Greenville, SC—10/16/24—The Urban League of the Upstate is honored to receive a $25,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Greenville. This contribution will aid the nonprofit’s daily operations and support ongoing fundraising efforts for the McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life.
The Urban League of the Upstate is committed to advancing equity and creating opportunities for underserved communities, and this gift will directly strengthen that mission. “We are incredibly grateful to The Community Foundation of Greenville for their ongoing support of our mission,” said Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, President and CEO of Urban League of the Upstate. “This gift helps us continue the work we do every day while also moving forward with the development of the McClaren Institute.”
The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life provides wellness programs, education, and outreach to Black and underserved communities in the 10-county region of the Upstate. While programs are underway, funds are still needed to complete the transformation of the Institute’s physical headquarters in downtown Greenville’s historic McClaren Medical Clinic. Half of the Community Foundation’s gift will advance this project.
The historical medical clinic is being transformed into a two-story facility:
The Upper Floor will be a hub for the Urban League and its partners to address Upstate health disparities by offering on-site programming and serving as a resource center for regional initiatives. It will maintain its original “patient rooms” design but provide multiple functions.
Four spaces will be activated for specific health and wellness-related services, bolstered by a reception/waiting area and the ULUS office. (Plans entail a medical Simulation Lab, Examination Room, Advocacy/Meeting Room, and an Office or Consult Room.)
The Lower Floor will include a multimedia Cultural and Historical Literacy Center displaying the historic contributions of Black citizens to the Upstate’s growth and development. This interactive center will contain multiple exhibits intended to educate, inspire, and motivate aspiring leaders to improve their community.
Roughly $1 million is still needed to complete the project’s physical renovations, and naming opportunities for key spaces are available. To make a gift or learn more, visit the McClaren Institute campaign website.
About The Urban League of the Upstate
The mission of the ULUS is to advance equity by empowering the Black community and underserved individuals throughout the region. The National Urban League is laser-focused on Health Equity as a key initiative, supporting local efforts through funding, advocacy, and programming. To learn more, visit urbanleagueupstate.org.