Category: Press Release

GREENVILE, SC — Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County honored the people who go above and beyond when it comes to creating affordable homeownership opportunities in our community.

The Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast is an annual event where Habitat celebrates volunteers who have supported the organization in the previous year. In 2025, 1,802 volunteers provides 16,192 hours of time to help build and repairs homes.

The Lifetime Achievement award is presented to volunteers who have given decades of service to Habitat Greenville. and who have had an outsized impact on both staff and our organization as a whole. The 2025 winners were Bob Armbruster, Jim Stradling, Ed Hogan and Keith Goodall.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual or to two individuals who have lent us their time, energy, and talents. Most importantly, their hearts and spirit of volunteerism have been an inspiration over the past year(s). This is a devoted volunteer whose contributions to Habitat will have a lasting impact on our mission. Winners for 2025 were Al Weirmeir and Ed Sarkisian.

The Battered Hammer Award is presented to an individual who represents the great determination and dedication essential to build homes for families in need. This volunteer exemplifies traits found in both the Volunteer of the Year recipient(s) and the recipient(s) of the Spirit Award. The winner for 2025 was John Hipp.

The Strong Foundation Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to volunteer and give their time and talents to help Habitat Greenville build its foundation and internal organization in order to better serve families in Greenville. The winner was Arcisan Design.

Other honorees included:

Home Preservation Champion – Juan Vazquez
ReStore Hero- Grady Miller
Rookie of the Year- Ed and Mary Meinelt
Family Ambassador – Swamp Rabbit Moving

Greenville, S.C. – Trehel is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Nalley to a project superintendent role.

Nalley joined Trehel in 2022 as an Assistant Superintendent. Since then, he has steadily grown in his role, contributing to the successful completion of several commercial construction projects. His willingness to learn, strong work ethic, and steady leadership have earned the respect of his team and clients alike.
As Project Superintendent, Nalley will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations on job sites, helping ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the quality standards Trehel is known for.
“We’re grateful to have Matt on our team and proud to see him take this next step,” said Keith Poole, President and Chief Operating Officer of Trehel. “He approaches his work with humility and dedication, and he comes from a family with a strong tradition in building. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow and contribute to the success of our projects and the people we serve.”

To learn more about Trehel, please visit https://trehel.com/.

About Trehel
Trehel guides its clients through the entire building process, saving them money, time and frustration. They explore multiple construction possibilities with the project team and help their clients select the best solutions. Trehel’s involvement extends beyond a pricing service; they actively explore building methods and options as a collaborative team approach that will add value and lead to a successful building experience. In addition, Trehel is committed to regional public service and community involvement, a tradition that spans more than four decades.
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Design Elite Architecture has been honored with three 2025 American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) in the Custom Home category. The awards were presented by the American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD) at their annual conference in Asheville, North Carolina, recognizing the nation’s most creative and innovative residential designers, builders, remodelers, architects, land developers, and interior designers.
Each winning project reflects Design Elite’s commitment to excellence in design, technical precision, and collaboration with skilled builders:
• Sweet Fern – Perched high atop the Cliffs at Mountain Park, this dramatic mountain modern residence enjoys sweeping views and bold architectural forms. Built by Evergreen Construction, Sweet Fern marries modern lines with natural materials to create a striking connection to its mountain setting.
• Northpoint – A striking modern home on the shores of Lake Keowee, features steel and glass construction that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Built by Total Quality Construction, the home’s design is a study in transparency, precision, and light.
• Waterfern – Designed for a challenging lot in the Cliffs at Keowee Springs, Waterfern is a refined transitional residence, currently under construction by Ridgeline Construction, that blends timeless architecture with contemporary details.
“These three projects represent the diversity of our work—from mountain modern to lakeside contemporary to transitional elegance—while sharing a common thread of thoughtful design, collaboration, and craftsmanship,” said Brandon Smith of Design Elite.
Founded in 1991, Design Elite Architecture has designed thousands of homes in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. The firm specializes in high-end residential new construction and renovations, blending creativity, technical expertise, and and an unwavering commitment to client vision.

