Katherine ’04 and Jay ’04 Wolf both graduated from Howard College of Arts and Sciences with degrees in communication studies. While they knew they would eventually land in this field, they had no idea just how much their experience at Samford University would impact their professional journeys.
The couple met in the Samford cafeteria, which they would say is a perfect meeting for lifelong foodies. After graduation, they married and moved to Los Angeles for Katherine to pursue the entertainment industry and Jay to attend law school. Both were ready for their next step because of the support they received at Samford.
Jay expressed his gratitude for the practical lessons they both learned from their professors. “Rhonda Parker helped us to see the possibilities of communication and how to really communicate with intention. And Killian Manning fostered creativity in our communication and showed us how to make our audience feel something.”
Katherine Wolf now is a well-known name in the Christian communication space, and her story is so unique, full of both tragedy and joy.
In 2008, Katherine suffered a massive stroke due to a rare congenital defect she never knew about. Their world was turned upside down. After years of therapy and re-learning how to walk and talk, Katherine and Jay’s definitions of hope and healing were forever altered. They turned their tragedy and suffering into a ministry opportunity.
Hope Heals was born to “disrupt the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.” They seek to build community for people of all abilities to find joy in Christ through any circumstance.
The Wolfs have intended in every one of their Hope Heals ministries, whether through writing or their summer camp, to intentionally create a sacred environment for people with all ranges of ability. Their new venture is no different, and it comes with a great cup of coffee.
Mend Coffee & Goods recently opened in the Atlanta, Georgia, area with a 2,500 square foot space for people to gather and fellowship. This space has been years in the making, with them bringing in a dozen consultants to make sure this space provides both accessibility and a high-quality product.
They chose the word “mend” because though Katherine’s stroke broke them, the Lord mended them back together as stronger, more resilient people. Their goal now is to be a tangible expression of hope to everyone who walks through the door.
