Leadership Kershaw County
Kershaw County Chamber Of Commerce Taking Applications For Class Of 2024
The purpose of Leadership Kershaw County is to nurture and engage current and potential leaders. The program will educate participants through team building, professional development, and networking activities to foster deeper involvement in Kershaw County. Click HERE for more information.
Applications for the 2024 program are due no later than December 8, 2023. Resumes must also be submitted by this deadline to be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a committee, with the goal of creating a diverse class based on race, gender, industry, professional background and leadership experience. A maximum of 15 individuals will be selected for the 2024 class. Notifications will be made the week of December 18.
Below is the Class of 2023!
Kershaw County Chamber Of Commerce Taking Applications For Class Of 2024
The purpose of Leadership Kershaw County is to nurture and engage current and potential leaders. The program will educate participants through team building, professional development, and networking activities to foster deeper involvement in Kershaw County. Click HERE for more information.
Applications for the 2024 program are due no later than December 8, 2023. Resumes must also be submitted by this deadline to be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a committee, with the goal of creating a diverse class based on race, gender, industry, professional background and leadership experience. A maximum of 15 individuals will be selected for the 2024 class. Notifications will be made the week of December 18.
Below is the Class of 2023!
Soup And Substance For Hunger And Homelessness Awareness
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 13-21, 2023
November is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness month. This marks the time of year when our agencies utilize the momentum of the holiday season to educate and address homeless and hunger-based issues facing our community. United Way of Kershaw County and Food for the Soul are reaching out to fellow social service organizations in our community to unite for an event Thursday, November 16th, on the lawn of United Way of Kershaw County.
As community leaders and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Kershaw County residents, we have a responsibility to not only work together to find sustainable solutions, but to educate our community about the issues facing our most vulnerable residents.
Though we work daily with this population and are familiar with the issues they are facing, many of our community members are unaware of the food insecurity and housing issues in Kershaw County. This year’s awareness week and event are opportunities for our local agencies to work together to increase community awareness and connect directly with those in need. We aim to foster a greater understanding of the issues and circumstances Kershaw County residents may face when struggling with hunger and homelessness.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 13-21, 2023
November is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness month. This marks the time of year when our agencies utilize the momentum of the holiday season to educate and address homeless and hunger-based issues facing our community. United Way of Kershaw County and Food for the Soul are reaching out to fellow social service organizations in our community to unite for an event Thursday, November 16th, on the lawn of United Way of Kershaw County.
As community leaders and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Kershaw County residents, we have a responsibility to not only work together to find sustainable solutions, but to educate our community about the issues facing our most vulnerable residents.
Though we work daily with this population and are familiar with the issues they are facing, many of our community members are unaware of the food insecurity and housing issues in Kershaw County. This year’s awareness week and event are opportunities for our local agencies to work together to increase community awareness and connect directly with those in need. We aim to foster a greater understanding of the issues and circumstances Kershaw County residents may face when struggling with hunger and homelessness.
USDA The People's Garden Designations
United Way of Kershaw County Community Gardens Recognized
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) bestowed The People's Garden designation for community gardens in Kershaw County. November 9, 2023 at the Kershaw County Recreation Department, 1042 W Dekalb Street in Camden, garden teams were celebrated and recognized for their hard work.
September 2021, United Way of Kershaw County entered into a three-year cooperative agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a part of the NRCS South Carolina Food Connection Initiative for the purpose of developing the Communities Reaching Out Partnership (CROP) to address food insecurity in Kershaw County. Under the agreement, which includes more than $357,000 in federal funding, eight community gardens with 67 garden beds were established within Kershaw County. People’s Garden designation goes to Belmont Baptist Church in Westville, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Lugoff, Blanketing Families in Elgin, Good Hope AME Zion Methodist Church in Camden, KC Rec Department Tennis Courts in Camden, Old McCaskill's Farm in Rembert, and Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Camden.
“The success and work put into these locations assisted with United Way of Kershaw County applying for and receiving the USDA People’s Garden designation for these garden sites,” said Darvis Jordan, SC NRCS Asst. State Conservationist for Partnerships.
United Way of Kershaw County Community Gardens Recognized
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) bestowed The People's Garden designation for community gardens in Kershaw County. November 9, 2023 at the Kershaw County Recreation Department, 1042 W Dekalb Street in Camden, garden teams were celebrated and recognized for their hard work.
