Becky Francis Dignity Project

The Becky Francis Dignity Project is an effort to help our homeless neighbors and those without access to running water in their homes access a shower and laundry facility. This is a 24 ft self-contained trailer that has 2 shower stalls (1 ADA compliant), laundry machines, a 400-gallon water tank, a water heater, and a generator.


The trailer can be located almost anywhere. It can even be employed for all residents in the event of a natural disaster. The mission is to reach out to those in need, allowing them to regain and retain their dignity, and helping them reintegrate into society. The project is being operated by the United Way of the Low Country, working with partner agencies to reach as many of our neighbors in need as we are able. We are asking for a donation to help with the cost of perishables. Items like towels, underwear, soap, toothbrushes, razors, and the like.

Nominated by Marc Stuckart EIN 58-0405847

Osprey Village

When Osprey Village Inc. formed in 2008, the founders aimed to create safe neighborhoods for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Initially focused on their own adult children, they soon realized the immense need in the Lowcountry. As word spread, inquiries poured in from across the country, transforming their vision from a few homes to full neighborhoods.

Nominated by Matt Huber. EIN# 26-2967726

SOAR


In 2016, Kathy Cramer, a dedicated special education teacher, saw a need for recreational opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Lowcountry. Starting with 53 athletes, Soar has grown into a vibrant community serving over 450 athletes across Beaufort and Jasper Counties. The recognition of Special Olympics as a school sport by Beaufort County and Jasper County marked a significant milestone in our journey. This designation not only facilitated transportation during the school day but also opened doors for after-school participation, mirroring the opportunities presented in traditional sports.

Nominated by Pam

Operations Patriot Forward Operating Base

OPFOB‘s Mission is to help save lives of our local veterans. Sadly, we lose 22 veterans every day to suicide. We have lost 4X the number of post 9/11 veterans to suicide (30,000) than on the battlefields (7,000). We have lost between 50,000-100,000 Vietnam veterans to suicide. OPFOB is the only facility in The Lowcountry offering recreational therapy for veterans and their families to deal with PTSD, the scars of battle, nightmares, etc.. Within a 90 minute drive of our 268 acre facility, there are 114,000 veterans. We are all volunteers; zero payroll; our facilities and services are totally free of charge to our veterans and their families. Since our inception in July 2020, thankfully we have not had one of our veterans who has been to OPFOB commit suicide.

Nominated by Steve Caywood. Presented April 2022

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers

Often, to create access to something, you must clear a path and remove obstacles. At Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, that is the mindset we have when making sure everyone has access to quality legal representation. We are here to help our clients remove the obstacles in their paths and achieve the best possible outcomes. EIN#56-2202319

Nominated by David Ruckno

LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth

The LCAHY brings together representatives from the community sectors (see Community Board) to develop a comprehensive solution to preventing and reducing youth substance use and abuse and related risk behaviors by 1) identifying the causes/conditions that put our youth at risk and 2) identifying protective factors/strategies that will prevent our youth from engaging in substance use/abuse and related risk behaviors

https://www.lcahealthyyouth.com

Nominated by David Martin, Presented Jan 2024

Memory Matters

Since 1997, Memory Matters’ staff have provided memory care to Lowcountry families with compassion and understanding. Today, Memory Matters continues that care but has enhanced its service to educate the community, of all ages, on what can be done to keep the brain healthy, and what can be done to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It’s a balance of brain health education and memory care services. We are unique in the Lowcountry, and our expertise is unsurpassed. Memory Matters serves individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, caregivers, family and friends, and health professionals.

Nominated by Kelley Jewett Awarded Jan 2024

Hilton Head Hospital Auxiliary

HHIAux was nominated by Bob Elliott as a local opportunity to be selected in one of our next meetings. The Hilton Head Hospital Auxiliary provides communication and support for our nearly 200 volunteers and through our fundraising efforts, we assist people and families in our communities who are most in need.

Auxiliary programs have had a significant impact on thousands of people over the years.  Most importantly, our Nursing Scholarship Program is helping to address the nursing shortage which currently exists in the U.S, state of South Carolina, and Beaufort County. 

Awarded February 2022

Boys and Girls Club

There is no silver bullet to success. It takes an army of people, a safe environment, high-quality programs and unique experiences to level the playing field for all kids. Boys & Girls Clubs don’t just do one thing, we do whatever it takes to build great futures for America’s young people.

Nominated by Brian Burke, Presented May 2024

Awarded July 2021