GWC was thrilled to welcome our members, guests, and esteemed presenters from United Way of the Lakelands to our last quarterly meeting of 2024, “Data Matters”, on Tuesday, November 12^th at the United Center for Community Care. All in attendance were treated to a unique and enlightening “Data Walk” presented by staff and interns of United Way of the Lakelands.

Everyone was graciously greeted by members of the Membership Committee (Betty Adams, Cindy O’Connor, and Anne Marie Johnson) and the Social Committee ( Courtney Christensen, Holley Coyle, Summer Booker, and  Brenda Wulfekotte) and given a number that indicated the station number where they would begin their Data Walk. Special thanks to Bobbie Fulton, Connie Carstens, Cindy Logan, Casey Tompkins, and Vicki Chandler for going the extra mile and surprising us with delicious homemade cookies to enjoy during our stroll around the information stations situated throughout the room.

Rachel Strayer, Vice-Chair of GWC, welcomed members and recognized guests. Special thanks were extended to the Social and Programs & Education Committees. Rachel introduced the theme of the meeting stressing the power of knowledge and the importance of data-driven awareness in decision-making and selecting grant recipients. Rachel introduced Jan Puzar, Co-Chair of the Grants Review and Awards Committee. Jan invited members to volunteer to collaborate with her and the Grants and Rewards Committee on the upcoming GWC Women’s Health Grant cycle which will be awarded in the first quarter of 2025. GWC will be granting approximately $5,000 from a Women’s Health Fund held by Greenwood County Community Foundation to a local organization working to improve women’s health.

Laura Bachinski introduced Marisel Losa, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakelands since 2018. Marisel welcomed us to the United Center for Community Care and spoke of the importance of having all social service agencies centrally located in one building. She described the collective impact data model used as a tool for critical decision-making for Abbeville, Saluda, Greenwood, and McCormick counties. Justo Chalaire, Director of Community Impact and Evaluation of the United Way of the Lakelands, gave framing comments for the Data Walk, informing us that 44% of the households in SC live on the verge of financial instability and struggle to meet their basic needs; that number is 51% of households in the Lakelands. He invited us to begin our Data Walk at our assigned stations.

The five stations, Health Equity, Housing, Mental Health, Healthy Eating, and Education, were alive with questions and, in many cases, surprises. Presenters at each of the stations had eight minutes with each group of 10 – 12 women. All the data presented was thought-provoking and eye-opening! For a look at current information about community indicators and services in Greenwood County, please visit the Lakelands Counts, an easy-to-use platform that supports community improvement work in Abbeville, Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda counties. It contains data, best practices, and resources, and hosts over 235 health and quality of life data indicators. Users may customize maps and reports to visualize and analyze data specific to a particular location.

Laura Bachinski led a discussion and invited all present to share their thoughts and pose questions. During that time, Justo Chalaire noted that there are many local concerns but perhaps most troubling is the level of food insecurity in our communities (95% in one zip code) and the startling differences in health equity.

Helena Wardlaw presented a lovely children’s book, Noticing, authored by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Elise Hurst. According to Good Reads, “this  book is a story about noticing the little things, the grand big things, the imaginary, and sometimes, hidden things. It is about embracing what is possible. And that the incredible is everywhere, and in everything—waiting to be known, discovered, recognized.” What a perfect selection for this particularly important meeting!

Laura Bachinski dismissed us with thanks to United Way for sharing their United Center with us and for providing such an informative program for us. She noted that GWC will accept monetary donations for the books we will donate to the children’s collection of the library in the coming year. She also invited anyone who would be interested in learning more about the data presented to sign up for additional data walk presentations.

All left knowing much, much more about our beloved community and with a greater understanding of where the needs of our communities lay.

“All because of we.”

GWC’s annual informational social, Kick Off the Vote! was hosted by our Grants Review & Awards and Social Committees and held at the Harley Family Center on Monday, October 21st.

The center echoed with exuberant voices of friends greeting each other. Light and delicious refreshments awaited, served by Holley Coyle and Courtney Christensen, Co-Chairs of the Social Committee, as well as other welcoming committee members. During our reception, a PowerPoint created by Laura Stowe was on display highlighting GWC’s activities during the last three months.

Peggy Dewane-Pope opened the meeting with a tribute to our beloved Sally Kauffman followed by her poem “The Fruition of GWC”, borrowing the cadence of a favorite poem from her teaching career. An excerpt:

“Great deeds are done when the vote is won by the women of GWC;

The many needs in town, we help turn ‘round all because of we.

The County of Greenwood was not as it could, so we came to save the day;

And the gifts we’ve made, and the nonprofits we’ve bade,

Provide help in a beautiful way.

We help folks’ woes with medicine, support, and clothes because giving is in our genes

Help with sports, food, and plays, in so many ways because we have the means.

By 2024 with a wide-open door the nonprofits gather for gifts larger and large

The helpers come in, proposing their wins–

It’s good to leave women in charge.”

