System News

Representatives from local nonprofit organizations gathered Thursday at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, united by a common goal: improving health and well-being for the most vulnerable members of the community.

Thanks to critical financial support from Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s Community Investment Fund, these organizations can expand essential programs that provide care to those in need.

This year, Roper St. Francis Healthcare doubled its investment in community partnerships, awarding $400,000 in grants to 57 organizations dedicated to enhancing health and well-being across the region.

“It’s an honor to be in a room full of people who extend their hearts into the community,” said Joseph DeLeon, president and chief executive officer of Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

The 2025 grant recipients were recognized during a celebration at the West Ashley hospital, one of four in the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system. These grants support initiatives that improve healthcare access and overall well-being throughout the Lowcountry.

“Providing healthcare is an enormous job that’s most impactful through collaboration,” DeLeon said. “We’re proud to support these incredible organizations, whose work aligns with our mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence.”

Dr. Thaddeus Bell, a Roper St. Francis Healthcare-affiliated family medicine physician and founder of Closing the Gap in Healthcare, expressed gratitude for the health system’s ongoing support. His nonprofit works to reduce health disparities and improve health literacy among African Americans and other underserved populations.

“Organizations like mine depend on funding like this to reach our communities,” Dr. Bell said. “Roper St. Francis Healthcare was one of the first to support and understand my vision. I’m grateful to be here 21 years later, receiving another grant to continue this work.”

Eric Jackson, a former Roper St. Francis Healthcare teammate and 2014 President’s Humanitarian Award recipient, also received a grant for R3, the nonprofit he founded while working in the operating room at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. His organization fosters educational and social development for Charleston’s at-risk youth.

“It’s an honor to receive this grant years later,” he said. “It reassures me that we’re still doing the work and making an impact.”

As part of its Strategic Plan 2030, Roper St. Francis Healthcare remains committed to addressing future clinical needs and expanding access to care, particularly for historically marginalized communities. Through its Community Investment Program, the health system continues to address critical healthcare needs and improve the quality of life beyond hospital walls.

Renee Linyard-Gary, assistant vice president of community health, emphasized the power of collaboration and encouraged organizations to participate in the ongoing Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies gaps in healthcare in Berkeley , Charleston and Dorchester counties and informs community health priorities for Roper St. Francis Healthcare, MUSC Health, Trident Health and Trident United Way.

“No single organization can do this work alone,” she said. “We assess needs together and by identifying common goals, we can move the agenda forward together.”

She expressed deep appreciation for the grant recipients and their work.

“Thank you for your strategic partnerships,” she said. “You are building safety nets for communities in greatest need—communities that would not know where to turn without you.”

2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS

A Second Chance Resource Network – The Pathways to Health and Equity for Justice-Involved Individuals program by A Second Chance Resource Network aims to promote health equity by providing education, resources, and peer support to justice-involved individuals. The program focuses on improving social determinants of health, facilitating successful community reintegration, and reducing recidivism through job training, financial literacy workshops, and healthcare navigation. By addressing both health and social challenges, the initiative seeks to empower participants and enhance overall community well-being.

AME Girl On The Move – The She Fed Them program by AME Girl On The Move focuses on providing essential resources, clothing, and temporary housing support to low-income and homeless individuals in the Lowcountry area of Charleston. Through community health fairs, outreach efforts, and educational workshops on healthy living and preventive care, the program aims to improve access to care and promote dignity and self-sufficiency. By distributing backpacks with survival necessities and partnering with local churches and businesses, the initiative helps individuals meet basic needs while connecting them to long-term support services.

AMOR Healing Kitchen – AMOR Healing Kitchen is a nonprofit organization in Charleston, SC, dedicated to providing Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) that are fully plant-based to individuals with chronic illnesses, starting with diabetes patients. Through collaboration with registered dietitians and healthcare professionals, the program aims to improve nutrition, promote healing, increase access to healthy food, and reduce healthcare costs by delivering customized, nutrient-dense meals to underserved communities.

Arc of the Lowcountry – The Horse-Powered Personal Growth program by The Arc of the Lowcountry provides individuals with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and advocacy skills through horse care and riding activities. By integrating personal development with therapeutic equine experiences, the program promotes community engagement, conflict resolution, physical activity, and healthy living, ultimately fostering long-term empowerment and inclusion.

Art Pot – The For a Healthy Latin Community program educates the Hispanic/Latino community on the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and disease prevention through virtual education, community meetings, and outreach campaigns. By fostering health leadership and cultural awareness, the program empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices, improve overall well-being, and promote healthier habits within their families and communities.

