Author: epidevelopment

[June 26, 2023] – Project Hope Foundation will join the Center for Developmental Services (CDS) as an on-site partner and ABA therapy provider at its downtown Greenville facility. CDS brings the expertise and value of multiple partners to one location, giving individuals with special needs direct access to many different services under one roof.

With eight campuses across the Upstate, serving clients from 12 counties, Project Hope Foundation is the largest ABA therapy provider in South Carolina. The need for autism services is greater than ever, with the diagnosis rate now 1 in 36. “Project Hope Foundation’s ABA therapy aligns perfectly with the collaborative services that many of our families need,” says CDS Executive Director Dana McConnell. “CDS is proud to add Project Hope to our list of partners, and showcase their brand alongside others in the building, as we continue to serve the thousands of people in our community who have developmental delays and disabilities.”

Located in downtown Greenville since 2000, CDS provides access to as many services as possible in one place to help families of children with developmental challenges from having to drive all over town to receive them. CDS and their partners offer developmental screenings, diagnosis, therapies, audiology, psychology, prosthetics, orthotics, education, bilingual services, legal aid, care planning, case management, and family support.

“Many of our friends on the spectrum receive other therapies in addition to ABA,” says Susan Sachs, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Project Hope Foundation. “Moving into the CDS space will give our therapists the chance to collaborate with other specialists to offer the best, most well-rounded care possible, while also reaching new families in need of autism services.”

Project Hope will move into the CDS building on North Academy Street in July and aims to start offering ABA therapy sometime in August. More information about both organizations is available online: Center for Developmental Services | Project Hope Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Project Hope Foundation: Amanda Harley amanda@pefectpitchprod.com
Center for Developmental Services: Blair Stephenson blair.stephenson@cdservices.org

Greenville, SC (July 2023): The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) announces the promotion of three case managers to supervisor positions: Casandra Johnson, Cleonis Johnson and Shalanda Smith.

“These employees have developed great leadership skills over the years and their promotions are well deserved,” said Cindy Carter, Director of Family Programs. “Each supervisor brings extensive case management experience and long tenure to the field that will strengthen our service coordination to families.”

The new supervisors will transition immediately to help onboard and train new staff as the organization grows to serve more individuals with intellectual disabilities, related disabilities, and head and spinal cord injuries.

About CDS
CDS is the largest multi-disciplinary treatment facility in the Upstate for children with disabilities and developmental delays. In one location, children receive evaluation, diagnosis, therapy, psychology, audiology, day care needs for the medically fragile, early intervention, case management, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Clarity; Project Hope Foundation; Thrive Upstate; and four programs of Prisma Health: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 8,000 children and their families each year on property donated by the First Presbyterian Church at 29 North Academy Street in Greenville, SC. For more information about CDS and its partners, visit www.cdservices.org.

Greenville, SC – FUEL – a Greenville, S.C.-based strategic marketing and branding agency – announced today that it has selected South Carolina Children’s Theatre as the FUEL for Good Grant recipient for 2H 2023. Founded in 1987, SC Children’s Theatre is committed to empowering and inspiring a new generation of changemakers through theatre.

“We are thrilled to partner with FUEL as we seek to bring transformative theatre experiences to every young person and family in the Upstate of South Carolina,” said Katie O’Kelly, managing director of SC Children’s Theatre. “Greenville is fortunate to have companies like FUEL who prioritize the success of local non-profit organizations. This opportunity is pivotal for us to communicate the story of SCCT’s next chapter.”

FUEL created the FUEL for Good Grant program in 2020 as a tangible way to give back to its community and help local nonprofits. To date, FUEL has donated nearly 850 hours of service with work ranging from video production and logo development to social media campaigns and marketing collateral.

“Giving back to the community is an integral part of the FUEL culture, and the arts is a particular area of passion for our team,” said Meredith Kinsey, president and COO of FUEL. “SC Children’s Theatre is more than the exceptional productions they are known for. Outreach, education, and making Greenville a better place are a bigger part of their story, and we can’t wait to help share all of it.”