September 2021, United Way of Kershaw County entered into a three-year cooperative agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a part of the NRCS South Carolina Food Connection Initiative for the purpose of developing the Communities Reaching Out Partnership (CROP) to address food insecurity in Kershaw County. Under the agreement, which includes more than $357,000 in federal funding, eight community gardens with 67 garden beds were established within Kershaw County. People’s Garden designation goes to Belmont Baptist Church in Westville, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Lugoff, Blanketing Families in Elgin, Good Hope AME Zion Methodist Church in Camden, KC Rec Department Tennis Courts in Camden, Old McCaskill's Farm in Rembert, and Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Camden.
“The success and work put into these locations assisted with United Way of Kershaw County applying for and receiving the USDA People’s Garden designation for these garden sites,” said Darvis Jordan, SC NRCS Asst. State Conservationist for Partnerships.
Sisters Of Charity Foundation Of SC Immediate Needs Grant
Meeting The Fundamental Needs Of People Experiencing Poverty In South Carolina
CAMDEN SC (November 2023) - United Way of Kershaw County received a $5,000 grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. The foundation awards grants to nonprofits that strive to reduce poverty throughout the state of South Carolina and beyond. United Way of Kershaw County was part of the Immediate Needs category. These grants support organizations that meet the fundamental needs of people experiencing poverty in South Carolina. The Sisters of Charity Foundation donated $390,000 across 75 different organizations in this category.
In this cycle of funding, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awarded 100 grants totaling $877,000 to nonprofit organizations across the state. 25 of the 100 organizations to receive a grant are located in the Midlands, a $215,000 commitment to the region.
Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, founded in 1996. Its mission is to address the needs of families and individuals experiencing poverty throughout the state of South Carolina. Through the strategic use of resources, they seek to reduce poverty through action, advocacy, and leadership.
Meeting The Fundamental Needs Of People Experiencing Poverty In South Carolina
CAMDEN SC (November 2023) - United Way of Kershaw County received a $5,000 grant from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. The foundation awards grants to nonprofits that strive to reduce poverty throughout the state of South Carolina and beyond. United Way of Kershaw County was part of the Immediate Needs category. These grants support organizations that meet the fundamental needs of people experiencing poverty in South Carolina. The Sisters of Charity Foundation donated $390,000 across 75 different organizations in this category.
In this cycle of funding, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina awarded 100 grants totaling $877,000 to nonprofit organizations across the state. 25 of the 100 organizations to receive a grant are located in the Midlands, a $215,000 commitment to the region.
Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, founded in 1996. Its mission is to address the needs of families and individuals experiencing poverty throughout the state of South Carolina. Through the strategic use of resources, they seek to reduce poverty through action, advocacy, and leadership.
13th Annual United Way Of Kershaw County Chili Cook-Off In The Books
A Beautiful Day On The Town Green
This fun annual event raises funds for the United Way of Kershaw County Mobile Nutrition Center. Saturday, October 28, 2023, twenty-three teams cooked up some delicious chili. Supporters mingled around tasting chili while listing to live music from Ten Cent Rich.
This year's winners:
Chili:
A Beautiful Day On The Town Green
This fun annual event raises funds for the United Way of Kershaw County Mobile Nutrition Center. Saturday, October 28, 2023, twenty-three teams cooked up some delicious chili. Supporters mingled around tasting chili while listing to live music from Ten Cent Rich.
This year's winners:
Chili:
- Graham Realty
- Cantey – One Man Band
- Cassidy Insurance
- Cantey – Stew Live Crew
- Mental Health of America
- Maylee – Alfred Mae Drakeford
- Christ Community Church - Camden
Annual Campaign, United We Rise, Feeling The Love
Second Look Charities Boutique and Kershaw County Schools Making A Difference
Thank you Second Look Charities Boutique! "Thanks to all the wonderful shoppers and donations, we were able to give a generous gift of $20,000 to United Way of Kershaw County." Your generous gift will make a difference in so many lives. United We Rise.
Talk about school spirit! Camden Middle School students presented United Way of Kershaw County with a generous donation of $1,700 from the October penny war. Top donors from each grade and two students from the winning home room slimed Principal Casey Faulkenberry at their PEP rally. Pictured is Kimberly Reynolds, 8th grade, doing the honors. Thank you War Eagles!
