Dec 1, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Lutheran Services Carolinas is opening a new refugee services program in Greenville, South Carolina. The new program will serve legal refugees from around the world, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders from Afghanistan, the allies who supported U.S. troops.
LSC will begin providing services as soon as new teammates are hired and office space is secured.
The expansion of services requests were approved by the U.S. Office of Population, Refugees, and Migration.
In collaboration with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), LSC has a long history of supporting refugees on their journey to self-sufficiency in this country, including welcome at the airport upon arrival, food and shelter, transportation, medical care, school enrollment, employment services, and cultural assimilation.
“LSC is excited to be able to expand to welcome and serve more refugees,” said LSC President and CEO Ted Goins. “We appreciate the hard work of our LSC Refugee and Immigrant Services team in putting together a winning application to expand our services.”
“It couldn’t come at a better time, as people are desperate for a safe home at the same time as the United States is suffering the greatest workforce emergency in modern history. South Carolina needs workers and refugees are eager to participate in the American dream.”
Based in Salisbury, NC, LSC currently operates refugee services programs in Columbia, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
“There has been a tremendous outpouring of support, especially for our allies from Afghanistan,” said Goins. “People are stepping up to love and serve our neighbors.”
To reach out to LSC’s refugee services programs in South Carolina, email SCrefugee@lscarolinas.net.
Contact: Katie Scarvey
Director of Communications
Lutheran Services Carolinas
704-202-0464
kscarvey@lscarolinas.net
Nov 29, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
At World Relief Upstate SC, we believe in welcoming and loving refugees and immigrants in the Upstate as our own and are eager to show hospitality to strangers from all backgrounds and countries. Part of a nationwide network of resettlement offices, we opened our doors in Greenville in 2015. Since that time, and in partnership with churches and other organizations, we have welcomed over 500 refugees to the Upstate. We have seen an increasingly diverse group of refugees coming through our office, with seven different countries represented in our resettlement numbers over the last three months alone. Most recently, we have had the opportunity to welcome a small number of Afghan families to the Upstate for the first time. While the Afghan crisis is arguably the most urgent, it highlights a broader refugee crisis in which over 27 million individuals have been forced from their homes. This is the highest number of displaced people since the end of World War II.
These displaced people are refugees who had to flee their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution for their faith, ethnicity, or other element of their identity. These are individuals who spend years waiting in transitional countries, such as refugee camps or neighboring cities, while the UNHCR and US Government conduct extensive vetting, including biometric checks, interviews, and health screenings. We recently welcomed four families from the Democratic Republic of Congo who had spent an average of 16 years in refugee camps waiting for the chance to start a new life. Many of the children have only ever known life in a refugee camp. After this waiting process, they are finally invited by the US Government to start a new life in the Upstate, and that is when we step in. Even before welcoming these families at the airport, we set to work in three primary areas: resettlement, employment, and education.
Resettlement
Over the past three months alone, our resettlement team has provided direct services to nearly 70 refugees. Through their work, we are able to help families and individuals secure affordable housing, apply for government benefits, obtain initial food and furnishings, and access appropriate healthcare. Through this support, our new neighbors are able to find their bearings and begin planning for a self-sufficient future.
Employment
We have also built up a network of local business partners, connecting refugees with job opportunities that align with their background. Not only does this allow for refugees to work and provide for their families, it is also helping meet a significant staff shortage in multiple sectors. For example, we recently established a partnership with SC Works and the Upstate Workforce Board to enroll our clients in a Russian-speaking Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program. We are proud of four participants so far who have earned their CDL through this collaboration and are able to start a new career.
Education
With over 60% of our recent arrivals being under the age of 18, we have been reminded of how important successful integration into the local school system is for the families we serve. Through our School Impact Program, over 30 refugee children have been connected with local schools in the Upstate since the beginning of the school year. By working directly with parents, students, and teachers, we are able to ensure each child receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially in their new schools.
