$65,000 awarded to 16 nonprofits improving quality of life in Berkeley County
CHARLESTON, S.C. – April 20, 2016 – The Giving Back to Berkeley County Fund of Coastal Community Foundation has awarded $65,000 to 16 nonprofits improving quality of life in Berkeley County. This year’s funded projects will support a variety of nonprofit programs addressing areas such as free health care, adult literacy, child hunger, therapy for children with autism and more.
One of this year’s grantees – Dorchester Children’s Center – will use their grant to help fund Clinical Services for Berkeley County clients. According to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, “Children who are abused and neglected are also at higher risk for failing school, becoming juvenile offenders and continuing the cycle of abuse with their own children.” Dorchester Children’s Center provides medical and counseling services to children who have witnessed or experienced abuse, or have a close family member which abuse has affected. Services include forensic interviews, non-intrusive medical examinations and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which help children and families overcome the weight of these experiences. Staff also provides sensitivity training to law enforcement officers and therapy for registered offenders.
The Salvation Army will utilize their grant to strengthen their Moncks Corner Emergency Assistance Program, which provides emergency assistance to help families and individuals survive crisis situations with dignity. When residents are in need, these funds can be provided for them within five days of a request – this program has emergency impact value. With a center located in Moncks Corner, Committee Chair Terry Stinson confirmed, “100 percent of what The Salvation Army’s Moncks Corner Service Unit does goes back to helping families in Berkeley County. Financial assistance ranges from helping residents obtain food to utility assistance.” Services include an on-site food pantry, benefit screenings, funding for utility and electric bills, and grants for medicines and prescription drugs. To learn more about The Salvation Army and their service to Berkeley County or for emergency assistance please call (843) 761-8626.
Sumpter Free Health Clinic is a program in St. Stephen offered to local residents who do not have health insurance. The clinic has 1,800 active patients and on average serves 40-45 residents per week free of charge. Their funding will to go towards a stipend for their Medical Director. According to South Carolina State Law, to operate a free clinic, a South Carolina licensed doctor is required to oversee the clinic’s volunteer doctors and nurses. This license must be renewed on a yearly basis, and funding will contribute to payment for this medical license.
The Giving Back to Berkeley County Fund was established in 2008 as an endowed fund to serve Berkeley County by supporting a network of local nonprofits. A grants committee of local community members selected annually work together to read applications, conduct site visits and recommend grants from the fund. Proceeds from Santee Cooper’s Celebrate the Season support this fund every year. Started by an anonymous donor, the fund has distributed $334,000 since its founding.
2016 Organizations & Projects Funded
Berkeley County Rescue Squad – Equipment
Charleston Orphan House (CYDC) – Callen-Lacey Center for Children
Clap Your Hands – General Operating Support
Communities in Schools of Charleston – CIS in Berkeley County Schools
Dorchester Children’s Center Supported by Children in Crisis, Inc. – Clinical Services
Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County – Family Services (Homeownership & Finance training)
Helping and Lending Outreach Support (HALOS) – Critical Goods
Helping Hands of Goose Creek – Feeding Berkeley County
Lowcountry Food Bank – Child Hunger Relief: Boulder Bluff & Sedgefield Middle School
Moncks Corner Baptist Church – Project S.O.U.P.
Operation Home – Critical Home Repairs
Roscoe Reading Program – General Operating Support
St. Luke’s Evangelical Church (The ARK) – Alzheimer’s Respite Care
Sumpter Free Health Clinic – Medical License Renewal
The Salvation Army – Moncks Corner Emergency Assistance
Trident Literacy Association – Adult Literacy Instruction
About Coastal Community Foundation: Coastal Community Foundation empowers individuals, families and organizations to make a lasting impact through permanent, endowed funds for charitable giving. The Foundation serves Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper counties. To learn more, go to www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org or call (843) 723-3635.
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