Second Look Charities Boutique and Kershaw County Schools Making A Difference
Thank you Second Look Charities Boutique! "Thanks to all the wonderful shoppers and donations, we were able to give a generous gift of $20,000 to United Way of Kershaw County." Your generous gift will make a difference in so many lives. United We Rise.
Talk about school spirit! Camden Middle School students presented United Way of Kershaw County with a generous donation of $1,700 from the October penny war. Top donors from each grade and two students from the winning home room slimed Principal Casey Faulkenberry at their PEP rally. Pictured is Kimberly Reynolds, 8th grade, doing the honors. Thank you War Eagles!
Ready Readers Having Significant Impact In Kershaw County
Partnership Between United Way Of Kershaw County, Kershaw County School District, And AmeriCorps Of SC
Author: Shanna M Redfearn, Ready Readers Director, United Way of Kershaw County
Published: September, 2023
AmeriCorps Members served 11,675 hours in Kershaw County. Of that, KCSD High School Students served 7,789.25 (67% of hours served). A total of 21 members who served of that 17 successfully completed their terms of service to receive their education grants for further education. 81% completion rate.
Kershaw County School District (KCSD) ELEMENTARY STUDENT DATA
Total Students counted: 447 (not including summer student count). Military Connection 31
Student Break down by school: BES 87, DME 48, WES 40, LES 49, CES 60, PTH 33, JES 62, MES 41, NCE 27
Analysis of Impact
Although the Ready Reader Program did not officially start until mid-September of 2022, our Kershaw County Community has embraced the need for Ready Readers in our schools. We began in September in 3 schools, added 2 more in October, 3 more in November, and the final 2 in January. This successfully reached our goal of having a Ready Reader Program in all 9 of our Kershaw County Elementary Schools. In addition, we recruited high school seniors to serve in our elementary schools as AmeriCorps members. The benefit was multifaceted. Inspiring and educating our future adults about the critical need within our community and sharing about resources to help.
Another group we are reaching through this program are school teachers and administrators. We strive to be a source of support to our school staff. We want them to know we are a partner with them to help accomplish a common goal of lifting lives through the love of literacy, being available as an additional resource to meet the ever-changing needs within our school system.
As a layered impact, we are not only assisting elementary students to reach their literacy goals, we are also impacting life skills of our high school students in AmeriCorps service. Life skills and training happening for high school students enrolled in our AmeriCorps Service Program: Develop Application and Interview Skills, Increase Communication Skills, Documentation Skills, time sheets, tax forms, data collection, and paperwork, Completion of assigned tasks and independent responsibility, Serving within a Team Structure, Time Management, Problem Solving, and overall Decision Making, Greater sense of need in their own communities and the resources available to assist with those needs.
Moving Forward into the 2023-2024 School Year
We plan to start back in all elementary schools the week of September 11, 2023 with community volunteers and AmeriCorps members. We plan to take an intentional approach of focusing on elementary students who are on the “bubble” with their literacy goals. Per data from last year, this is the target area where we are able to make the biggest difference. In addition, we are piloting a 5k program to address exposure deficits seen with alphabet, phonics, and other necessary letter land focused skills. This pilot program is taking place at Camden Elementary and will utilize both volunteers and AmeriCorps members. It is our sincere hope this might be a path for our program to take in the future, as we will be re-applying for funding this service year for the following three years. We hope to be able to address literacy needs earlier and make even more of an impact on our students.
AmeriCorps Member Recruitment Update for 2023-2024
We have currently recruited and are in the process of on-boarding 16 new members. 13 of these members are high school seniors (this number may grow as word continues to spread) from NCHS, LEHS and CHS. We are still recruiting a 900 hours member to be a school liaison for the Elgin schools - this would include a monthly living allowance of around $676 and about 10-12 hours a week of service. Plenty of purpose and lots of flexibility with the bonus of making a difference in our schools.
We look forward to continuing the Ready Readers impact in Kershaw County.
Partnership Between United Way Of Kershaw County, Kershaw County School District, And AmeriCorps Of SC
Author: Shanna M Redfearn, Ready Readers Director, United Way of Kershaw County
Published: September, 2023
AmeriCorps Members served 11,675 hours in Kershaw County. Of that, KCSD High School Students served 7,789.25 (67% of hours served). A total of 21 members who served of that 17 successfully completed their terms of service to receive their education grants for further education. 81% completion rate.
