In keeping with our history of civic engagement and community convening, Coastal Community Foundation has been hard at work building a community-authored vision for the four-county region of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties, and now we’re excited to share a draft of that vision with residents and other stakeholders. This vision is the result of countless hours spent listening to the voices of our community through dozens of interviews, more than 20 listening sessions, an online survey, and extensive research. We firmly believe that the future of our region should be shaped by those who live and work here, and your input is crucial in bringing this vision to reality.
We are hosting six town halls across the region where you can review the draft, share your thoughts, and help us refine our vision for the next 25 years. Whether you have been a part of this process from the beginning, or are just learning about it now, your feedback is invaluable.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of something that will impact the future of the Southern Lowcountry for years to come. Together, we can ensure that our community’s vision reflects the needs, desires, and hopes of all who call this region home.
Below is detailed information for each town hall and links to register to attend a session. More information related to Guest Speakers for each Town Hall will be announced soon.
Walterboro Town Hall
When: Monday, October 7 from 6-7 p.m.
Where: Colleton County Library, 600 Hampton St, Walterboro, SC 29488
Speakers:
Dr. April Cone
Dean, University of South Carolina, Salkehatchie
Mr. David Smalls
President, South Carolina Artisans Center
Ms. Kellye Whitaker
Entrepreneur and Assistant Director for South Carolina, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC System
Ridgeland Town Hall
When: Tuesday, October 8 from 9-10 a.m.
Where: Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Speakers:
Dr. Lydia Brantley Sterling
Pastor, Antioch Educational Organization; Incoming Director, Family in Transition (FIT); Owner/Operator, Lydia Child’s Daycare
Ms. Tamara Herring
Executive Director, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage; Board Member, United Way of the Lowcountry; Board Member, Bee Creek Pines Homeowners Association
Mr. Maurice J. Lawyer
Executive Director, The Legacy Foundation of SC
Hardeeville Town Hall
When: Tuesday, October 8 from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Hardeeville Recreation Center, 285 John Smith Road, Hardeeville, SC 29927\
Speakers:
Mr. Michael Czymbor
City Manager, Hardeeville
Mr. Harry Williams
Mayor, Hardeeville
Dr. Ponchitta Young
Executive Director, Agape Family Life Center
Dr. Deloris Young
CEO, Agape Family Life Center
Beaufort Town Hall
When: Monday, October 14 from 6-7 p.m.
Where: CCF Office, Third Floor Conference Room, 2015 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Speakers:
Mr. Russell Baxley
President and CEO, Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Ms. Megan Morris
CEO, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Faith Polkey
CEO and Pediatrician, Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.
Dr. Frank Rodriguez
Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools
Hampton Town Hall
When: Wednesday, October 30 from 6-7 p.m.
Where: Stanley Arts Center, 105 Lee Ave, Hampton, SC 29924
Speakers:
Monisha “Mo” Brown
Student Success Manager, Beaufort, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
Angel Connell
Scholarship and Program Manager, Allendale County, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina
Laurie Schwartz
Board Member, Beaufort-Jasper YMCA
Bluffton Town Hall
When: Thursday, October 31 from 9-10 a.m.
Where: Palmetto Electric Co-Op, New River Community Room, 1 Cooperative Way, Hardeeville, SC 29927
Speakers:
Mr. Mike Bostwick
Executive Director, Beaufort-Jasper YMCA
Mr. Pedro De Armas
Owner/Publisher/Editor, El Informador Spanish Language Newspaper
Mr. Dale Douthat
President and CEO, United Way of the Lowcountry
Mr. Claude Hicks
Executive Director, Beaufort-Jasper Housing Trust
Ms. Bridgette Frazier
Councilwoman, Bluffton Town Council; Founder, Bluffton Gullah Cultural Heritage Center; Co-Founder of BlacQuity; Board Chair, Bluffton MLK Observance Committee
Ms. Jody Levitt
Executive Director, The Children’s Center
Ms. Mandy Parsons
President and CEO, Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry
