Category: Press Release

The Insurance Source has added Clara Padua Cruz as a First Impressions Specialist.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Limestone University where she was a three time-Academic All-American in wrestling, Padua Cruz will serve as the first contact for people seeking the best in healthcare coverage in the region.

“Clara brings an amazing set of skills to our team,” said Guy Furay, owner of The Insurance Source. “We know she will be a fantastic asset.”

About The Insurance Source:
The Insurance Source is an independent brokerage specializing in health, life, disability and dental insurance. The Insurance Source is located in Greer, South Carolina and has a simple and straightforward mission statement: “we make health insurance easier.®” Learn more at www.insure-u.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – LaTonya Phillips, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville’s President, will spend this Fall learning skills to make the community stronger in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) from Furman University’s Riley Institute.

In this award-winning program, class members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by existing graduates of the program, known as Riley Fellows. They are accepted based on a variety of factors, including their interest in and commitment to the program and their capacity to create impact within their organizations and communities. Each class is crafted to reflect South Carolina’s demographic makeup.

Phillips will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses, and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. Working alongside classmates, Phillips will also develop a capstone project that raises awareness of a community need.

DLI classes are facilitated by expert Juan Johnson, an independent consultant who was The Coca-Cola Company’s first-ever vice president for diversity strategy.

Once participants of this class graduate in December and become Riley Fellows, they join a powerful cross-sector network of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.

Phillips became Habitat Greenville’s President over the summer, with the aim of being the CEO and President starting this January. Before Habitat, she was Global Leader of the DEI Gender Employee Resource Task Group and was the Healthcare IT Customer Trainer at AGFA Healthcare.

In the community, she currently serves on the boards of Gratefull Greenville and Greenville Women Giving. She has also served with United Ministries, Girlfriends Inc., and Jack and Jill.

She holds a Master’s in Human Resource Development from Clemson University, a Bachelor’s in Occupational Training and Development from the University of Louisville, and an Associate’s in Healthcare from the University of Louisville.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of April 2024, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 410 homes. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA – Bank of America selected eight Student Leaders® (#BofAStudentLeaders) for an eight-week paid summer internship connecting students to employment, skills development, and service. These community-minded students gained practical work and leadership experience and received financial education coaching from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits curriculum, while working with local nonprofits and earning competitive wages.

The Student Leaders program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, the program expanded to South Carolina five years ago and has included eight local students for summer internships since 2019. Beginning in 2004, Student Leaders has engaged more than 4,500 students nationally and invested $42 million in more than 500 local nonprofits as a critical part of the bank’s long-standing effort to build pathways to economic mobility across nearly 100 markets.

The 2024 class of South Carolina Bank of America Student Leaders:
• Michael Jones (Charleston) – CCDS Early College High school; interned at Charleston Promise Neighborhood.
• Rayshell Lessington (Charleston) – James Island Charter High School; interned at International African American Museum.
• Colby Wei-li Braden (Columbia) – Chapin High School; interned at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands.
• Adedolapo Famuyide (Columbia) – Richland Northeast High School; interned at United Way of the Midlands.
• Helina Brown (Myrtle Beach) – Carolina Forest High; interned at YMCA of Coastal Carolina.
• Kamryn Johnson (Myrtle Beach) – HCS Early College High School; interned at YMCA of Coastal Carolina.
• David Chavez (Upstate/Greenville) – Greenville Technical Charter High School; interned at The Hispanic Alliance.
• Marissa Chandler (Upstate/Spartanburg) – James F. Byrnes High School; interned at Hub City Farmers Market.

“Bank of America remains committed to creating pathways to success for young adults by connecting them with employment, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities,” said Stacy Brandon, president, Bank of America Upstate South Carolina. “Programs like Student Leaders offer meaningful work experience to prepare students for higher education and future careers.”

The students also traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week-long, all expenses paid, national leadership summit to learn how nonprofits, governments and businesses collaborate to meet local needs. For some, this was their first air travel trip, several students also described the opportunity as “the best trip of [their] lives,” and all the students enjoyed meeting the nearly 300 Student Leaders from across the nation.

In addition to Student Leaders, Bank of America is partnering with other South Carolina academic institutions to support pathways to sustainable careers, including the SC Technical College System among many others statewide.