We do not do this work alone, however. This is a community effort, and we have been so encouraged by the outpouring of support from businesses, churches, schools, and individuals over the past year. This was most recently highlighted when over 50 individuals and 10 organizations contributed to our Welcome Home Campaign in support of Afghans, Sudanese, Congolese, Ukrainians, and other nationalities who are making a new home in the Upstate. Together, we can create a community of welcome.
Brandon Baughn
World Relief Upstate SC
Office Director
Nov 17, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Circles Greenville County empowers families to exit poverty by providing them with tools, community resources, and relationships that enhance their lives and give them the support needed in order to thrive. Circles Greenville County is a chapter of Circles USA and was brought into the Greenville community through a partnership between SHARE Community Actions and Buncombe Street United Methodist Church in 2015. SHARE is a nonprofit Community Action Agency serving low-income households in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee Counties for more than 50 years.
Many believe poverty is just a lack of wealth, but at Circles, we know poverty is also isolation — a lack of meaningful relationships and support. Circles is based on research which shows low-income families must have strong social capital and human connections across class lines in their communities in order to exit poverty. We offer a community that provides individuals and families the emotional support, accountability, mentorships, and resources needed to help them utilize their strengths and overcome barriers in order to reach their goals.
Circles is unique in that it is not a service or benefit program. It is a community-wide solution to help support people out of poverty and begin the end of the cycle of poverty in the Upstate.
Become an Ally and join hands with us to end the Cycle of Poverty!
An Ally is a volunteer from the community that supports a Circles Participant, which we call a Circle Leader. As an Ally, your job is to listen, ask questions, make suggestions and provide encouragement. You’ll help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to reach their goals, and Circle Leaders will help you have a better understanding of poverty in your community.
Allies participate in training that exposes them to the realities of poverty and systems and gives them skills to navigate relationships and cultural differences. After training, Allies are matched up with a Circle Leader and become mentors to this individual or family. These relationships are supported by a staff member called the Circles Coach, and a community of volunteers, resource teams, which surround the Leader and their Allies with resources and aid.
Allies use their life skills and knowledge to help Circle leaders navigate through situations and barriers they may have never previously encountered, but the ally has experienced. Common situations that allies help with are budgeting, negotiating a raise at work, interviewing for a job, learning how to improve credit, or buying a home.
Other volunteer opportunities with Circles are also available!
Ally Testimonials:
R.W.- “You get to do life with someone and watch them work harder than they ever have, and accomplish more than they ever thought. You get to see God transform these people’s lives over the course of this time. It is a privilege to be there, and to witness that, and to watch them grow into what they hope to become.”
B.M.- “Circles has exposed me to economic and social circumstances which I knew existed, however, I now realize I did not really understand all the personal implications of generational poverty until I got in the Circles Program. Money alone will not break the cycle, it takes a community.”
G.K.- “Prior to Circles, I knew poverty from an intellectual perspective. Certainly, I cared; I gave and I prayed for those in need. Circles connected me to poverty emotionally. Now, I’ve made a life-long friend with my Circle Leader… a friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Would you like to get involved? We need Allies in Greenville and Anderson Counties.
Circles Greenville is hosting virtual informational sessions for the community and we would like to invite you to participate. In these sessions, you will learn about Circles and how our program works, get to hear from volunteers and participants, ask questions.
To register choose a date and click the link below…
*November 18th 6:30pm-7:30pm
https://circles1.eventbrite.com
*November 30th 12:30pm-1:30pm
https://circles2.eventbrite.com
*December 8th 6:00pm-7:00pm
https://circles3.eventbrite.com
*December 10th 1:00pm-2:00pm
https://circlesz4.eventbrite.com
Moving past one family at a time…
A solution to poverty exists. Circles Greenville believes the ultimate responsibility for poverty or prosperity in our community rests not only in the hands of individuals but within all sectors of our community. By engaging all segments of our community, people learn to see each other differently and to think in new ways about poverty and how to eradicate it. Our model focuses both on what individuals can do to change their situations and on what society can do to remove the barriers that stand in their way.
