GCCF Announces Community Enhancement Grants, August 2021

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Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF) awarded grants to five local nonprofit organizations in our 2021 Community Enhancement granting cycle. Grant recipients and their funded programs are:

Arts Center of Greenwood County — for Black History exhibit and “Connecting with the Dream” community events

Boys and Girls Club of the Lakelands — for Project Learn

Community Initiatives — for Neighborhood Center Renovation

Greenwood Pathway House — Trauma-informed Services Project

Greenwood Performing Arts — for Intergenerational Outreach Performances

Beginning in 2012, GCCF has awarded more than $800,000 through annual Community Impact Grants and more than $4,000,000 through these Community Impact Grants, Donor Advised, Field-of-Interest and Community Response Fund grants. In each cycle of GCCF’s Community Impact Grants, grant applications are reviewed by a diverse committee of community members and funding determinations are finalized by the GCCF Board of Directors.

Information about the 2021 Open Granting grant cycle may be found at: www.greenwoodcf.org/grants/. For further details about the granting process, contact Mary Woodiwiss, Director of Grants and Projects, at mwoodiwiss@greenwoodcf.org or 864.223.1524.

Congratulations to our Grant recipients! Thank you for your dedication to enhancing life in our community!

GWC Social, “Autumn Skies & Apple Pies”, September 21, 2021

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After a rain cancellation and a second date that threatened wet weather, a small but fun and determined group of Greenwood Women Care members braved the clouds and were greatly rewarded with a festive “Autumn Skies and Apple Pies” social. The DiBenedetto Farm was absolutely gorgeous, and all enjoyed meeting and greeting under the lights and stars.

The tables were festooned with wildflowers while trays of chicken salad croissants, pinwheel sandwiches, fruit and cheese, and more were enjoyed by all. Seasonal apple pie topped off the delicious buffet along with apple cider punch, water, and wine.  The hint of imminent fall was evident everywhere and the natural setting provided both places for quiet conversation and room for larger groups to gather. The time flew by and all too soon friends, both old and new, were saying good night and looking forward to GWC’s next gathering.

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Celebrating Community Together”, at Cokesbury College, August 17, 2021

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GWC Members and guests braved the wind and rain to gather at Cokesbury College for our third Quarterly Meeting on August 17. After a lovely time of socializing on the first level of the lovely, historic Cokesbury College, we stepped swiftly through the rain to the upper floor to attend a program honoring our 2020 GWC Grantees.

Mary Woodiwiss, GWC Advisory Board Chair, opened the program, welcoming Members, guests, and grantees. This evening, we welcomed a new member, bringing our 2021 membership to 127! She reviewed GWC’s mission statement to support non-profits in our community. Mary reminded us “that every good effort of GWC happens because of the time and talents contributed by our Members over and above their annual financial contribution. We are un-staffed, but rich in resources.” She encouraged participation on our committees, saying, “strong committees are essential to the health of GWC, and they are also a great way to get to know other remarkable GWC women and to develop personally.” Mary concluded with an example of how one person’s contribution, combined with many others, makes an incredible impact on our community.

Trentsie Williams, who serves on the Grants Review & Awards Committee, welcomed representatives from all the 2020 grant recipient organizations. They were:

Austin Wilkes Society – Denise Mock

Boys & Girls Club of the Lakelands – Sabrina Miller

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries – Eric Taylor

Crossroads Pregnancy Center – Brenda Feece

Emerald City Rotary Club Foundation – Rachel Strayer

Food Bank of Greenwood – Andrea White, Onye Cosom

Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity – Rob Graves

Greenwood Pathway House – Anthony Price

Healthy Learners – Aimee Clark

Project Hope Foundation – Lisa Lane, Niki Porter

Trentsie also recognized all the hard-working Grants & Awards Committee: Allison Fletcher, Jan Puzar – Co-Chairs; Margaret Conrad, Anne Craig, Mary Dula, Kathy Emily, Donna Foster, Sally Kauffmann, Sandra McMullen, Anna Welborn, Trentsie Williams, and Mary Woodiwiss.

A video presentation highlighting our 2020 grantees was unveiled. We were able to witness how our funds have been used to help each non-profit and the impact on our community. Special thanks to Mary Balfour Dunlap for recording our 10 grantees’ comments and Lesley Lane for her masterful video editing and concept!