Kershaw County School District (KCSD) ELEMENTARY STUDENT DATA
Total Students counted: 447 (not including summer student count). Military Connection 31
Student Break down by school: BES 87, DME 48, WES 40, LES 49, CES 60, PTH 33, JES 62, MES 41, NCE 27
Analysis of Impact
Although the Ready Reader Program did not officially start until mid-September of 2022, our Kershaw County Community has embraced the need for Ready Readers in our schools. We began in September in 3 schools, added 2 more in October, 3 more in November, and the final 2 in January. This successfully reached our goal of having a Ready Reader Program in all 9 of our Kershaw County Elementary Schools. In addition, we recruited high school seniors to serve in our elementary schools as AmeriCorps members. The benefit was multifaceted. Inspiring and educating our future adults about the critical need within our community and sharing about resources to help.
Another group we are reaching through this program are school teachers and administrators. We strive to be a source of support to our school staff. We want them to know we are a partner with them to help accomplish a common goal of lifting lives through the love of literacy, being available as an additional resource to meet the ever-changing needs within our school system.
As a layered impact, we are not only assisting elementary students to reach their literacy goals, we are also impacting life skills of our high school students in AmeriCorps service. Life skills and training happening for high school students enrolled in our AmeriCorps Service Program: Develop Application and Interview Skills, Increase Communication Skills, Documentation Skills, time sheets, tax forms, data collection, and paperwork, Completion of assigned tasks and independent responsibility, Serving within a Team Structure, Time Management, Problem Solving, and overall Decision Making, Greater sense of need in their own communities and the resources available to assist with those needs.
Moving Forward into the 2023-2024 School Year
We plan to start back in all elementary schools the week of September 11, 2023 with community volunteers and AmeriCorps members. We plan to take an intentional approach of focusing on elementary students who are on the “bubble” with their literacy goals. Per data from last year, this is the target area where we are able to make the biggest difference. In addition, we are piloting a 5k program to address exposure deficits seen with alphabet, phonics, and other necessary letter land focused skills. This pilot program is taking place at Camden Elementary and will utilize both volunteers and AmeriCorps members. It is our sincere hope this might be a path for our program to take in the future, as we will be re-applying for funding this service year for the following three years. We hope to be able to address literacy needs earlier and make even more of an impact on our students.
AmeriCorps Member Recruitment Update for 2023-2024
We have currently recruited and are in the process of on-boarding 16 new members. 13 of these members are high school seniors (this number may grow as word continues to spread) from NCHS, LEHS and CHS. We are still recruiting a 900 hours member to be a school liaison for the Elgin schools - this would include a monthly living allowance of around $676 and about 10-12 hours a week of service. Plenty of purpose and lots of flexibility with the bonus of making a difference in our schools.
We look forward to continuing the Ready Readers impact in Kershaw County.
September 2023 Annual Events A Huge Success
Annual Day of Caring and Springdale 5K Run and Walk - View Our Gallery
The annual Day of Caring took place Friday, September 1, 2023, with 103 volunteers participating in projects across Kershaw County. "United Way of Kershaw County Day of Caring brought out the best in our community. Over 100 volunteers invested their time at 12 different sites throughout the county. From yard work to reading to children, and from installing tiny libraries to building ramps, much was accomplished." United Way of Kershaw County President, Donny Supplee
Saturday, September 9, 2023 was a beautiful morning for the annual Springdale 5K fundraiser, benefiting the United Way of Kershaw County Mobile Nutrition Center. "This year we had 325 runners/walkers, the most we have ever had! Thank you to everyone who came out to our annual fundraiser, benefiting our Mobile Nutrition Center. See you next year!" Lori Arledge, VP Resource Development
Annual Day of Caring and Springdale 5K Run and Walk - View Our Gallery
The annual Day of Caring took place Friday, September 1, 2023, with 103 volunteers participating in projects across Kershaw County. "United Way of Kershaw County Day of Caring brought out the best in our community. Over 100 volunteers invested their time at 12 different sites throughout the county. From yard work to reading to children, and from installing tiny libraries to building ramps, much was accomplished." United Way of Kershaw County President, Donny Supplee
Saturday, September 9, 2023 was a beautiful morning for the annual Springdale 5K fundraiser, benefiting the United Way of Kershaw County Mobile Nutrition Center. "This year we had 325 runners/walkers, the most we have ever had! Thank you to everyone who came out to our annual fundraiser, benefiting our Mobile Nutrition Center. See you next year!" Lori Arledge, VP Resource Development
Annual Campaign, United We Rise, Off To A Good Start
Community Stepping Up For the Benefit of All Embracing Sixth Annual Car Giveaway
Thanks in part to a car giveaway incentive, United Way of Kershaw County is off to a good start toward the annual $775,000 goal, by year end. "For the sixth year, 12 lucky finalists will have a chance to win a new car, thanks to the generosity of Lugoff Automotive Group. As of September 8, we have 500 names in the hopper for the free car drawing to take place November 16, 2023 at Lugoff Ford." Lori Arledge, VP Resource Development To learn more about the car giveaway and annual campaign, United We Rise, visit the Campaign page.