Nov 17, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
The South Carolina Children’s Theatre
By Margaret Butler
Take a stroll in downtown Greenville and you will see a vibrant array of new restaurants, businesses, and bustling construction sites. It’s clear that Greenville is growing and South Carolina Children’s Theatre is at the forefront of this growth. Led by the efforts of longtime Executive Director, Debbie Bell and Artistic Director, Matt Giles, SCCT’s focus on providing high-quality, multi-generational, and inclusive theatre makes it a company to watch.
SCCT has been impacting the lives of children since 1987. But most recently, the Theatre’s new multi-purpose venue, located at 153 Augusta Street, is making a huge mark on our community. With full-scale productions, professional theatre education and outreach, and thriving programs for schools, SCCT should be on your radar if it isn’t already.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre has an extensive selection of upcoming offerings, appropriate for all ages and interests. Now is the perfect time to get involved at SCCT.
2nd Stage Performance: Holiday Shenanigans with Jef!
Holiday Shenanigans with Jef! rings in the festive season with eye-catching spectacles and endless giggles. With impressive miming, juggling, clowning, and tricks, Jef’s show will put kids of all ages into the holiday spirit. Be ready for lots of audience participation and festive sing-a-longs!
Acclaimed variety artist, Jef Lambdin has performed at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC; Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, SC; the Very Special Arts Festival in Pembroke, NC; The Ocrafolk Festival on Ocracoke Island, NC; and The Children’s Festival in Hampton, VA. Jef has been praised for his ability to “zero in on the child who needs a lift,” his “boundless talent” and his “creativity with his routines.” Education Director, Betsy Bisson, says “We are thrilled to welcome Jef to SCCT because his physical comedy is largely accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience – it’s proof that you don’t have to grow up to be an adult.”
Holiday Shenanigans with Jef! has two public performances on December 1st and 2nd at 4:30 PM at SCCT’s Younts 2nd Stage, located at 153 Augusta Street. 2nd Stage Performances are an excellent way for young audiences to dip their toes into live theatre. Performed in a smaller, more intimate venue, children and families can enjoy high-quality performances at a lower price point of only $12 per ticket.
This lively and engaging introduction to performing, perfect for grades K3 and up, should not be missed!
Educational Offerings
Beyond productions, SCCT has a robust theatre education program. SCCT is currently enrolling for their Winter Mini-mester, a short 6-week session of specialty classes, beginning on January 9th. Traysie Amick, Principal Teaching Artist at SCCT sees the immense value of Theatre arts training for children. “It helps develop confidence and group-problem solving skills and provides a new context for students to explore their artistic side outside of family and school settings. Our Mini-mester is a great way to get a taste of the creative ways we approach learning without a major time commitment.”
SCCT is also the forerunner of Technical Education classes in the Upstate. Technical Theatre classes are led by industry professionals who have taught and worked everywhere from Flat Rock Playhouse to Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. “Our new facility provides an opportunity for students to get involved behind the scenes. Not all students like to be in front of the spotlight, but may find a creative outlet with our Technical Theatre offerings” says Betsy Bisson, SCCT’s Education Director.
To learn more and register for Winter Mini-mester classes, as well as Winter Break Workshops, visit their website.
Annie
Of all upcoming SCCT programming, perhaps most anticipated is the Tony Award-winning Musical, Annie. Set to take place on SCCT’s stage from Nov. 26th-Dec. 19th, this classic Depression-era story of a young, spunky, and optimistic orphan has stolen the hearts of audiences across America since its Broadway debut in 1977.
Producing Annie is “deeply special” for SCCT, who had to postpone opening their new facility due to COVID. Artistic Director Matt Giles says, “Annie is the story of finding home and finding where you belong.” And what better story to celebrate SCCT’s own homecoming?