Jan Puzar, co-chair of the Grants & Awards Committee, introduced Carol Scales, a member of GWC and a commissioner of the Cokesbury Preservation Society. Carol welcomed everyone to this historical building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Homes and provided a brief history of Cokesbury College. Founded in the early 1800’s, Cokesbury College gave young women the rare opportunity to receive a quality education. From 1854-1874 (through the Civil War), 120 women received their classical education at Cokesbury. During the post-war period, many emancipated people who had been enslaved were provided an education as well. As the building later fell into disrepair, a decision was made in 1964 to demolish this historical building. In an effort to preserve the building, Nell Graydon spearheaded a cookbook entitled From My House to Your House, and all proceeds went towards saving the building. Women played an important role in the history of this historical institution.

Our final presenter was Louise Robinson, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee. She presented a book entitled The Perfectly Perfect Wish to the Greenwood County Library in honor of our 2020 grant recipients. Louise thanked our Grants Review & Awards, Programs & Education, and Social Committees for all their hard work to produce this evening’s event and the GWC tech team for the new Grants video and wished us all a good night.

GWC Grant Writing Workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, July 28, 2021

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In our continued commitment to learning, giving, and growing, GWC hosted our annual workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, at no charge on Wednesday, July 28. The workshop was attended by 20 Executive Directors, Staff, Board Members, and volunteers of local nonprofit organizations. Church of the Resurrection provided the meeting space.

Our own Kathy Emily, Donna Foster, and Jan Puzar provided guidance on successful grant writing. These included the importance of relating grant requests to organizational mission, producing a sound program or project budget, and developing collaborative partnerships. With decades of pertinent experience, Donna, Kathy, and Jan were able to break down the fundamentals of presenting a compelling story though clear goals, concrete outcome measures, and effective language.  As one participant noted: “We were so fortunate receive such a wealth of knowledge, insight, and advice based on so much experience.”

Following the workshop sessions and a break for coffee and bagels, Funders’ Forum representatives spoke about the specific funding priorities and processes of their organizations. They were:

Mary Woodiwiss— Greenwood County Community Foundation and Greenwood Women Care

Mamie Nicholson—Self Family Foundation

Marisel Losa—United Way

The training provided attendees with the tools and fundamentals needed for improving their grant application practices. More importantly, every attendee left with a greater understanding of how to strengthen their organization’s communication, evaluation, budgeting, and partnerships. It was truly a gift to our Greenwood nonprofits.

GWC Social, “A Summer Soirée”, at Inn on the Square, July 22, 2021

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Greenwood Women Care held “A Summer Soirée” at the Inn on the Square on Thursday, July 22. This event marked our first in-person, purely social gathering since the pandemic began. We met in the lobby which provided us with many conversation areas for quiet (and not-so-quiet!) conversation. Members and guests were so happy to be together and enjoyed wonderful fellowship with each other.

The Inn provided elaborate and scrumptious fruit and cheese trays. Members were at liberty to enjoy the Inn’s cash bar which also had iced tea and sodas for a nominal amount.  It was a lovely gathering, and we all thank the Social Committee, especially Holley Coyle who spearheaded the effort, for their hard work in providing the rest of us with such a wonderful time.  It was a joyous celebration of summer, friendship, and new beginnings for all of us.

GGUM Final Report on the 1st GWC Women’s Health Grant

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Forty-four percent, (44%-approximately 220) of the GGUM Free Medical Clinic’s patients are women. Services of the clinic are available to anyone who cannot afford health insurance yet does not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. The GGUM Women’s Health Clinic focuses on the episodic health issues presented and offers prevention strategies to improve the quality of life for the women served. The GGUM Women’s Health Clinic specifically promotes the prevention of breast and cervical cancers.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Clinical breast examinations and mammograms can detect changes such as tumors and calcifications. The gynecologists of the GGUM Women’s Health Clinic perform clinical breast exams and screening mammograms are scheduled as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians (ACOG). The Self Regional Healthcare Mobile Mammography Unit visits GGUM quarterly providing screening mammograms to their female patients over 40.  Referrals for diagnostic mammograms are done as needed. Since the first Women’s Health Clinic in March 2021, four women have been referred for diagnostic mammograms with one having follow up on a questionable tumor.

Pap screenings are instrumental in detecting cervical cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer makes it one of the most successfully treatable cancers by removing or destroying the pre-cancerous or cancerous tissue. GGUM Gynecologists perform Pap and HPV screenings during clinic visits. There have been three cases of HPV detected and patients are receiving appropriate treatment.