In celebration of Carolina Handling’s 58 years in business in 2024, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based intralogistics company has awarded 58 motorized pallet jacks to hunger relief organizations throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama.

Carolina Handling launched its 58 for 58 pallet jack giveaway on May 1 with a new fiscal year philanthropic focus called “Handling Hunger Together.” Equipment was awarded to qualifying organizations on a first-requested basis.

“There are numerous organizations throughout our territory that receive, store and distribute thousands of pounds of food each year to feed the hungry,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “The need for reliable equipment to move pallets of donated food at food banks and pantries is even greater than we realized. We’re honored to partner with so many of the nonprofits that are addressing food insecurity in their communities.”

The organizations receiving a motorized pallet jack combine to serve 11.2 million individuals each year throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. Together, they distribute an average of 290 million pounds of food annually.

“The safety of our volunteers will be greatly improved by the efficiency and multiple uses of this new asset,” said Allen G. Triebel, executive director of Gilmer Community Food Pantry in Ellijay, Georgia. “We will be able to maneuver large pallets inside our panel truck, and our petite pet pantry team leader will now be able to move pallets loaded with 500 lbs. of pet food safely and with ease.”

Sarah Ann Bannister, director of resource development at AIM in Anderson, South Carolina, agrees.

“We’re a small nonprofit, so having the resources to purchase something like new equipment is very rare,” Bannister said. “We’re so excited for the motorized pallet jack. We’re able to unload trucks and get things moved around the pantry so much easier.”

According to Feeding America, more than 44 million people in the U.S. face hunger each year, including 1 in 5 children. About two billion pounds of food is rescued by food banks of the Feeding America network each year, with more than 49 million people turning to these charitable organizations in 2023 to help feed their families.

“Fighting food insecurity is a challenge, and since the pandemic that challenge has taken on a new look,” said Donal Dickens, regional branch coordinator at Second Harvest Food Bank in Williamston, South Carolina. “One constant throughout it all is the need for resources to put food in our communities. Any donation of time, food, money or equipment is extremely welcomed and goes a long way.”

The following organizations were awarded a Raymond motorized pallet jack in Carolina Handling’s 58 for 58 giveaway:

ACTS, Aiken, SC
AIM, Anderson, SC
Anderson Emergency Kitchen, Anderson, SC
Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA
Appalachian Ministries of The Carolinas, Pelzer, SC
Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, Dunwoody, GA
Bags of Hope, Cornelius, NC
Blessings Working Together, Douglasville, GA
Bountiful Blessings Food Ministry, Jacksonville, NC
Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry, Gastonia, NC
Bremen Food & Clothing Bank, Inc., Breman, GA
Calvary Community Care, Navassa, NC
Church Community Services of Scotland County, Laurinburg, NC
City Bridges, Inc., Fairburn, GA
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Birmingham, AL
Community Ministry of North Augusta, North Augusta, SC
Decision Point Ministries, Atlanta, GA
Favor House, Atlanta, GA
Feeding & Helping Georgians, Atlanta, GA
Feeding GA Families Inc., Atlanta, GA
Food Bank of North Alabama, Huntsville, AL
Food2Life – Rescue Food Foundation, Decatur, GA
Gillsville Baptist Church GEM Missions Program, Gillsville, GA
Gilmer Community Food Pantry, Ellijay, GA
Gleaning House Food Pantry, Pickens, SC
Good News Buenas Nuevas International Ministries, Pine Level, NC
Ignite Resource Center, College Park, GA
Juniper Level Missionary Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
Klonnie Lewis Food Pantry, Gordon, GA
Loaves & Fishes Greenville, SC
Love In Action International Ministries, Dothan, AL
Making A Way Housing, Inc., Atlanta, GA
Martha’s Mission Cupboard, Morehead City, NC
Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, Macon, GA
Midwest Food Bank – Georgia, Peachtree City, GA
Miracle Hill Ministries, Greenville, SC
Ms. Linda’s Legacy, Inc., Lithonia, GA
Nicole’s House of Hope, Atlanta, GA
Northeast Georgia Food Bank, Athens, GA
Open Door Food Bank, Jacksonville, NC
Our Daily Bread Christian Food Ministry, Inc., Rockingham, NC
Providence Ministries Inc., Dalton, GA
Rainbow Pantry, Royston, GA
Recovery Ventures, Rutherfordton, NC
Second Harvest Food Bank, Spartanburg, SC
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Charlotte, NC
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Williamston, SC
Shiloh McDonough Community Outreach, McDonough, GA
Ship Outreach and Community Center, Raleigh, NC
The Clay House Inc., Riverdale, GA
The LOT Project, Inc., Anderson, SC
The Salvation Army, Raleigh, NC
The Salvation Army of Greenville, Oconee and Pickens, Greenville, SC
The Storehouse Pickens County, Easley, SC
The Villages at Carver Family YMCA, Atlanta, GA
There’s Hope for the Hungry, Cumming, GA
United Christian Ministries, Easley, SC
United Food Force Inc., McDonough, GA
Urban Recipe, Atlanta, GA
Vass Community Food Pantry, Vass, NC
Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, Stone Mountain, GA
West Alabama Food Bank, Tuscaloosa, AL