Community Stepping Up For the Benefit of All Embracing Sixth Annual Car Giveaway
Thanks in part to a car giveaway incentive, United Way of Kershaw County is off to a good start toward the annual $775,000 goal, by year end. "For the sixth year, 12 lucky finalists will have a chance to win a new car, thanks to the generosity of Lugoff Automotive Group. As of September 8, we have 500 names in the hopper for the free car drawing to take place November 16, 2023 at Lugoff Ford." Lori Arledge, VP Resource Development To learn more about the car giveaway and annual campaign, United We Rise, visit the Campaign page.
"I'm So Blessed": Student Spends Hours Each Week Helping Younger Kids Improve Their Reading Skills
It’s all part of the Ready Readers Program in Kershaw County.
Author: Walker Lawson, WLTX
Published: 5:30 PM EDT March 28, 2023
KERSHAW COUNTY SC — A new program is helping students in the Kershaw County School District make sure students are reading at their grade level. The program is called “Ready Readers.” It's a partnership between United Way of Kershaw County and AmeriCorps, which aims to address classroom reading levels since students were home during the pandemic.
It kicked off in September and has only grown thanks to the help of students like Carolina Stuckey. “Honestly, I'm really blessed,” says Lugoff-Elgin High senior, Stuckey. She spends four days a week reading to 35 students at Jackson School, driving almost 50 miles round trip. “I thought, Okay! When I don’t have a full school schedule this would be fun to do. I'm very much a morning person, and the first week of having a late start, very late start, I didn’t like it as much and I needed something to do.'" Stuckey said. "I'm a very hands-on person. I looked at the Ready Readers and saw there are kids out there who need help reading and those who are a little bit behind and need to go forward and I said, 'Perfect, I'm right here.”
The program that caught Stuckey's eye, and gave her the opportunity to assist students, is one she says she needed when she was younger. “When I started out reading in elementary school, I wasn’t the greatest reader. I needed a little bit of a push from my peers, by my teachers, by those helpers. I thought 'Why not these kids that need that person?' I could be that person for them because I came from that,” Stuckey said.
The program currently has around 50 volunteers who come once a week. They also have 14 AmeriCorps members who are in nine elementary schools. Those wanting to volunteer can call United Way of Kershaw County at (803) 432-0951.
It’s all part of the Ready Readers Program in Kershaw County.
Author: Walker Lawson, WLTX
Published: 5:30 PM EDT March 28, 2023
KERSHAW COUNTY SC — A new program is helping students in the Kershaw County School District make sure students are reading at their grade level. The program is called “Ready Readers.” It's a partnership between United Way of Kershaw County and AmeriCorps, which aims to address classroom reading levels since students were home during the pandemic.
It kicked off in September and has only grown thanks to the help of students like Carolina Stuckey. “Honestly, I'm really blessed,” says Lugoff-Elgin High senior, Stuckey. She spends four days a week reading to 35 students at Jackson School, driving almost 50 miles round trip. “I thought, Okay! When I don’t have a full school schedule this would be fun to do. I'm very much a morning person, and the first week of having a late start, very late start, I didn’t like it as much and I needed something to do.'" Stuckey said. "I'm a very hands-on person. I looked at the Ready Readers and saw there are kids out there who need help reading and those who are a little bit behind and need to go forward and I said, 'Perfect, I'm right here.”
The program that caught Stuckey's eye, and gave her the opportunity to assist students, is one she says she needed when she was younger. “When I started out reading in elementary school, I wasn’t the greatest reader. I needed a little bit of a push from my peers, by my teachers, by those helpers. I thought 'Why not these kids that need that person?' I could be that person for them because I came from that,” Stuckey said.