Annie, co-directed by Matt Giles and Betsy Bisson, showcases the skills of nationally acclaimed radio talk-show host, Mike Gallagher (Daddy Warbucks), SCCT alum and previous Annie in the company’s 2008 production, Kenzie Wynne (Grace Farrell), and current SCCT talent, Ayden Woo (Annie.) The cast of 29 plus one dog, will knock your socks off and get you humming along to the memorable tunes of “Maybe,” “Hard-Knock Life,” “Tomorrow,” “N.Y.C.” and many more.
Tickets for Annie are $22 and the show runs for 13 performances, leading up to Christmas. Make sure to reserve your seats soon, as tickets are selling fast!
It Doesn’t Stop There!
SCCT is abuzz with activity and continues on after the new year with productions of Robin Hood, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat, and The Sound of Music, plus a plethora of exciting classes, workshops, and 2nd Stage Performances. There is always something going on at SCCT so make sure you tune into their website and social media outlets for updates or subscribe to their eblasts.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre 153 Augusta Street
864-235-2885
Website: https://scchildrenstheatre.org/ Instagram: @sc_childrenstheatre
Facebook: South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Nov 1, 2021 | Staying on Top, Uncategorized, UpstateVibe365
Scott Carr, Vice President-Commercial Business & Communications, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District
As we approach the end of 2021, we can look back on a very busy year for the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Despite the economic turmoil generated by the pandemic, your hometown airport has added new air service, further developed our air cargo capabilities, added new amenities, and invested millions of dollars in our facilities to better serve the community.
On November 17, 2021, Contour Airlines will begin new nonstop service to Nashville, TN. This is the second new airline and the fourth new nonstop destination introduced at GSP in 2021. At the same time, airlines have restored service to all routes that were temporarily suspended due to the pandemic. This brings nonstop service to a total of 22 destinations, the most ever in the airport’s history.
To accommodate returning passengers, we have re-opened restaurants and retail stores in the terminal building. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Flatwood Grill, Hudson News, the Escape Lounge, and Palmetto Distillery are now open for business. In addition, we have introduced QDOBA Mexican Eats to the Upstate. This new restaurant concept provides another fresh and trendy dining option in our Grand Hall.
We also recently introduced two Escape Pods on each of our passenger concourses. Escape Pods are private workspaces offering Wi-Fi, video conferencing, and a quiet place for travelers to conduct business. In 2022, we hope to introduce another exciting shopping and dining concept in our Grand Hall. Stay tuned for that upcoming announcement!
While passenger numbers have been reduced during the pandemic, we are experiencing a significant increase in cargo activity, particularly to and from international destinations. In 2021, cargo activity at GSP has increased by 56%, setting a record for cargo tonnage at the airport. In fact, GSP now ranks #20 in the U.S. in terms of international freight and accounts for $4.37 billion in trade value. As supply chains continue to be stressed, airlines are finding GSP to be a convenient alternative to other airports in the U.S. We expect this increase in cargo activity to continue well into 2022.
To ensure that the airport remained positioned to serve the region’s needs once air travel demand returned, work has continued on several significant capital improvement projects. In August 2021, we completed work on improvements to the airport entrance road and construction of a new 1,500-space economy parking lot. A project to upgrade roadway directional signage is now underway and should be completed by the end of the year.
In November 2021, we will bring back shuttle service between the terminal and our economy parking lots. This service was suspended when passenger traffic declined in 2020.
In addition, we recently launched a new program to allow travelers to pre-book airport parking on the GSP website. This program provides customers with discounts on parking, rewards points, and is a way to guarantee a parking space in the lot of their choice. Travelers can also earn free parking at GSP after parking with us for just 10 days. More information on pre-booking and rewards can be found at gspairport.com/parking.
Maintaining a high level of safety, convenience, and efficiency has been and continues to be our priority. Our goal is to always provide a better airport experience for our customers. That is why we were honored to be recognized with the Airports Council International – Airport Health Accreditation. The Airport Health Accreditation is an international recognition earned by airports that demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest level of health, safety, and facility cleanliness to their customers, employees, and business partners. GSP is the first airport in South Carolina to receive this accreditation. This accreditation comes just a few months after GSP was recognized as the “Best Airport in North America” serving 2-5 million passengers annually.