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING
Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 800 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

DP3 Architects is proud to announce its recognition as one of South Carolina’s “Best Places to Work” for a third consecutive year. SC Biz News and the Best Companies Group ranked 108 South Carolina companies and organizations that have cultivated exceptional workplaces and cultures highly valued by their employees. The winners were honored, and rankings announced at the event hosted by SC Biz News on August 22, 2024. DP3 Architects was ranked #7 in the Small Business Category statewide.

All honorees were required to achieve over an 80% positive response rate in an anonymous employee survey. The survey focused on eight core areas, including Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training, Development and Resources, Pay and Benefits, and Overall Engagement.

“This award continues to be one that we take great pride in as it is truly a firm award. says Brian Thomas, Principal and CEO at DP3 Architects. Every team member has the opportunity to help shape our culture and make DP3 Architects a great place to work. We are happy to provide the environment for that to happen.

DP3 Architects’ ranking is reflective of its work culture that promotes collaboration, idea-sharing, and constructive feedback among team members. The leadership at DP3 Architects invests in its employees and the firm’s future by organizing regular team-building activities, workshops, and encouraging mentorship opportunities for young architects. Employees at DP3 Architects also benefit from a range of perks that contribute to their job satisfaction, work-life balance, and overall well-being.

The firm is thrilled to be included on the Best Places to Work list for the third year and to be acknowledged once again for its core values of People, Places, and Purpose. To see the full list, visit the Best Companies Group website.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 21, 2024) — Applications are now open for the Junior League of Greenville’s (JLG) 2024-25 capacity building grant cycle.

Grants are available in increments up to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to assist with projects related to the JLG’s focus areas of human trafficking and economic mobility. These grants can apply to new or existing projects, and the grantee organization must also offer volunteer opportunities for JLG members. Organizations must serve a population in Greenville County to be eligible.

“The Junior League of Greenville is thrilled to give back to other organizations’ enriching and uplifting programs,” said Mary Latrick, JLG Vice President for Community Impact. “We are truly stronger when we pool our collective efforts to address some of the most critical issues in our community, and we’re looking forward to once again supporting local nonprofits in this work.”

The grants program was reintroduced in 2023 to further the JLG’s mission of creating meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Last year, the program awarded a total of $50,000 to five local organizations working to address areas of need within the broader umbrellas of human trafficking and economic mobility: GirlUp GVL, Greenville Free Medical Clinic, Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative, Soteria Community Development Center, and Triune Mercy Center.

“Thanks to the generous support of the Junior League of Greenville, the GirlUp GVL’s GrowU Internship Program is empowering high school girls to gain invaluable real-world experience, develop essential professional skills, and expand their networks. Their contribution is not just an investment in our program, but in the future leaders of our community. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission and their commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for young women,” said Kim Mogan, Executive Director of GirlUP GVL.

Funding for the grants comes from a variety of member-driven and community fundraisers that the JLG holds throughout the year. The largest portion of fundraising comes from the JLG’s Nearly New Shop, a nonprofit upscale resale shop located at 118 Greenacre Road, as well as the Celebrating with a Cause event, which will be held on March 1, 2025.