Beautiful Gate Center – The Beautiful Gate Center aims to expand access to behavioral health services for children and youth with developmental disabilities by training new Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and behavioral technicians. Through structured supervision, therapy, and clinical education, the program seeks to reduce challenging behaviors, improve communication skills, and enhance the overall quality of life for children and their families in the Charleston area.

Berkeley County First Steps – The Latine Lactation and Safe Sleep Support Initiative provides culturally and linguistically responsive lactation and safe sleep education to Latino families in rural Berkeley County. Through bilingual lactation consultations, educational events, and community celebrations, the program aims to reduce health disparities, improve infant feeding and sleep practices, and enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

Bridges of Hope – The Family Resource Care Packets program provides grieving children and caregivers with customized support, offering books, journals, and activities tailored to their specific loss. By delivering immediate assistance and connecting families to grief resources, the program helps children process their emotions in healthy ways while increasing participation in long-term grief support programs.

Camp Happy Days – The Family Financial Assistance Program provides direct financial relief to families facing pediatric cancer, covering essential costs such as housing, utilities, and travel for medical treatment. By alleviating financial stress, the program ensures that families can focus on their child’s health and maintain stability during treatment.

Camp Rise Above – Provides adaptive camp experiences for children and adults with serious medical illnesses and disabilities, offering recreational activities tailored to their needs. The program fosters confidence, independence, and social inclusion, ensuring these children experience the joy of summer camp in a medically safe environment.

Charleston County Parks Foundation – The Park and Play program brings recreational activities and nature education directly to underserved communities through mobile trailers equipped with fitness and learning tools. By providing accessible outdoor experiences, the initiative promotes physical activity, health equity, and community engagement in rural Charleston County.

Charleston County Public Library – The Yoga for Kids & Teens and Free and Fresh Fridges programs promote physical and mental well-being through movement and nutrition education. By offering free yoga sessions at library locations and providing fresh produce at community-accessible fridges, the programs increase access to healthy lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and foster long-term wellness habits for children, teens, and underserved communities.

Charleston Habitat for Humanity – The Innovative Affordable Homeownership Program Expansion creates transitional housing for low-income families awaiting the construction of their permanent homes. By providing safe, stable housing and financial education, the program helps families build a foundation for long-term homeownership while addressing housing insecurity and health disparities in the Charleston area.

Charleston Hope – The THRIVE program provides on-site behavioral health support and counseling services for students in Charleston’s Title I schools, addressing critical mental health challenges. By offering individual therapy, trauma-informed training for educators, and family engagement initiatives, the program fosters emotional resilience, academic success, and long-term well-being for underserved students.

Charleston Leaders – The Leader Academy engages high school sophomores in community leadership and career exploration, connecting them with local organizations in sectors like healthcare, government, and business. Through mentorship, site visits, and workforce development, the program fosters civic engagement and prepares students for future leadership roles.

Charleston Parks Conservancy – The Grow it Forward program leverages community gardens and South Carolina’s first public food forest to provide fresh, organic produce to food-insecure residents while offering education on urban gardening and nutrition. Through partnerships with local organizations, the initiative combats food insecurity, promotes environmental sustainability, and supports women’s mental health with flower donations to crisis organizations.

Charleston Promise Neighborhood – The KidsWell program provides school-based healthcare, mental health services, and chronic disease management to underserved students in Charleston. By reducing barriers to healthcare access, the program improves student health, decreases absenteeism, and enhances academic performance in economically disadvantaged communities.

Closing the Gap in Healthcare, Inc. – Increases health literacy and preventive care awareness among African Americans and underserved communities through radio, TV, and digital health education campaigns. By addressing misconceptions about healthcare and promoting wellness, it empowers individuals to make informed health decisions and advocates for increasing the number of Black healthcare providers in South Carolina.

Communities In Schools of South Carolina – The Peer Mental Health Initiative embeds full-time student support staff in schools to address mental health, social-emotional learning, and student well-being in low-income communities. Through peer-led mental health education and intervention programs, students are empowered to support one another, access resources, and build resilience against stress and trauma.

Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center – The Collaborative Community Response to Child Abuse (CCRCA) program provides forensic interviews, medical assessments, and trauma-informed therapy for children experiencing abuse. By offering mental health support and legal advocacy, the initiative reduces long-term trauma and strengthens child protection efforts in Charleston and Berkeley counties.

