Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

August is Black Philanthropy Month. Swipe through for a closer look into its history, ways to support, and why giving is important!

Ericka Wooten, our Director of Culture and Values, wrote a blog exploring the power, history, and call to action that Black Philanthropy can teach us.

Find the blog here: sistersofcharitysc.com/whatblackphilanthopycanteachus

🎉 Exciting news! We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Melinda Merrell as our new Senior Director of Grantmaking! With an extensive background in public health and grantmaking, Melinda will lead our grant programs and help drive our mission forward.

Most recently, Dr. Merrell served as Clinical Assistant Professor and MHA Program Director at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. Before her role at USC, she served as Senior Program Director for the South Carolina Office of Rural Health. Fun fact: Dr. Merrell was a lead author of the Foundation's 2020 Poverty Study! 🙌

Join us in welcoming Melinda to the team! 🥳 Learn more about Dr. Merrell at sistersofcharitysc.com/new-senior-director-of-grantmaking!

On this day in 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified into the U.S. Constitution, allowing women the right to vote! Here's to 104 years of progress and the need to continue the work to ensure all voices are heard.

Did you know? 🤔Our 2020 Poverty Study revealed that 27% of South Carolinians have medical debt in collections, ranking second in the nation.

We're on a mission to reduce poverty across our state, from providing assistance for immediate needs to elevating those who work to break the cycle of poverty and advocate for systemic changes.

As a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, our Foundation was formed with the intent to serve people experiencing poverty in South Carolina.

For over 25 years, the Foundation has honored this intention by awarding over $81 million in grant funding to over 3,100 organizations in South Carolina to date.

Want to learn more about our history? Check it all out at sistersofcharitysc.com/about.

Don't forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter! We always look forward to sharing the latest updates with you. Sign up anytime on our website at sistersofcharitysc.com!

Grantee Spotlight ✨ The Village Group equips youth with the tools to build a sustainable community. With harmony, habitat, health, and history at the forefront, The Village Group provides a nurturing environment for children while also working to increase the number of students who graduate from high school.

Thanks to The Village Group for your work to create a better tomorrow for kids!

It is with immense gratitude that we announce the departure of Chynna Phillips from the Sisters of Charity of South Carolina team at the end of July. As Senior Director of Policy and Research, Chynna has helped the Foundation achieve many significant milestones under her exceptional leadership.

From managing strategic relationships and completing the 2020 SC Poverty study, to forging meaningful connections across our state and guiding the Foundation in developing a robust research cadence, Chynna has left an indelible mark on the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. On her next chapter, Chynna says, "My time at the Foundation is one that I will forever hold dear. I am eternally grateful for the lessons learned, friendships made, and community partnerships fostered as a result of my time at the Foundation.”

"Our Foundation and our state have been profoundly blessed by Chynna's many gifts and talents," remarked Donna Waites, President. We're going to miss Chynna greatly, but we can't wait to see what the future holds in this next chapter of her professional career. Please join us in congratulating Chynna!

From everyone at the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, we are wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July with those you love!

Join us in celebrating "The Joy of Fatherhood" with our family ministry, South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. Thank you for supporting and celebrating dads and families, SCCFFF!

The SC Center for Fathers and Families getting statewide recognition for helping fathers COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) --- The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, received a number of proclamations this month, including one from Governor Henry McM

Have you been reading along with us? Check out a few of highlights from our first team session. Our discussion centered narratives about poverty, contributing factors to the persistence of poverty, and the intersectionality and complexity of the issue.

Want to read along or start your own conversations? Find a template book read guide here: https://bit.ly/4aFcTqV

*Update with link to watch segment*

📺Tune in and watch Richland Library featured on the CBS Evening News segment Eye on America.

The CBS Network is available locally but varies depending on your location, service provider and package. Please check your local listings for specific channel details.

Watch the segment here: https://youtu.be/LSO_GQOUKnk?si=flRFd6TkZQVf # #

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is proud to celebrate Juneteenth.

South Carolina June Primaries are tomorrow, Tuesday, June 11th. Find your polling place and other important information for casting your vote at https://scvotes.gov/!

With the early voting period for the June Primaries winding down, the S.C. State Election Commission (SEC) wants to highlight essential reminders for voting on Election Day, Tuesday, June 11. “We want all voters to be prepared for the polls and have a smooth Election Day,” said Howie Knapp, Executive Director of the SEC, “Don’t miss this opportunity for your voice to be heard.”

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4e4O0rr

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Con el período de votación temprana para las Primarias de junio llegando a su fin, la Comisión Electoral Estatal (SEC) de Carolina del Sur quiere resaltar recordatorios esenciales para votar el Día de las Elecciones, el Martes 11 de junio. “Queremos que todos los votantes estén preparados para las urnas y tengan un día de elecciones tranquilo", dijo Howie Knapp, Director Ejecutivo de la SEC, "No pierda esta oportunidad de que su voz sea escuchada".

Más información: https://bit.ly/4e4O0rr

Join Hispanic Alliance-Alianza Hispana and partners next week to discuss culturally competent healthcare in Greenville County. Register by May 31st!