Grant applications are due by August 30, 2024. For complete application guidelines, visit the JLG website: https://www.jlgreenville.org/community-programs/capacity-building-grants/.

###

YMCA of Greenville Announces Promotion of MaryEllis Petrosian to Chief Development Officer

GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 21, 2024) – YMCA of Greenville announced today the promotion of leadership team member MaryEllis Petrosian, CFRE, as she accepts additional responsibilities in association strategic initiatives to continue strengthening the Greenville community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

As chief development officer, Petrosian will develop and execute fundraising strategies, cultivate donors, and manage all YMCA of Greenville philanthropy efforts. She will work closely with the YMCA of Greenville’s Endowment board and will serve as the liaison to the Philanthropy Committee of the Association Board. Petrosian will build, lead, and manage an organization-wide strategic integration of the Association’s community impact, learning, and story-telling priorities as well as lead the cultivation and stewardship of new and current philanthropists, and business development of key products and services to maximize revenue. Additionally, Petrosian will collaborate with the vice presidents of operations and branch executives to lead the Development staff with their programmatic goals, and will oversee the annual fundraising campaign, major gifts, endowment, and capital campaign initiatives for all YMCA of Greenville branches.

Previously, Petrosian held the role of executive director of Foundation and Fundraising Innovation, where she annually increased the membership giving percentage for the Association, developed an engaged foundation volunteer board of directors, positioned the YMCA as a “charity of choice” for the investment of estate level gifts within the local community, and worked on donor research, grant development and general innovation and process improvement for the Development department. Under Petrosian, endowment hit an all-time high, and more than $850,000 was awarded in grants.

“I believe in our mission to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, and that what we do in the community is making Greenville better,” says Petrosian, whose involvement with the YMCA began as a child in the swim and soccer programs in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she grew up. “The Y is a space for anyone of any age and any background to experience something good. Whether it be playing soccer, taking a group exercise class, or volunteering with one of our many programs, everyone can find joy at the YMCA and I look forward to expanding on that.”

“MaryEllis’s commitment to growing donor relations and her passion for the YMCA’s mission has tremendously impacted our community,” says Sam Franklin, executive vice-president and chief operation officer of the YMCA of Greenville. “I have enormous faith in her as she transitions to this new role and can’t wait to see the continued mark she makes on the members of our community.”

Petrosian is a board member of Greenville Women Giving, Christ Church Endowment, Camp Alleghany for Girls, and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She is a member of Junior League of Greenville, Greenville Clemson Club, Greenville Women Giving, is a moderator for Y-USA financial development community, and leader of statewide Alliance for Mission Advancement. In 2023, Petrosian was awarded the Jefferson Award as a Changemaker of the Upstate by Multiplying Good, and was named a Chamberlain Scholar for AFP South Carolina, Piedmont Chapter.

YMCA of Greenville offers professional growth opportunities to its high-achieving leadership. With a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, the organization will continue to benefit from the staff’s years of experience and knowledge, helping the YMCA of Greenville advance its mission and improve the overall impact the Y has on all communities it serves.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greenville and the projects, programs, and services it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/.

###

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 after-school care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered though four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community 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.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – If balancing a dinner roll off a hockey stick while serving people meals to support more affordable homeownership is on your wish list this fall, then Habitat for Humanity has an event for you this November.

The third annual Habitat for Humanity’s Dinner on Ice Gala will be held on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville. This fundraiser is supported by the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Team, and Swamp Rabbits Moving Company. It includes dinner, an auction, networking and more. Semi-formal attire is encouraged, but not required.

“Dinner on Ice is an enchanted evening that supports the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind, ice-themed dining experience with Greenville Swamp Rabbit hockey team members as table hosts, entertainment, a silent auction and more,” said Monroe Free, and CEO of Habitat Greenville.

Habitat Greenville raised more than $140,000 from 2023’s event, which helped benefit 120 people, close 16 mortgages and complete 50 home repair/weatherization projects. Information on sponsorships and donations for the auction are available here.

“Dinner on Ice is a unique way for our community to support affordable homeownership,” said LaTonya Phillips, President of Habitat Greenville. “As we all know, affordable housing is at a critical juncture in Greenville and Habitat is here to help create a better future for all.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of April 2024, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of 410 homes. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.