Gateway invites the public to its signature fundraising event, Beautiful Music for Beautiful Minds, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville. The evening will feature live music, dancing, food, drinks, a silent auction, and more, all in support of life-changing mental health care in the Upstate.
The announcement comes during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting Gateway’s commitment to providing equitable, high-quality support for individuals living with serious mental illness. Now in its 41st year, Gateway remains a vital community for healing, hope, and long-term recovery.
Gateway is actively addressing mental health disparities in our region. Approximately 40 percent of Gateway’s members identify as minorities, and unlike many programs that can cost thousands of dollars a month, Gateway does not charge admission fees. Medicaid funding supports members who qualify, while community donations bridge the gap, ensuring access for all who need it.
These community donations are particularly crucial given that only 25 percent of Black adults seek mental health care when needed, compared to 40 percent of white adults, according to McLean Hospital. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to access or receive quality mental health care, often relying on emergency services over long-term support.
Gateway’s unique Clubhouse Model focuses on belonging, purpose, and empowerment. Accredited by both Clubhouse International and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Gateway promotes community-based recovery, enabling individuals to build skills, regain independence, and form lasting relationships.
The September fundraising event will help Gateway continue reaching the broader community and expanding access to these vital services.
Tickets and event information are available at gateway-sc.org/support-gateway/2025event

GREENWOOD, S.C. – One of the region’s leading home repair firms is now offering Design-Build Renovation services.

Design-build renovations are a project delivery method where a single entity is responsible for both the design and construction aspects of a renovation project. This contrasts with the traditional method, where the owner hires separate design and construction teams.

Some of the key aspects of the way Charles & Associates will be handling Design-Build Renovations will include:

Bathroom Renovations
Kitchen Renovations
Decks, outdoor living areas
Whole House Remodels
Room Additions
Charles & Associates is a full-service home repair and remodeling company operating in Greenwood, Greenville and the Lakelands regions. Services include general handyman, maintenance, carpentry, decks, plumbing, drywall, electrical, complete renovations, tub repair and refinishing. With more than 32 years of trusted service that is licensed, bonded and insured, Charles & Associates repairs are guaranteed. It was recently named to the 2025 Best of South Carolina list under the Construction & Remodeling Contractors
category.

“At Charles & Associates, we always are looking for ways to innovate and provide a better service,” said Chad Charles, President of Charles & Associates. “This is the next logical step for us as we grow.”

About Charles & Associates:

Charles & Associates remains at the forefront of the industry, embracing the latest trends, technologies, and energy-efficient practices to deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations. Learn more at www.carepairremodel.com.

Greenville, S.C. (July 29, 2025): Join golfers from across the Southeast for a day of fun, games, and friendly competition—while supporting a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Center for Developmental Services (CDS), continuing the legacy of Ned Marshall, a dedicated AC Controls employee for 30 years who loved helping children.

Presented by AC Controls | Friday, October 17, 2025
Venue: The Preserve at Verdae Golf Course, Greenville, SC

Highlights & Impact:
• Last year, the tournament raised over $17,000.
• Cumulative charitable support now exceeds $125,000, all to benefit children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Register & Sponsor:
• 4 person teams: $500
• Individual registration: $125
• Contact Marybeth Dew at Marybeth.Dew@accontrols.com or (704) 545 4500 for team registration and sponsorship information.
• Visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/nedmarshalltournament/1606607 to sign up online.

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 services in therapy, diagnosis, audiology, day care needs for the medically fragile, early intervention, case management, and a family support network. The partnership is comprised of Project Hope Foundation; KidVentures of Thrive Upstate; and four programs of Prisma Health – Upstate: Audiology, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Kidnetics, The Wonder Center, and Prosthetics and Orthotics. CDS and its partners serve over 8,500 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 – Jasmine Road has received $3,300 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help nourish neighbors experiencing hunger. The “Nourishing Our Neighbors” grant supports community feeding partners as they tackle food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles through nutritional education initiatives.

Since 2018, Jasmine Road has served more than 69 survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and substance use disorder. Offering a two year residential program at no cost, they aim to support women as they break cycles of generational poverty and trauma.

“Support from partners like Food Lion Feeds makes our work at Jasmine Road possible,” said Lisa O’Connell-Hall, CEO of Jasmine Road. “With Food Lion’s generosity, we’re able to provide survivors with the nourishment they need. Ensuring food security is a vital step in the healing journey—one that helps women rebuild their lives and thrive.”

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $23 million in grants.