Equal Support & Accessibility Everywhere, Inc. (EASE) – Immersive Experience & Professional Development fosters inclusivity by educating professionals about challenges faced by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It offers ASL courses, accessibility workshops, and sensory simulations.

Every 1 Voice Matters – The Lil Herbie Series Coach Program helps at-risk children develop resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation through storytelling, coaching, and interactive activities, equipping them with lifelong coping skills.

Expanding The Table – The Mobile Meal Program provides hot meals and community resources to food-insecure and homeless populations in Summerville and Dorchester County, reducing hunger and connecting individuals to support services.

Feed Berkeley SC – Provides food-insecure families in Berkeley County with nutritious non-perishable items and fresh produce through structured weekly distributions. It fosters community support and reduces financial stress.

Florence Crittenton Programs of SC – Empowers pregnant and parenting teens by providing safe housing, prenatal care, and life skills training. It supports long-term stability through education, healthcare access, and financial literacy.

Four Rivers Outreach – The Senior Fitness & Nutrition Program is an eight-week wellness initiative offering nutrition education, exercise classes, and biometric health tracking for adults 55+. It reduces chronic disease risks and fosters social connection.

Fresh Future Farm – Expanding Food Access combats food insecurity by providing locally grown, affordable produce and heat-and-eat meals in underserved areas. It creates sustainable jobs, supports Black farmers, and promotes nutrition education.

G.A. Footman Foundation – The Community Wellness Initiative enhances nutrition, breast cancer awareness, and career readiness through a community garden, free cancer screenings, and job training, fostering long-term community resilience.

Greater Charleston Chapter of The Drifters – The CORALS Program mentors middle and high school girls in financial literacy, health education, and leadership development. Monthly workshops and professional speakers provide practical empowerment skills.

Green Heart Project – Farm to School Program. This initiative integrates school gardens and hands-on food education to teach students about nutrition, sustainability, and healthy eating habits. By engaging low-income schools and community partners, the program fosters healthy lifestyles, food security, and environmental responsibility among students.

Harbor of Hope – The Access to Hope Fund reduces financial barriers to mental health care by subsidizing therapy costs for individuals, couples, and families in the tri-county area. By expanding access to counseling services and reducing wait times, the program enhances community mental health and well-being.

Hope to Home Furniture Resource – The Furnishing Homes for New Beginnings initiative provides beds and essential home furnishings to families transitioning out of homelessness, domestic violence, or displacement. By ensuring safe, stable living environments, the program improves mental health, child development, and overall quality of life.

Humanities Foundation – Wellness Initiative for Senior Empowerment (W.I.S.E.) enhances the well-being of low-income seniors through fall detection technology, telehealth access, community engagement, and chronic disease management. By integrating preventive health services and social programs, the initiative promotes aging in place, safety, and independence.

Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día – Bienestar Para Todos: Latino Wellness Initiative improves health and wellness in the Latino community by offering health fairs, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screenings, and access to Spanish-speaking nutritionists and trainers. By promoting preventive care, nutrition education, and chronic disease management, the program enhances health outcomes and reduces healthcare disparities.

Landmark for Families – L.Y.G.H.T. Program The Listening and Led by Youth in Foster Care: Grief, Hope, and Transitions (L.Y.G.H.T.) Program provides grief counseling and mental health support for foster youth ages 12-23. By fostering emotional resilience, coping skills, and peer connections, the program helps youth navigate loss, trauma, and transition to stable adulthood.

Let’s Walk – Senior Walking Program Let’s Walk pairs trained volunteers with seniors to encourage safe outdoor walks, socialization, and improved physical activity in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. By reducing isolation and increasing mobility, the program enhances mental well-being and decreases hospital readmission rates for older adults.

Lowcountry Food Bank – BackPack Buddies & Food for Health  combats food insecurity in children and families by distributing nutritious weekend meals for students and providing fresh food to patients with chronic illnesses. By integrating nutrition education and healthcare partnerships, the initiative improves long-term health and reduces diet-related diseases in underserved communities.

Lowcountry Street Grocery – GroceryRx provides fresh, locally sourced groceries and nutrition education to individuals with chronic illnesses who also experience food insecurity. By offering dietitian-led counseling, virtual health classes, and free grocery deliveries, the program improves health outcomes, reduces disease risk, and promotes long-term wellness.

My Sister’s House – Domestic Violence Survivor Support provides housing, counseling, and long-term support to victims of domestic violence in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. By ensuring economic stability, mental health care, and access to legal resources, the initiative empowers survivors to build independent, violence-free lives.