The program currently has around 50 volunteers who come once a week. They also have 14 AmeriCorps members who are in nine elementary schools. Those wanting to volunteer can call United Way of Kershaw County at (803) 432-0951.
$1.1 Million Transportation Grant From Santee-Wateree RTA
Transportation Provides Access To Services Barriers Across The County
For many years, Kershaw County has searched for a solution to the challenge of providing transportation in our rural community. In order to expand our reach in the Kershaw County community, United Way of Kershaw County has secured over 1 million dollars in funding from Santee Wateree RTA (SWRTA) to provide health, hunger and social service-related transportation to all parts of Kershaw County.
"A huge thank you to the Health Services District of Kershaw County for investing in our United Way to provide targeted transportation services in Kershaw County for the past 2 years," said United Way of Kershaw County President, Donny Supplee. "Our experience and track record equipped us with needed resources and expertise to secure a $1.1 million grant from Santee-Wateree RTA."
United Way of Kershaw County began providing door-to-door rides to Kershaw County residents through United Way's Vehicle Access Network (VAN) program in January 2022. Through our partnership with One Carolina Transit, the VAN program has provided 16,155 rides to Kershaw County residents during the past year.
"With funding from the SWRTA, we will be able to expand upon our successful model and deliver a demand response service that is second to none," said Molly Kornegay VP of Operations at UWKC. "We look forward to expanding this partnership with SWRTA as a means to demonstrate how rural communities can successfully meet the transportation challenges that smaller communities face with transportation and access to services barriers."
In 2018, the Health Services District of Kershaw County conducted a needs assessment that identified access to care and services as a major barrier to people who were receiving medical care. Many people needed services beyond the typical trip to a physician, hospital or pharmacy as 80% of health determinants go beyond the realm of traditional medical care and reach into all aspects of the lives of people living in Kershaw County. It will no longer need to be the case that a person's zip code is the greatest predictor of health.
Corey Sweetenburg, Owner and CEO of One Carolina Transit, expressed his appreciation for the grant and partnership with United Way of Kershaw County. "I would like to thank the entire staff and drivers, past and present, for One Carolina Transit, LLC and the entire staff at United Way of Kershaw County who played a part in the process and success of the VAN program.
Beginning January 17, 2023, in concert with One Carolina Transit, the Health Services District of KC and SWRTA, our United Way of Kershaw County has become the lead transportation provider for all of Kershaw County. Our no cost ride services will continue to provide access to health and wellbeing throughout our county.
Past Board Chairman, Christopher McKinney Sr. stated, "Everything rises and falls on leadership! This was a herculean feat that required vision, bridge building, collaboration, tenacity, and leadership. This was exhibited by Donny when he started pursuing solutions many years ago. To echo Donny's comments, we are extremely grateful to the Health Services District of Kershaw County for seeing the vision and partnering with us to lay a foundation, and also to SWRTA for helping us further solidify the foundation and expand. Life has gotten a little bit better for Kershaw County residents."
Transportation Provides Access To Services Barriers Across The County
For many years, Kershaw County has searched for a solution to the challenge of providing transportation in our rural community. In order to expand our reach in the Kershaw County community, United Way of Kershaw County has secured over 1 million dollars in funding from Santee Wateree RTA (SWRTA) to provide health, hunger and social service-related transportation to all parts of Kershaw County.
"A huge thank you to the Health Services District of Kershaw County for investing in our United Way to provide targeted transportation services in Kershaw County for the past 2 years," said United Way of Kershaw County President, Donny Supplee. "Our experience and track record equipped us with needed resources and expertise to secure a $1.1 million grant from Santee-Wateree RTA."
United Way of Kershaw County began providing door-to-door rides to Kershaw County residents through United Way's Vehicle Access Network (VAN) program in January 2022. Through our partnership with One Carolina Transit, the VAN program has provided 16,155 rides to Kershaw County residents during the past year.
"With funding from the SWRTA, we will be able to expand upon our successful model and deliver a demand response service that is second to none," said Molly Kornegay VP of Operations at UWKC. "We look forward to expanding this partnership with SWRTA as a means to demonstrate how rural communities can successfully meet the transportation challenges that smaller communities face with transportation and access to services barriers."
In 2018, the Health Services District of Kershaw County conducted a needs assessment that identified access to care and services as a major barrier to people who were receiving medical care. Many people needed services beyond the typical trip to a physician, hospital or pharmacy as 80% of health determinants go beyond the realm of traditional medical care and reach into all aspects of the lives of people living in Kershaw County. It will no longer need to be the case that a person's zip code is the greatest predictor of health.