For more information about the SC Children’s Theatre, please visit scchildrenstheatre.org/. More information about the FUEL for Good Grant program is available at fuelforbrands.com/grant.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Peden Phone: 864-551-2640 Email: KPeden@marchofdimes.org
Drs. John and India Chandler, 2023 March of Dimes Greenville Signature Chefs Auction Co-Chairs
[Greenville, SC, July 3, 2022] March of Dimes is pleased to announce Drs. John and India Chandler as 2023 Greenville Signature Chefs Auction Co-Chairs. The Annual Signature Chefs Auction will take place on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency gathering over 400 guests.
As the March of Dimes premier fundraiser, the Signature Chefs Auction celebrates the culinary excellence of top chefs across the Greenville community. The evening is a dynamic, interactive black-tie atmosphere highlighting 16 chefs tastings, exciting live and silent auctions and a compelling appeal to support the mission of the March of Dimes.
The Chandlers stated, “We are so honored and excited to serve as co-chairs for this year’s 32nd March of Dimes Signature Chef’s Auction. This foundation has impacted us on so many levels, both professionally and personally. As parents of premature twins who spent several weeks in the NICU, we experienced firsthand the immense support and incredible resources made available to us by the March of Dimes. As a pediatric surgeon and neonatologist, we have had the unique opportunity to witness the heart behind this organization and how it impacts our own patients’ lives and their families as well. Our experiences have only fueled our commitment to support the March of Dimes.”
Drs. John and India Chandler will play an integral role in raising awareness and funds to advance the scientific research and educational programs at the core of March of Dimes’ mission work. The Chandler’s leadership will support the March of Dimes market as they work fearlessly to feed the mission of motherhood and reach this year’s goal of $425,000.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on an 85-year successful legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support.

In addition to Presenting sponsor J. Marshall Dye Family Trust, sponsors of note include The Spinx Company, Francis Produce Company, Pepsi of Greenville, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, and Pediatrix.

To give a gift, purchase your table, or sponsor contact Katie Peden, Director of Donor Development, via phone 864-551-2640 or email KPeden@marchofdimes.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2023

(WASHINGTON, DC) More than 4,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution convened this week in the nation’s capital for the 132nd Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the longstanding service organization’s annual meeting. The week-long convention consisted of business sessions, committee meetings, and social functions, and was topped off with formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award winners were honored. In attendance were Regent Loretta Mullé, delegate; Vice Regent Adrienne Hogan, delegate; Recording Secretary Melissa Franklin; Parliamentarian and State Chairman DAR schools Kristi Kingren, delegate; Historian Patti Enter; Librarian and State Vice Chair of Pages Julianna Crawford; Christian Paxton, and Sara Canada, members of the Behethland Butler Chapter located in Greenville, South Carolina.

At the Opening Night Ceremony, Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise and author, was honored with the DAR Patriot Award. The National Defense Night Ceremony, celebrating our nation’s military personnel and veterans, welcomed Lieutenant General Nina Armagno of the United States Space Force. Other national awards were presented during the week to outstanding individuals celebrating excellence in historic preservation, education and patriotism. While at Congress, Behethland Butler Chapter members attended the Units Overseas Luncheon and Bazaar, Celebrating Membership forum, News You Can Use – “Shooting Stars” from the office of Registrar General, Texas Tea, Michigan Welcome Brunch, Heritage Club breakfast, Patriotism Luncheon, and Congress Reception. Crawford served as a page and carried the South Carolina flag on Education Awards Night, and Mullé and Hogan served as South Carolina period room docents.

“As more than 4,000 dedicated DAR members gather in one place, their energy produces inspiration, creative breakthroughs and true camaraderie,” said Pamela Rouse Wright, President General. “We are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the hard work and accomplishments of the past year. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, DAR needs to continue to present itself as the patriotic service organization that we are. Continental Congress offers a way for Daughters to come together and sparkle as they celebrate our country’s unique and rich history at the national level and within their own communities.”

The DAR Continental Congress is a time-honored annual gathering that has been held in Washington, D.C. since the organization’s founding. National, state and chapter leaders as well as other members from across the country and around the world meet at the DAR National Headquarters to report on the year’s work, honor outstanding award recipients, plan future initiatives and reconnect with friends.

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The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

Greenville, SC – June 27, 2023 – Pillar Holistic Living, a leading provider of holistic products and services for body, mind, and soul, is proud to announce the launch of its new Holistic Telehealth service led by renowned Chiropractor and Energy Practitioner, Dr. Jessica Caruso. With a comprehensive approach to healthcare, this cutting-edge service aims to provide personalized holistic care from the comfort of one’s own home.

Dr. Jessica Caruso, a seasoned expert in holistic health with 18 years of experience as a holistic chiropractor and energy healer, brings her expertise and passion for integrative healing to Pillar Holistic Living. Through the Holistic Telehealth service, patients will have the opportunity to engage with Dr. Jessica in an extensive health history discussion, where she will attentively listen to their concerns and health goals.

What sets this service apart is the integration of remote energy healing and/or meditation, which Dr. Jessica will provide during the session if necessary. This holistic approach focuses on addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of individuals, creating a harmonious balance for optimal health and healing.

By embracing telehealth technology, Pillar Holistic Living ensures that geographical limitations no longer hinder individuals from accessing high-quality holistic healthcare. The Holistic Telehealth service allows patients to conveniently connect with Dr. Jessica through secure and user-friendly virtual platforms, enabling them to receive expert guidance and support regardless of their location.