RSFH Backpack Buddies – The Backpack Buddies program provides weekend meals to elementary school children in poverty-stricken areas, ensuring they have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. By reducing food insecurity, the program improves children’s ability to focus, enhances academic performance, and supports their overall well-being.

Sanctuary of Unborn Life – The SOUL Sisters Program supports pregnant and postpartum women by providing mentoring, case management, peer support, and housing assistance to ensure family stability. By addressing maternal health, behavioral health, and health equity, the program helps new mothers overcome financial and emotional barriers to care.

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity – The Keswick Drive Home provides affordable, stable homeownership for low-income families by building new homes with volunteer labor. By increasing housing stability and financial security, the initiative fosters healthier living conditions and long-term community well-being.

North Charleston Dental Outreach – The Beacon of Hope Campaign provides free and low-cost dental services to underinsured and uninsured individuals, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures. By addressing oral health disparities, the program improves overall health, reduces infections, and increases access to preventive dental care.

Operation Home – The Ramp a Month Program builds ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for low-income individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can safely enter and exit their homes. By enhancing mobility and independence, the initiative improves quality of life and prevents injuries.

Postpartum Support Charleston – Moms Supporting Moms is a peer-support program provides mental health resources, mentorship, and group counseling for new mothers experiencing postpartum challenges. By reducing isolation and improving maternal mental health, the initiative enhances family stability and child well-being.

Project Alive & Kicking – My Empowered Pregnancy Program provides free educational resources, mobile apps, and community outreach to empower expectant mothers with knowledge for a healthy pregnancy. By increasing awareness of prenatal care and reducing maternal health disparities, the program promotes better birth outcomes and maternal-infant health.

R3 Inc. – Eating for Education promotes nutrition education, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits among middle and high school students. Through gardening programs, cooking workshops, and health screenings, the program combats obesity and chronic disease in underserved communities.

Remnant House Outreach Ministry – The Road to Recovery Program is a 12-month recovery program that provides housing, substance use counseling, and job training for men overcoming addiction. By addressing mental health and economic stability, the initiative helps participants achieve long-term sobriety and reintegration into society.

The Lonon Foundation – The Family Resource Kit Program provides psychosocial and emotional support kits to children affected by a parent’s or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis, equipping them with age-appropriate materials to build resilience and coping strategies. By distributing these kits to schools, hospitals, and community centers, the initiative helps children navigate trauma and fosters emotional well-being during difficult times.

The Medi Inc. – The Medi Community Resource Center connects community members with essential health and social care resources through a centralized online database and referral system that addresses barriers to care and social determinants of health. By empowering individuals to access free and reduced-cost services, the initiative enhances health equity and strengthens community-based care networks.

Tri-County Play Collaborative – Play as Prevention program promotes outdoor play and interactive workshops to support the mental and physical well-being of young children, particularly in Black and Latino communities. By hosting bilingual play days, child care center activities, and caregiver education sessions, the initiative fosters healthy childhood development and mental resilience.

Shepherd’s Table – The Community Meal Program provides nutritious home-cooked meals and essential supplies to food-insecure individuals and families in North Charleston. By offering a welcoming space for community dining and personal support, the program reduces hunger and social isolation among vulnerable populations.

South Carolina Coastal Conservation League – GrowFood Carolina increases access to fresh, locally grown produce for underserved mothers and families through food donations and nutrition education. By partnering with Florence Crittenton and local farmers, the program ensures food security and promotes healthy eating habits among vulnerable communities.

The ARK of SC – Caregiver Support for Families Impacted by Alzheimer’s program provides respite care, support groups, and caregiver education to families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. By offering structured activities for patients and evidence-based training for caregivers, the initiative enhances caregiver well-being and promotes brain health.

The Beloved Early Education & Care Collective (BEE Collective) – The Perinatal Safe Spot Program offers holistic maternal and infant health support for Black, Brown, and rural communities, focusing on breastfeeding, mental health, and nutrition education. Through peer-led groups, crisis response, and childbirth education, the program reduces health disparities and strengthens family well-being.

Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. – The Sexual Assault Center Outreach Engagement program provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, and advocacy services for survivors of sexual assault in the Lowcountry. By offering prevention education, legal accompaniment, and outreach workshops, the initiative increases awareness, access to care, and community support for victims of sexual violence.

Wings for Kids – The WINGS Heart Smarts Program delivers a six-week social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum to elementary school students, helping them build emotional resilience and positive mental health strategies. By providing SEL lessons, family engagement tools, and mental health resources, the program supports students’ well-being and equips caregivers to reinforce healthy emotional development