Corey Sweetenburg, Owner and CEO of One Carolina Transit, expressed his appreciation for the grant and partnership with United Way of Kershaw County. "I would like to thank the entire staff and drivers, past and present, for One Carolina Transit, LLC and the entire staff at United Way of Kershaw County who played a part in the process and success of the VAN program.
Beginning January 17, 2023, in concert with One Carolina Transit, the Health Services District of KC and SWRTA, our United Way of Kershaw County has become the lead transportation provider for all of Kershaw County. Our no cost ride services will continue to provide access to health and wellbeing throughout our county.
Past Board Chairman, Christopher McKinney Sr. stated, "Everything rises and falls on leadership! This was a herculean feat that required vision, bridge building, collaboration, tenacity, and leadership. This was exhibited by Donny when he started pursuing solutions many years ago. To echo Donny's comments, we are extremely grateful to the Health Services District of Kershaw County for seeing the vision and partnering with us to lay a foundation, and also to SWRTA for helping us further solidify the foundation and expand. Life has gotten a little bit better for Kershaw County residents."
Ride Service Now More Accessible In Kershaw County
After An Over $1 Million Grant To United Way Of Kershaw County, Transportation Is Expanding Across The County
Author: Walker Lawson, WLTX
Published: 7:09 PM EST January 26, 2023
KERSHAW COUNTY SC — Thanks to a $1 million grant from Santee Wateree RTA, United Way of Kershaw County has found a way to expand no cost ride services across the county. "We have served close to 16,000 rides over the course of our first year," said United Way's Vehicle Access Network (VAN) coordinator, Jennifer Jones. Jones said last year they received a grant to start the program, and quickly outgrew it as demand exceeded capacity. That led them to this larger grant, which puts 10 cars and 10 drivers across the county.
Santee Wateree RTA previously had bus routes across Kershaw County with Kershaw Connect, but that has since ended. This new grant will back up this new program. "This grant will allow the Vehicle Access Network to expand and serve more of the under-served communities and population of Kershaw County," Jones said. Jones said the added service will allow people without transportation to access doctor's appointments and take care of other important business. Jones said the majority of their calls and riders are coming from Cassatt and Bethune, and now that more drivers are out on the road, they can reach those people more quickly. "Now, I think we run around 65 trips, which is around 121 total trips per day, and what kind of advantage we have as opposed to having a fixed route, we can go door-to-door with the number of vehicles we have," said Carolina One Transit CEO Corey Sweetenburg. Sweetenburg said their vehicles include a fire extinguisher and first aid kits and their staff is trained at handling the equipment in case of an emergency.
Services are provided from 6am - 6pm seven days a week through reservation. They also add if those hours don't work accommodations are available.
After An Over $1 Million Grant To United Way Of Kershaw County, Transportation Is Expanding Across The County
Author: Walker Lawson, WLTX
Published: 7:09 PM EST January 26, 2023
KERSHAW COUNTY SC — Thanks to a $1 million grant from Santee Wateree RTA, United Way of Kershaw County has found a way to expand no cost ride services across the county. "We have served close to 16,000 rides over the course of our first year," said United Way's Vehicle Access Network (VAN) coordinator, Jennifer Jones. Jones said last year they received a grant to start the program, and quickly outgrew it as demand exceeded capacity. That led them to this larger grant, which puts 10 cars and 10 drivers across the county.
Santee Wateree RTA previously had bus routes across Kershaw County with Kershaw Connect, but that has since ended. This new grant will back up this new program. "This grant will allow the Vehicle Access Network to expand and serve more of the under-served communities and population of Kershaw County," Jones said. Jones said the added service will allow people without transportation to access doctor's appointments and take care of other important business. Jones said the majority of their calls and riders are coming from Cassatt and Bethune, and now that more drivers are out on the road, they can reach those people more quickly. "Now, I think we run around 65 trips, which is around 121 total trips per day, and what kind of advantage we have as opposed to having a fixed route, we can go door-to-door with the number of vehicles we have," said Carolina One Transit CEO Corey Sweetenburg. Sweetenburg said their vehicles include a fire extinguisher and first aid kits and their staff is trained at handling the equipment in case of an emergency.
Services are provided from 6am - 6pm seven days a week through reservation. They also add if those hours don't work accommodations are available.