Currently, GSP is handling approximately 80% of the passenger volume generated in 2019. As our journey to recovery continues, we see a very bright future for GSP and Upstate South Carolina travelers. Your hometown airport remains committed to providing the region with a safe, clean, efficient, and modern airport offering quality air service connections to the people and places that matter most to you. Thank you for supporting GSP and we hope to see you on your next flight!
Oct 29, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Sustaining Way is a community based nonprofit that uses education, collaboration, and advocacy to create sustainable, caring and equitable communities for current and future generations. In order to accomplish this mission, Sustaining Way’s demonstration and educational site, Annie’s House, is located in the Nicholtown community at 60 Baxter St, Greenville just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Current programs and projects include:
Annie’s House
Annie’s House demonstrates the feasibility of living more sustainably. Food and energy costs create a burden for many. Sustaining Way seeks to leverage partners to improve food access, education opportunities, and home energy efficiency, bridging the gap between people care and environmental stewardship. This demonstration site is our base of operations and food grown here is distributed through our programs.
Community Coordinator Program
Community coordinators are in rotating positions and live at Annie’s House and lead programs. During their time at Annie’s House, the coordinators develop relationships with residents and work to understand and meet community needs in a sustainable manner. They do this either through direct support, such as giving away or selling produce at a discounted price or by connecting residents and community organizations to other partners.
Steward Youth Program
The Steward Education Program provides a sustainability-focused leadership curriculum for youth. Coordinators facilitate opportunities for topic experts to teach and mentor participants. The Steward Fellowship Program provides paid development opportunities for high school-age youth at Annie’s House and within the surrounding community. Additionally, our Steward Leader Program is an intensive program that provides hands-on education and mentorship to the youth that has a passion for sustainable community development and desire to drive change in their community.
Community & Backyard Garden Program
Sustaining Way launched a Backyard Garden Program to increase local, fresh food access in Nicholtown. Backyard gardens can address accessibility and affordability concerns related to healthful, seasonal, and culturally significant foods. Through a living classroom of a backyard garden, individuals learn experientially about the environmental benefits of a more localized food system. Individuals also can attend Gardening Workshops that will connect them to other participants. This network of Backyard Garden participants fosters a culture of sustainable gardening and a strong community network of resource sharing
Covid 19 Response – Meals and Masks Distribution
As the economic fallout of COVID-19 took its toll on the Nicholtown Community, Sustaining Way teamed up with the Nicholtown Neighborhood Association and Project Host, a nonprofit that feeds the hungry in Greenville, to provide emergency assistance to residents. Our collective efforts work to ensure that any community member in need can pick up a free nutrient-dense prepared meal, fresh produce, staples and face masks.
Energy Home Visit Program
Sustaining Way launched the Energy Home Visit Program to support residents in Nicholtown in reducing energy bills and energy consumption. This program offers free home energy efficiency evaluations and basic upgrades to homes. Those in the program are also advised and connected to additional resources to further reduce energy usage.
Asset Mapping
Sustaining Way’s asset mapping project is an engaging, visual display of the community resources and assets serving the Nicholtown community. The map developed in collaboration with the Nicholtown Neighborhood Association will include resources for small businesses, faith, food, housing, crisis assistance, education and employment, health, recreation, financial, social justice, environmental and energy resources.
Additionally, Sustaining Way offers monthly open house educational events and weekly volunteer and service learning options. With over 60 community, business, academia, and other philanthropic, non-profit partners, Sustaining Way is working to improve the lives of residents in under-served communities.
Sustaining Way is the 2021 recipient of the ForeverGreen Award for Environmental Equity and Justice and has received the 2019 “Angel Award” by South Carolina Secretary of State for fiscal stewardship. To read further, visit our website at www.sustainingway.org.