“We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Jessica Caruso’s Holistic Telehealth service at Pillar Holistic Living,” said Brian Caruso, co-owner at Pillar Holistic Living. “Our mission has always been to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, and this innovative service takes that commitment to the next level. We believe that everyone should have access to holistic care that considers their unique needs and supports their journey towards optimal health.”

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Holistic Telehealth service at Pillar Holistic Living, visit our website or contact (864) 451-7009 for further assistance.

Pillar Holistic Living is a leading provider of holistic products and services for body, mind, and soul. Combining advanced chiropractic services with mind-body programs, a vegan & eco-friendly boutique, a plant-based market, and a vegan apothecary to nurture the entire person, as a whole.

Anderson, SC—-The Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) Chorale under the direction of Dr. Don R. Campbell will hold auditions for new members on Wednesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 13, 2023 beginning at 4:00pm. Auditions will be held in the choir room at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1809 North Main Street, Anderson, SC—directly across from Ingles Supermarket. Signs will direct you to the choir room. Singers should come with their voices warmed up. All materials will be provided. Auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call the GAMAC office at (864) 231-6147.
The Chorale will perform three times this year as part of GAMAC’s annual concert season. Performances will include an opening performance titled How the West was Sung as well as GAMAC’s annual Christmas concert featuring favorite carols performed with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. A third performance is scheduled for Spring 2024. Additional activities will include a Messiah Sing-Along, Christmas caroling in downtown Anderson in early December and social gatherings. Rehearsals will be held on Monday nights from August through April.
Renamed the GAMAC Chorale in 1990, the ensemble began in 1970 as the Anderson Civic Chorale. The ensemble continues to be a civic ensemble comprised of talented singers from all areas of the Upstate and neighboring Georgia. The mission of the group is to provide singers and audiences the opportunity to experience quality choral music performances of all genres and styles. Dr. Don R. Campbell was named conductor of the Chorale in 2010.
GAMAC Chorale auditions and membership are open to all talented adult singers regardless of race, religion, gender, or orientation. New members will find a diverse and welcoming community of singers dedicated to great music with a big dash of fun! The GAMAC Chorale is funded in part by generous contributions from individuals and businesses in addition to funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

To support children’s literacy, the Wash, Rinse, and Read team, a community action team of the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative, is opening a family friendly reading corner at LaundryPlus in Greenville. A public launch event to celebrate the project will be held 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, at 677 Howell Road.

During the launch event, families will be able to do three free laundry cycles and children will receive gift bags that include free books.

The “Read, Play, Learn Space” is outfitted with lounge furnishings and 50 new and culturally affirming books, meant to create a welcoming atmosphere where families can relax and learn while spending their time at the laundromat. Because the program’s planners expect and encourage families to take the books home to support continued learning, they have made provisions to replenish the books on a monthly basis.

The Greenville space to be launched on March 14 is the first “Read, Play, Learn” space in South Carolina and was made possible through the collaborative efforts of, Furman University’s Riley Institute, Laundry Cares Foundation along with Too Small to Fail, LaundryPlus, First Steps of Greenville County Michelin, Pelham Medical Center, South Carolina Ports Authority, and Public Education Partners.

In addition to creating a project to directly support children’s literacy in Greenville, one of the Wash, Rinse and Read team’s top priorities was to create a program that could be brought to other communities across the state. To facilitate this possibility, the team also developed a business plan playbook to help others who would like to create similar programs in their neighborhoods.

“The LaundryPlus team is eager and excited to host the “Read, Play, Learn Space” in our laundromat. We’re very lucky to get to know our patrons from the community, and this project is a great step in making each one of them know that they and their families are supported by their neighbors,” said owner Sunitkumar Vashi.

Dan Naumann, Executive Vice President of Laundry Cares Foundation also appreciates the new partnership.

“We are both honored and thrilled to partner with the team from the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative for the first of its kind partnership in South Carolina and in the United States. This innovative collaboration allows us to bring critical early learning materials to children who need them most and to support families throughout the Greenville community. This is a model other communities can easily replicate to help amplify the commitment to driving successful family engagement in communities,” Naumann said.

Riley Institute DLI community action team members for the Wash, Rinse and Read project include Will Angelich (South Carolina Ports Authority), Barbara Chappell (Butler Academy), Julie Lonon (The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina), Chuck Morrow (Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System), Qena Jennings (Public Education Partners), Jennifer Olmert (Upstate Mediation Center), Kate Kaufman (Michelin), and John Thomas (Self Regional Healthcare).

Laundry Cares is a nonprofit whose mission is to enrich communities around the country through programming that addresses the unmet needs of laundry customers.

The Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative is an award-winning program that equips leaders from all sectors of South Carolina society with tools and perspectives to leverage diversity to improve organizational outcomes and drive social and economic progress in the state.