Members of the Grants Review & Awards Committee presented informational segments. Mary Woodiwiss discussed some FAQS of Nonprofit Funding. Jan Puzar reviewed our voting process with details about how best to complete the ranked voting our ballot allows. Debbie Coesens recapped what happens after we vote, outlining the tabulation process. This is based entirely on members’ anonymous, ranked votes on Survey Monkey ballots. Grants Review & Awards Committee members review this data and determine how many organizations will receive funding and how much funding each organization will receive, based on the total amount available to award in the 2024 cycle.

Mary Woodiwiss then fielded questions. She also announced Women’s Health Grant cycle in Spring of 2025, inviting any interested members to participate in this review process, and reminded members to also vote for Ms. Carey Givings, our very own GWC scarecrow entry in the Uptown Scarecrow contest. Mary Dula closed us out with a rousing reminder of our unity to make a significant impact on our community.

Ballot links were sent at 6:00pm and the ballot will remain open until midnight on Wednesday, October 23rd.

The power and privilege to vote is a tremendous opportunity and one that we hope all GWC members will avail themselves of exercising.

GWC members make an enormous difference by being part of Greenwood Women Care.

We are grateful for this unique opportunity to be able to make our beloved community a better place for all!

On Tuesday, September 17th, members and guests of Greenwood Women Care came together for a potluck social at Courtney Christensen’s farm in Ninety Six. The evening was filled with beautiful weather, delicious dishes, and the warmth of fellowship.

Members brought an impressive arrangement of dishes to share, reflecting the diverse talents of our group. Ms. Carey Givings, our own GWC scarecrow, made an appearance. She will be on display on Main Street for the month of October as an entry in the annual “Uptown Scarecrows” contest.

Courtney warmly welcomed everyone to her farm, expressing her joy in hosting the gathering and inviting everyone to explore the scenic surroundings. Rachel Strayer and Mary Woodiwiss facilitated a fun “get to know you” game, “That’s Me!”, helping everyone discover their commonalities and uniqueness and spark new conversations.

A special thank you goes to Courtney Christensen for her generous hospitality and to all the members and guests who attended the event. This potluck social was a beautiful reminder of the joy of community and coming together!

The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) was the hosting venue for the 3^rd Quarterly Meeting of Greenwood Women Care on Tuesday evening, August 20th. GGC is always a wonderful place to celebrate with our GWC Grant Recipients! Our theme for the evening was “Giving Together is in Our Genes!”

Members, guests, and our grant recipients enjoyed a delightful social time. Our Social Committee did a fantastic job of providing us with an array of creative drinks and delicious appetizers.

We gathered in the GGC auditorium at 6 pm for our program portion of the meeting. Mary Woodiwiss, Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board, opened the meeting by welcoming members and guests to this “gem” of a venue. She recognized our five newest members who joined GWC since our May meeting: Barbara Warner, Jeanne White, Jacki Berkshire, Therese Vereen, and Francie Kleckley. Mary also welcomed Greenwood County Community Foundation’s new President and CEO, Stephen Baggett, Jr.

Mary emphasized GWC’s open membership, extended to all women in the community. In describing GWC, she reminded us of her recent e-newsletter article in which she “mused about connections and mentioned the spinnerets of spiders, weaving webs of gossamer. We are in the midst of an evening of spinnerets in action!” Mary gave examples of “connections that are gossamer threads cast out, taking hold, adhering, forming a beautiful web of connection throughout our beloved community…GWC is a complex and nuanced entity, but here we are in a place that knows all about the beauties and wonders of complex design.” Mary then invited Megha Lal to introduce our GCC host for the evening.

Megha spoke about the mission of GGC, providing clinical genetics services, diagnostic lab testing, educational programs, and research in the field of medical genetics in its 50-year history. She introduced Lori Bassett, MS, a certified genetic counselor, and Director of Communications for the GGC.

Lori Bassett explained that GGC utilizes a “Precision Medicine Initiative” which means “the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.” The 4 A’s of PMI are “Access, Analysis, Answers, and Action.” Lori highlighted several cases of patients who were able to get the right diagnosis and receive the right treatment in a timely way.

Peggy Dewane-Pope shared her thoughts on the impact of collective giving with us and described how she heard about GWC. Peggy moved to Greenwood from California, where she was a founding member of a collective giving organization called The Women and Girls Fund and served on the Grants committee. She made numerous, valuable points on the importance and benefits of collective giving circles. These include “a higher level of engagement in giving locally, diverse perspectives regarding unknown needs in the community, social benefits, and interest in human rights.” Peggy truly feels that “giving together is in our genes”!

