Sowing Change. Harvesting Hope.

Executive Director, Board President

James Phillips leads a mission to address substance use disorder as the executive director and board president of Seed Sower Inc, a nonprofit organization in southern West Virginia. With a focus on providing essential services for adults to rebuild their lives, including safe housing and transportation, Phillips has spearheaded significant impact within the organization.

Under his guidance, Seed Sower Inc obtained its nonprofit designation in 2020 and began operations, initially planning for a 4-bed recovery residence. Through Phillips' rapid and heartfelt outreach efforts, the organization expanded its vision to meet community needs, resulting in the establishment of a 12-bed recovery residence. The organization now operates four residential locations, including Seed Sower Manor, which caters to pregnant and parenting women, as well as Seed Sower Transport, and The Well, southern West Virginia’s inaugural recovery community organization (RCO), alongside a social impact hub.

Phillips' leadership has positioned Seed Sower at the forefront of recovery programs, renowned for its comprehensive services. Beyond safe housing and transportation, program participants receive job training in the culinary arts and employment opportunities at local establishments through strategic partnerships. 

Phillips champions coalitions that educate on substance use disorder and advocate for solutions. He presently holds positions as a board member on the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR), the Region I Workforce Development Board, and additionally contributes to two subcommittees of The Governor’s Council: Public Education and the Recovery Residence Taskforce.

Before founding Seed Sower, Phillips enjoyed a diverse professional career, including 10 years of service in the U.S. Army as a Russian linguist and signals intelligence specialist. His civilian career paths included roles within the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and as a senior financial management analyst with the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, Jay holds an MBA from West Virginia University. 

A resident of Beckley, West Virginia, Phillips is not only a dedicated professional but also a family man. Married to his wife Paige, he is a loving father to three sons – Sam, Caeden, and Cooper. 

Program Director - Montgomery

Meet Stephanie Wilkes. Starting as a PRSS at Seed Sower in Dawson, Stephanie moved forward to the role of Lead PRSS and now proudly serves as the Program Director at Seed Sower Manor - Montgomery.

As Program Director, Stephanie seamlessly manages behind-the-scenes tasks crucial for the house's smooth operation. Equally vital is her hands-on interaction with residents and unwavering support for her fellow staff. She is mindful to be present for residents, demonstrating recovery is possible, and letting them know she believes in and supports them is most important to her.

Stephanie celebrated a decade of sobriety in December of 2023 and serves as a source of inspiration in long-term recovery. Her passion is assuring others that they are not alone and advocating for the same opportunity for recovery that she received.

Program Director - Dawson

My name is Jessica Dawn Ennis. I am 30 years old. I grew up in Meadow Bridge West Virginia. I am a Certified Peer Recovery Coach and am pursuing certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. I first obtained my PRC in Wheeling West Virginia, While I was in the Women Inspired in New Directions (W.I.N.D.) program and worked as a recovery coach at Wheeling Hospital. My long-term goal is to become a SUD and mental health counselor. I am a person in long term recovery, celebrating 3 years and five months. I have three children Braylin (10), Justin (9), and Kristie (8). Working in recovery, and helping others find the life that I have now is my passion. My hobbies are spending time with my children and my family. I enjoy going to watch my kids play football and cheer and doing anything with them outdoors. I like swimming and fishing. 

Justin Rogers is the  Beckley Program Director and Director of "The Well" -  A Recovery Community Organization located in Beckley, WV. Born of Charleston, WV, raised in Beckley and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School,  Justin is a homegrown advocate for the recovery community in Southern WV. As a person in long-term recovery, Justin is a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and has been working and advocating in the recovery field since 2017. Justin has helped build or start up multiple programs including molding and directing Reclamation Recovery with Compass Counseling. Justin has several years of experience as PRSS supervisor, outreach coordinator, as well as building community partnerships. Justin's heart is in helping those afflicted by the disease of addiction especially here in Southern WV. Justin is also an avid gym goer. He has a passion for fitness and helping the youth. One any given evening you can find Justin at the YMCA of Southern WV, where he also loves to serve.