Since the inception of the GGUM Women’s Health Clinic in March 2021, over 35 women have been served and are now calling the clinic their medical home. As GGUM offers gynecological medical care to patients, the GGUM Free Medical Clinic is also addressing the needs of these women as needed. The GGUM on-site Pharmacy makes it convenient for patients to receive medical care, medications, and medical supplies in one visit at one place.

Most of the women served through the GGUM Women’s Health Clinic have not seen a physician in a very long time. New patients receive health screenings (A1c, blood pressure, lipid panel, BMI, height, weight) on their first visit. This step enables the Gynecologist to assess their overall health and wellness and provide the clinical breast exam and Pap and HPV screenings.

The GWC Women’s Health Grant provided funding for critical medications and medical supplies for the women served through the clinic and disposable instruments being used by the Gynecologists.

We are so grateful to the GWC for choosing us to receive this grant! Together, we are making a difference in the lives of women in our community to provide help for them take care of themselves.

Rosemary Bell. Executive Director of Greater Greenwood United Ministries

GWC Women’s Health Grant award photo

Dr. Julius Leary and Dr. John Eichelberger

Larry Tompkins, RPh; and Donna Trapp, Medical Clinic and Pharmacy Coordinator

GWC Women’s Health Grant check presentation

GCCF Awards Innovation Grant to Community Initiatives, June 2021

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GCCF Awards Innovation Grant to Develop Community Initiatives’ Free Dental Clinic

Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF) has awarded an Innovation Grant for $50,000 to Community Initiatives for the establishment of a Free Dental Clinic.

The GCCF Innovation Grant is offered biennially and supports creative ideas that foster strategic change within the Greenwood County community. It is awarded to applicant organization demonstrating a sound approach to addressing root causes of systemic problems or deficiencies, and by contributing to a healthy, thriving community. Collaboration and partnerships among organizations are expected and essential to assure lasting impact and success. Community Initiatives is utilizing their current patient base at their free health clinic, La Clinica Gratis, expanding the clinic to include others in need of dental services, and collaborating with local dentists and staff to implement the Free Dental Clinic, with plans to engage additional, local nonprofits and students from SC dental programs by the second year of clinic operations.

In response to this significant grant award, Leslie Fisk, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Community Initiatives, stated, “We at Community Initiatives are excited and proud of being awarded the Innovation Grant from the Greenwood County Community Foundation and of a new partnership with Whole Life Dental. Dental problems cause people pain, embarrassment, social isolation, and serious health problems. Many people forgo necessary dental work in favor of paying bills, such as rent or utilities. Addressing these problems will allow our clients to live life more fully and is just another example of how Community Initiatives seeks to treat the whole person.” Ben Dunlap, DMD, reiterated the importance of this clinic: “Basic preventative care can reduce the need for expensive restorative treatments when performed correctly and carefully. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable in our community currently have few options for receiving this care. We are blessed with the partnership of Community Initiatives and the Greenwood County Community Foundation. We are truly humbled by this opportunity to serve our neighbors in need.”

“This project is significant for Community Initiatives because it affects the overall health outcomes for our patients and the targeted population we serve, those with little or no insurance”, said Teresa Goodman, Executive Director of Community Initiatives. “Oral health is a window to a person’s overall wellness, and as a health driven organization, we must address and create health equity for underserved populations to be educated about oral health options and to receive treatment that will result in improved health outcomes, including longer lives. The development of a free dental clinic will change the lives of those who need it most and have a positive impact on our county’s health, workforce development, and other measurable outcomes. Thank you to the Greenwood County Community Foundation for seeing the vision and becoming a viable part of the project’s development. We are more than grateful for their support.”

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Arts in Action!”, at The Arts Center, May 24, 2021

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Greenwood Women Care enjoyed an uplifting and joyous time together on Monday, May 24. Our social reception and program, “Arts in Action!”, was held in the Mays Reception Hall in The Arts Center.

We were greeted with four lovely selections presented by Palmetto Girls Sing! led by Amy Fennell and accompanied by Rodney Cleveland.  One of the selections was an original composition, “My Life is a Canvas,” composed by Richard Williamson, Professor of Music at Anderson University, and accompanied by Cleveland and flutist, Rhonda McGinnis, Chair of GWC Governance & Finance Committee. Amy Fennell informed us that Palmetto Girls Sing! was formed in 2015 and is comprised of 4th – 8th grade girls. They have enjoyed numerous trips and activities, and during a 2018 trip to New York they performed at Carnegie Hall.