Peggy then introduced this year’s Grants video featuring our 2023 Grant recipients: Beyond Abuse, Burton Center, Community Initiatives, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, Faith Home, Greenwood Community Theater, The Greenwood Promise, Junior Achievement, New Morning, and Tranquility Point. In the video, produced by Rachel Strayer (GWC Vice Chair), each recipient presented an update on their use of the funds received from GWC. (This year’s video may be viewed here.) Margaret Conrad presented a certificate to each of the grant recipients, and Catherine DiBenedetto took a group photo.

At each of our Quarterly Meetings, Greenwood Women Care donates a children’s book to the Children’s Collection of the Greenwood County Library in honor of our presenters. Jody Gables, Children’s Services Coordinator, recommended these titles which were purchased locally with funds donated by GWC members.

Deborah Natvig presented the book in honor of our GWC 2023 Grant Recipients, Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin. Grant recipient organizations are listed on the GWC bookplate in the front of the book. This book tells of a grandmother who helps her granddaughter overcome feelings of uncertainty as her life is changing and she is traveling across the country to live with her grandmother. The grandmother, knowing that change is difficult, encourages the girl to identify ten beautiful things each day. At this special event, GWC celebrated our ten wonderful grant recipients who were awarded funds to implement programs that will create positive change in Greenwood County.

Jan Puzar, Co-Chair of the Grants Review & Awards Committee, offered closing remarks, reminding us that “Giving Together is in Our Genes!”. By combining our individual donations into collective grants, the members of GWC strive to create additional opportunities for nonprofits to improve the wellbeing of local residents, such as those supported through our 2023 grants:

• Staff training relating to serving victims of child abuse
• Addiction recovery services for women
• The expansion of a free medical clinic
• A theater program for children and youth with special needs
• A water therapy program for children and disabled veterans
• Fitness equipment for youth
• Computer tablets for people with disabilities
• College scholarships
• Materials for classes in financial literacy
• Staff training and salaries for family planning counselors

Jan also offered thanks to those who made this event possible:

• the Greenwood Genetic Center for the use of these lovely facilities
• Rachel Strayer, GWC Vice Chair, for producing the Grants Video
• the GWC Social Committee for the lovely reception
• the Grants Review & Awards Committee for planning this meeting

Jan reiterated that new members are always welcome in GWC, and that even if one is on the staff of a nonprofit, there is no conflict of interest on being a member of GWC. She concluded with details about our next two meetings:

• September Social, Fall into GWC on the Farm, Tuesday, September 17
• Kick Off the Vote!, Monday, October 21 (for Members only, as we discuss our voting process)

Another lively meeting was concluded with hopes of seeing many of our members and guests in September!

GWC gathered in the administration building at Greenwood Pathway House to greet each other and to share in the delicious refreshments prepared by the Social Committee. We had a large group in attendance which included approximately 45 members and a dozen guests.

After enjoying refreshments, we proceeded into the Pathway House Worship Building where Rachel Strayer welcomed the group with a provocative introduction to our program during which she asked each of us to imagine ourselves being without a home and to consider how that would shape the course of our lives. Her introduction served to frame our experience as we learned more about Greenwood Pathway House and all that the organization does to help those who face the challenge of being homeless. Rachel then welcomed our guests and invited them to consider becoming a member of GWC.

Mary Woodiwiss then gave updates regarding GWC Membership, noting that in the first months of 2024, GWC has been enriched by 30 new members. Mary also recognized Debra Coleman who has been a faithful member since 2019, serving on the Communications and Programs & Education Committees during her tenure. Debra will be moving to Texas to be closer to her son and “GWC wishes her well in her next sphere of influence”.

Holley Coyle, Co-Chair of the Social Committee, informed the group that the Social Committee is actively seeking new members.

Following Holley’s announcement, Helena Wardlaw introduced our guest speaker, Anthony Price, Executive Director of Greenwood Pathway House.

Anthony Price gave a fascinating and highly informative presentation about homelessness, its root causes, and the many ways Greenwood Pathway House functions to address the root causes of homelessness in Greenwood and Abbeville counties. He noted during his talk that in 2023, 375 people were assisted and 62,207 meals were served. Additionally, the inclement weather shelter was open for 80 days.

He thanked GWC for the grants awarded to Greenwood Pathway House by GWC, the most recent being a large grant in 2022 toward the establishment of the Pathway Village. The Pathway Village is housing which serves homeless families. Thus far, Pathway Village has served 43 families with a total of 94 children. Of those, 14 families are now in their own home.

After Anthony’s remarks, Debra Coleman presented a children’s book “The Box” by Isabella Paglia, which is a story about reaching out to a new friend and “meeting others where they are”. This book will be donated to the Greenwood County Library’s Children’s Collection in honor of Anthony Price.

Laura Bachinski closed this portion of the meeting. She shared that our next meeting will be held on August 20 at the Greenwood Genetic Center and will be our celebration of GWC 2023 Grant recipients.

To conclude the presentation, Anthony Price led a tour of the grounds of the Pathway House, including a look at the Pathway Village and the “Furnishing a Future” woodworking shop.