Page 36 - Georgetown NCG 2019

Georgetown

Cares

INCLUSIVE, INSPIRATIONAL, MOTIVATIONAL

By Bonnie Hunter

Friendship
With more than 70 local nonprofits, it’s easy to see
the Georgetown community has its heart in the right place. Place
Here is a look at few of these amazing organizations and Understanding the True Meaning of Community
how they contribute to the greater good. Focused on the needs of each client, Friendship
Place is a Christian organization that has worked
with Georgetown County residents for more than
The Bunnelle 14 years. Grass-roots and focused on serving
Foundation A Local Philanthropy Institution the needs of citizens who are facing instability,
Friendship Place provides shelter to the homeless
and food to the hungry. The staff also assists people
The mission of the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation is based on the values of in a fight against poverty.
One of the programs offered, Georgetown
the late Mrs. Frances Bunnelle, who established the Foundation in 2000, just prior Eats, provides hot lunches Monday through
to her death. Her trustees took on her mission – to improve the quality of life for Friday to anyone who is facing food insecurities.
Georgetown County residents – and over the past two decades the Foundation has Volunteers prepare and serve a nutritious and cost-
distributed more than $26 million to worthwhile charitable causes throughout the effective lunch on “real” plates. Friendship Place
county through grants, partnerships and initiatives. is committed to running a safe, eco- and health-
The Foundation launched the Education to Career (E2C) initiative in 2016, conscience facility.
which strives to motivate and prepare Georgetown County’s youth for entering Another Friendship Place program is
the workforce. E2C is a strategy to help participants develop the character, Georgetown Works. Area businesses partner with
competencies, creativity and motivation required for traditional and new-economy the nonprofit to offer job training and placement.
jobs. Several projects under this initiative include the Pathways 2 Possibilities Each client has specific needs, and Georgetown
(P2P) Career Expo, an internship program in partnership with Coastal Carolina Works recognizes what is blocking the individual
University, a Technical Scholars program in partnership with Horry-Georgetown from maintaining employment and offers
customized support through available resources.
Technical College, and the Bunnelle Youth Board, which introduces high school The Friendship Place vision “is that all people
students to philanthropy and the responsibility that accompanies it. These projects should have the opportunity to move from crisis to
are meant to cultivate opportunity for the county’s youth and nourish the self-sufficiency.” By paying attention to the unique
area’s economy. circumstances of each client, the strategy goes
beyond giving a handout. Friendship Place believes
the citizen deserves a hand up.
Saint Francis
Animal Center Tara Hall

• Provides a safe and nurturing Home for Boys
environment for abandoned and
mistreated dogs and cats until they • Long-term residential school for neglected, troubled and abused boys – ages 6 years
can be placed in loving homes. and up – growing up in the state of South Carolina without a supportive or safe
• In 2017 and 2018, Saint Frances Animal home environment.
Center cared for more than 2,000 • Instills hope in their boys through a combination of care, structure, education and
animals each year. mind-broadening experiences.
• Raises awareness through public • Has a dedicated Family Services Coordinator who works closely with each family
education, community outreach through home visits, on-campus family workshops and ongoing communication.
and a wellness clinic.

34 Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce | 843.546.8436 | www.visitgeorge.com