What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate tremendous work happening across our state at The Riley Institute at Furman's Building OneSC Forum this week. Turn90 provides opportunities for success for men after incarceration and has been honored with the 2024 Partners in Progress Award. Congratulations Turn90 family! 💙 💚

We are excited to announce our 2024 Cycle 1 Grantee Partners! President Donna Waites shares, "These organizations are seeking innovative solutions to challenging problems throughout our communities, and we are proud to work alongside them in building a thriving South Carolina."

See full list of grantee partners: https://bit.ly/3UX1Ggm

Deadlines to register to vote are in a few days! Check your registration status or register to vote so you can cast your ballot in the June primaries. See more information from the South Carolina Votes (South Carolina Election Commission):

The State Election Commission (SEC) is reminding voters to make sure they are registered to vote in the upcoming Statewide Primaries on Tuesday, June 11. “Don’t miss out on having your voice heard at the ballot box,” said Howie Knapp, Executive Director of the SEC, “We urge all voters to check their information now to be sure that it is up to date before the deadline.”

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3y6o121

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La Comisión Electoral Estatal (SEC) recuerda a los votantes que se aseguren de estar registrados para votar en las próximas Primarias Estatales el Martes 11 de Junio. "No se pierda la oportunidad de que se escuche su voz en las urnas", dijo Howie Knapp. Director Ejecutivo de la SEC: "Urgimos a todos los votantes a verificar su información ahora para asegurarse de que esté actualizada antes de la fecha límite".

Más información: https://bit.ly/3y6o121

60 years of service! We are incredibly proud of our Board Member and Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Sister Judith Ann Karam, for her commitment to community. Fellow Sister of Charity of St. Augustine sister, Sister Cheryl Keehner, is also celebrating six decades of service!

Thank you, Sisters, for your dedication to spreading the love of Christ and reminding us all to serve each other and our communities.

We are excited for this positive next step in making menstrual health products more accessible by exempting them from sales tax! Thank you to the legislators who are supporting this work and to some of our wonderful grantee partners, The Homeless Period Project and Women's Rights and Empowerment Network - WREN, for your expertise and continued advocacy!

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is seeking applicants for our Senior Director of Grantmaking role. This individual will lead the Foundation’s grant programs and execute a grantmaking strategy that effectively addresses the Foundation’s mission and core focus.

Learn more about this position: https://jobapply.page.link/r1FqF

One week from today, join fellow advocates at the state house to raise the voices of nonprofit organizations and the communities we serve! Legislative visits, Governor's Volunteer awards, and a legislative reception will take place throughout the day.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3xG3MrQ

More opportunities for advocacy! Happening tomorrow at the statehouse and online!

Join fellow advocates for Energy Justice Advocacy Day at the statehouse. Happening tomorrow, Tuesday April 16th!

On Tuesday, April 16, the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition will hold its first ever Energy Justice Advocacy Day on the front side of the South Carolina State House steps. By attending, you can help raise awareness about energy justice issues and advocate for equitable and sustainable energy policies, especially in marginalized communities.

Register for this event here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOC5X5sD8kl-NyQ042Sda6Lg8-uD2QTNlr0lGJSoJWvmm3zA/viewform

Today marks the beginning of Columbia's Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17, declared by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. This week centers education and advocacy for black and brown families to impact positive maternal health outcomes. Thank you to the Black Maternal Health Collective and other leaders and experts who are stewarding this important work. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WdH8BB

We are especially proud to celebrate and honor Dr. Kari-Claudia Allen Harrington, our Mission and Values Board Committee member, for her leadership and work in Black maternal health and in service to families across our state. Listen in to hear her share more: https://youtu.be/F_YLR_qdCyE?si=l8pxyFmQvZ2lVqha&t=715

Black Maternal Health Week Press Conference The City of Columbia is hosted a press conference to kick-off the City’s first Black Maternal Health Week. Columbia’s Black Maternal Health Week, based on th...

Our Systems Change Journey blog series continues with a guest writer, Tecoria Jones. Tecoria shares the importance of elevating lived insight and expertise in developing community-driven solutions. Read the full blog here: https://bit.ly/4cOAxmU

Recently, President Donna Waites had the opportunity to meet with our The Naomi Project over in Florence! The Naomi Project works to change the lives of families experiencing domestic abuse, after making the choice not to return to their abusers. This organization was uniquely established in 2006 as a year-long transitional facility to address the devastation of domestic abuse that contributes to the deterioration of the social fabric in families living in the P*e Dee Area of South Carolina. Thank you for all that you to do to serve and strengthen families!

The Naomi Project will be hosting their 10th Annual Fundraiser on April 20th at 3 PM as a dinner-theater style event! See here for more information and to purchase tickets: https://www.naomiproject.com/tnp-play

Check out this upcoming opportunity to learn more about encouraging voter participation! The session will be led by Katy Smith at Greater Good Greenville.

Learn more and register here: https://www.togethersc.org/events/turning-out-voters-greenville-nonprofits-strategy

We invite you read along with our staff, Board, and Board committee members as we delve into "Poverty, By America" by Matthew Desmond. As we have these discussions as a team throughout the year, we will share some of the questions and insights that resonate with us as we center ourselves in our mission to reduce poverty in South Carolina. We hope you will learn with us as we all work collectively toward creating a state where all individuals have the resources to thrive.

Find the full Community Book Read Guide here: https://bit.ly/4aFcTqV