During the reception, we enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks. Carol Scales, Programs & Education Committee member, served as emcee for the program portion. Mary Woodiwiss, Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board, offered a warm welcome to Members and guests as we celebrated our first in-person meeting in 15 months. She announced that 14 women have joined GWC this year and that Members currently number 125.

Carol Scales introduced our program presenters: Karen Jennings, Executive Director of The Museum and Railroad Historical Center, and Sylvia Martin, Executive Director of The Arts Center. The Arts Center and The Museum are free and open to the public.

Karen Jennings spoke about the value of The Museum’s role in preserving local history and promoting learning opportunities. She announced that there will be a new permanent exhibit, premiering on June 10, that reflects Greenwood in the early 1900s. The Museum offers changing seasonal exhibitions, often including items on loan from community members in their exhibits and engaging volunteers in various capacities. Staff were thrilled to welcome over 10,000 guests to The Museum in 2019. The Railroad Historical Center has developed a partnership with the Greenwood High School Theatre department for their signature holiday program the “Polar Express”. Major enhancements have been made to the full collection of train cars in this stationary exhibit and other renovations of the facility and grounds have been completed or are in progress.

Sylvia Martin, Executive Director of The Arts Center, has served in various roles there since 2010.  She noted that investing in the arts has enabled Greenwood to become a successful regional hub. The Arts Center stages 9-12 exhibitions a year and is predominately funded by grants. Exhibitions often include artists’ talks and an opening reception for the public and, along with art programs and summer camps, are the heart and soul of The Arts Center. Sylvia and her staff continually look for ways to extend The Arts Center’s reach to more corners of the community. The Arts Center is also a tremendous resource for Greenwood as a venue for weddings, seminars, and other community events.

Lisa Smith, Programs & Education Committee member, presented children’s books contributed by GWC to the Greenwood County Library Children’s Collection in honor of our three guest speakers: Amy Fennell, Karen Jennings, and Sylvia Martin. Deb Maschoff, Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, reminded our Members that committee involvement is optional, but very rewarding, and that home gatherings are a great way to introduce prospective members to GWC. The Membership Committee is ready to support any member who would like to host a home gathering. Laura Bachinski, Vice Chair of GWC and Co-Chair of our Social Committee, introduced a fun new feature, “Member Minute.” Three members volunteered to speak impromptu at the close of the meeting by briefly sharing three facts about themselves. We enjoyed getting to know Summer Booker, Caroline Dennis, and Cindy Leary a little bit better. Edris Louise Robinson, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee, closed our meeting by thanking our speakers and committees and inviting everyone to our August meeting at Cokesbury College where we will greet our 2020 grant recipients and celebrate the progress they have made on their respective grants.

GCCF Awards Youth & Education Grants, April 2021

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Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF) made grant awards to five local nonprofit organizations in their 2021 Youth and Education granting cycle. Grant recipients and their funded programs are:

Goodwill Industries — for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training

Greenwood Community Improvement Foundation — for TREP$ (entrepreneurship program) for middle school students

Healthy Learners — for staff salary & transportation expenses serving school children with medical needs

Lakelands Region YMCA of SC — for scholarships for childcare programs

United Way of the Lakelands — for Inspire 864 program (community awareness and programming to addresses effects of youth violence and Covid-19)

For each cycle of GCCF’s Community Impact Grants, grant applications are reviewed by a diverse committee of community members and funding determinations are finalized by the GCCF Board of Directors.

Beginning with 2012 granting cycles, GCCF has awarded more than $800,000 through annual Community Impact Grants and more than $4,000,000 through these Community Impact Grants, Donor Advised, Field-of-Interest and Community Response Fund grants.

Information about the 2021 Community Enhancement and Open Granting grant cycles may be found at: www.greenwoodcf.org/grants/. For further details about the granting process, contact Mary Woodiwiss, Director of Grants and Projects, at mwoodiwiss@greenwoodcf.org or 864.223.1524.

All the best to our 2021 Youth & Education Grant recipient organizations! Thank you for your service to Greenwood County residents!

GWC Spring 2021 Newsletter

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