m excited to continue my education here in my master’s program.”
