Meet Lori Hawes | Founder of Cody’s Crew

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

Hi Lori, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After losing my precious son Cody to a 14-year battle with opiate addiction (Cody saved four lives with organ donation), I felt a deep need to channel my grief into something meaningful. Cody was a gifted chef and a remarkably talented photographer with an incredible eye for detail. He had attended many rehabilitation centers over the years. There was one program he especially valued and even returned to on his own. After his passing, I reached out to that facility and began volunteering weekly.

In Cody’s honor, I started Cody’s Crew, a nonprofit that supports those fighting the disease of addiction. We host community-building events like seasonal crafts, game nights, and therapeutic art activities. These experiences help lift spirits, foster connection, and support emotional healing. One of the most treasured parts of my relationship with Cody was the letters we exchanged, so I’ve carried that forward, offering holiday cards for the men to send to their loved ones on occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.

Starting Cody’s Crew has allowed me to honor my son, process my grief, and share hope, love, and support with others facing the same battle Cody fought so bravely.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career as an educator has been one of continuous growth, learning, and service. I’ve always had a passion for working with children – supporting them, helping them thrive, and watching them grow into their potential. Teaching is not an easy job, and one of the ongoing goals throughout my career was learning how to balance the demands of the classroom with the needs of my home and family. I was fortunate to work alongside strong, smart, and supportive teachers who modeled collaboration and compassion. That sense of community helped shape me into the educator – and person – I am today.

What sets you apart, and what are you most proud or excited about?

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to connection – whether in the classroom or in the wider world. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with students and colleagues over the past two decades. Each one has taught me something about resilience, empathy, and the power of showing up for others. In recent years, I’ve brought that same passion into my work with Cody’s Crew, a nonprofit I founded in honor of my son, Cody Mogensen, who we lost to the disease of addiction.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always easy. Teaching brought its own set of challenges, from managing classrooms to navigating ever-changing expectations. The greatest personal challenge I faced was losing my son. That loss changed me – and redirected my path. I wanted to do something meaningful in his memory, something that would support others walking a similar road. Through Cody’s Crew, I’ve found purpose in helping men in recovery find stability, support, and hope.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

I’ve learned that no matter who you’re working with – children or adults – people need the same things: love, encouragement, and the belief that they are capable of more. I’ve also learned that healing and growth happen in community, not in isolation. My experiences as a teacher and as a mother have taught me how vital it is to meet people where they are, to listen without judgment, and to never underestimate the power of hope.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that my work – both in the classroom and with Cody’s Crew – comes from a place of deep love and purpose. I understand addiction, how it changes a person, impacts a family, and how hard the road to recovery truly is. Just as I have supported and guided my students over the past 20 years, I now strive to do the same for the men and women in recovery – offering them encouragement, structure, and belief in a better future. My story is one of service, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference, one life at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love having visitors from out of town – especially because I truly enjoy where I live and love showing it off. Charlotte offers the beauty of all four seasons, plus the bonus of being just a short drive from both the beach and the mountains. When friends or family come to visit, I like to tailor the experience to their interests, but I definitely have a few favorite spots I like to share.

As someone who enjoys the outdoors, I often suggest a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Latta Nature Preserve, Crowders Mountain, or the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. For guests who enjoy the arts, I’m a big theater fan and would absolutely plan a night out at one of the Blumenthal Theaters for a Broadway show. Charlotte also has some great museums, including The Mint Museum, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the Billy Graham Library.

If sports are more their thing, we could catch a game at Bank of America Stadium. For a more eclectic experience, Camp North End and Optimist Hall offer a fun mix of art, food, and local flavor. And of course, no visit would be complete without sampling Charlotte’s incredible food scene, local wineries, and craft breweries.

Ultimately, my goal is to make each visit special and unique—so what we do always depends on what my guests are most excited to see and experience while they’re here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate a special shout out to the heart of Cody’s Crew – our incredible volunteers. These are the people who show up with open hearts and smiling faces, generously giving their time to plan, organize, and carry out our events. Whether they’re serving meals, leading a game, or simply offering a kind word, their compassion makes a lasting impact on the men we serve.

Cody’s Crew would not be what it is without the incredible group of volunteers who stand beside me. Their hearts are truly generous, and I’m deeply thankful for each and every one of them. I’m also profoundly grateful to all the friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and supporters who have contributed – whether through our Amazon Wish List or by offering free services, giving their time and energy, or making monetary donations. Their support means the world to us.

I’m especially grateful to member, Chris Colcer, whose guidance and support were instrumental in helping me navigate the process of becoming a nonprofit. Her belief in this mission and in me has meant the world.

Instagram: _codys_crew

Other: Email: [email protected]
Phone: 980-288-8393

Image Credits
Group picture taken by Kristin Cole