Liberty Fellowship is accepting new nominations for its 17th Class of Fellows. The online nomination form is available at libertyfellowshipsc.org/nominate through July 1.

“We are excited to kick off the selection process for the Class of 2025,” said Ann Marie Stieritz, president and CEO of Liberty Fellowship. “We look forward to receiving nominations from across South Carolina and welcoming this next cohort to our dynamic network of leaders.”

NOMINATION CRITERIA

Though leaders cannot self-nominate, nominations can come from anyone who knows the individual well. Nominees must:
1. Be a South Carolina resident.
2. Be between the ages of 30 and 47.
3. Be Intellectually curious and open to ideas.
4. Be an accomplished leader with a history of significant community engagement.
5. Be at an “inflection point,” willing to reflect deeply on their leadership role in society.
6. Be willing to challenge existing normative behaviors with actionable ideas to create positive change.
7. Have a breadth of experience and level of maturity that will enable them to contribute effectively to the seminar experience by listening to and learning from their peers.
Liberty Fellowship expects and encourages Fellows to challenge one another’s ideas respectfully in conjunction with its commitment toward engaging a multitude of perspectives. However, the Fellowship will not accept nominees who express hate or intolerance toward others based on their particular ideas or identities.

For more information about the nomination and selection process, visit libertyfellowshipsc.org/nominate.

INITIAL REQUIREMENTS

If selected for a Liberty Fellowship Class, the nominee must complete two requirements to become a Fellow: a series of five seminars and an individual impact venture.

The seminar series includes five, multi-day seminars over 18 months with a Class of 18 to 21 individuals. Four of the seminars are in South Carolina, and one seminar is in the United States or abroad. Participants explore readings by some of the world’s greatest thinkers — from classical Greeks to modern business leaders. Moderators certified by the Aspen Institute facilitate each seminar toward confidential, candid, and animated discourse. They reflect on decisions, values, and hopes. They explore one another’s perspectives and worldviews, and they emerge with strengthened personal and professional leadership.
The individual impact venture is identified during the 18-month seminar series and is underway by the completion of the last seminar. Each individual begins the venture with support from the Fellowship network and Mentors.

ONGOING COMMITMENT

Upon successful completion of the two requirements, Liberty Fellows join the statewide network of 330 leaders working individually and collectively to confront some of the most difficult challenges in South Carolina. Liberty Fellows also become members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network – a community of 3,000 entrepreneurial leaders in 60 countries from business, government, and the nonprofit sector.
“The initial 18-month experience is just the beginning,” said Stieritz. “Liberty Fellowship and the Aspen Global Leadership Network provide ongoing opportunities for Fellows to connect, engage, and work together.”

ABOUT LIBERTY FELLOWSHIP

Liberty Fellowship is the only statewide program and network of its kind in the United States. The Fellowship activates individual leaders through a deeper understanding of a just, free and equitable society; serves as a convener for bringing together diverse perspectives to advance civil discourse; and provides infrastructure for taking action. Liberty Fellowship is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian, nondogmatic organization which operates independently of the views and positions of its funders. Learn more at libertyfellowshipsc.org.

YMCA of Greenville announces 2023 Annual Campaign goal, continuing its impact in the community

GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 6, 2023) – YMCA of Greenville today announced its 2023 Annual Campaign goal of $1.33 million to help improve the lives of thousands of people across Greenville County through financial assistance for programs and services, creating a lasting impact in the Y’s focus areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The funds raised stay within the YMCA of Greenville Association so that anyone who wants to participate in the Y’s programs and services is able to, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes providing children, adults, and families scholarships for wellness memberships, youth sports programs, swim lessons, the SC Youth in Government program, afterschool care and summer day camps, as well as funding the Y’s food delivery programs for those experiencing food insecurity across Greenville County.

Over the past 13 years, the YMCA of Greenville has raised more than $12 million for the annual campaign, putting those funds back into helping people thrive.

“The true success of what we raise will be seeing the effect on the health of our community and how it will positively change the lives of so many of our neighbors,” says Melanie Sudduth, YMCA of Greenville’s Annual Campaign chair. “We look forward to seeing the impact we can make this year.”

“This year’s annual campaign theme is ‘This is Y,’” says Diana Watson, chief philanthropy officer, YMCA of Greenville. “The YMCA of Greenville’s cause is to strengthen our community, to reach more people, and to help all of our neighbors flourish. Helping children and adults reach their potential is at the heart of what we do, and every year I am so grateful for the dedication that our staff, volunteers, and donors show to this campaign. Together, we are able to provide life-changing programs to our community.”

To give to the YMCA of Greenville’s Annual Campaign and learn more about the programs it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/give or text GIVING to 71777.

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About the YMCA of Greenville, SC

The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include afterschool care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community Center, the YMCA Program Center and Hollingsworth Outdoor Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs.

For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.