Nov 18, 2021 | Press releases, Staying on Top
Greenville, SC [November 18, 2021] – Ten at the Top (TATT) hosted their 11th Annual Celebrating Successes event yesterday, November 17th, at the Greenville Convention Center. During this event, Representative Rita Allison, Neal Workman, and Clemson University were honored for their contributions to enhancing the Upstate region. Allison received the Burdette Leadership Award while both Clemson University and Workman were recognized with the Welling Award for Regional Collaboration.
Celebrating Successes is an annual event presented by BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina. Ten at the Top annually hosts public forums, workshops, and other events across the Upstate on issues of regional significance with the overarching goal of building consensus, encouraging regional thinking, and enabling leaders to set aside parochial priorities in order to address critical challenges and visualize opportunities for the future.
This marks the sixth year of the Burdette Leadership Award, which is given in recognition of Carol Burdette, the first female chair of Ten at the Top. This award honors women who have both served and led across the Upstate. Previous recipients of the Burdette Award are Dr. Fay Sprouse, Beth Padgett, Minor Shaw, Dr. Becky Campbell, and SC Representative Chandra Dillard. Allison is currently in her second stint as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives having originally served as the representative for House District 36 from 1993 to 2002. She was reelected to the seat in 2008 and is currently the chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee.
The Welling Award for Regional Collaboration, named after Ten at the Top founding chairman Irv Welling, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated longstanding involvement in encouraging collaboration across jurisdictional and stakeholder boundaries. Previous recipients of the Welling Award include Erwin Maddrey, Phil Hughes, GSP International Airport, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Michelin North America, Dean Hybl, Minor Shaw, Carol Burdette, Rick Danner, Terence Roberts, and Bobby Hitt.
Workman, the founder of Trehel Corporation, was recognized for his decades long service to collaborative organizations across the Upstate. He has been a member and officer for multiple Chambers of Commerce in the region and was involved in starting the Oconee Economic Alliance. Workman is also a founding board member of Ten at the Top and served as the second chairman of the organization in 2012-2013.
Founded in 1889 as a public land-grant university in South Carolina, Clemson University has long been a catalyst for collaborative partnerships that enhance economic vitality and quality of life across the Upstate region and state of South Carolina. In recent years, efforts including the creation of CU-ICAR and partnerships with the Greenwood Genetics Center have increased the role of Clemson as a leader around key Upstate issues. In addition, the graduate program for City & Regional Program was instrumental in providing Ten at the Top with data and guidance when developing the Our Upstate Vision created during the first two years of the organization and still used today as part of TATT’s strategic plan.
“Last year’s event was virtual, with a different spin on it as we honored unsung heroes, so we are incredibly grateful to honor these deserving award recipients in-person. These leaders are very important to our Upstate community, and it is a privilege to recognize their hard-work, leadership, and commitment to our region at our annual event,” said Dean Hybl, Executive Director of Ten at the Top.
About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.
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 5, 2021 | Staying on Top
Welcome
Terence Roberts, TATT Chairman
GSP International Airport Update
Scott Carr, GSP International Airport
Click here for the presentation. Click here for the video recap.
Links to Terminal Building Expansion videos:
Questions:
- Are there plans to rename the expanding airport? – There has been no discussion of name change from what it is today.
- It seems like the airport is at 80% of capacity compared to pre-COVID – how does that compare to national average? – GSP is right where they need to be compared to the national average and other small regional airports.
Resource Update
Michael Brown, Sustaining Way – Sustaining Way is a community-based non-profit that uses education and collaboration to keep communities affordable, care for the environment, and care for its people. Seek to come into a community, based on invite, locate a property to bolster and create a living-learning opportunity in the neighborhood. Areas of Sustainability: food and landscape, energy and energy efficiency, consumption and waste, healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability.
Steve Mims, Alston Wilkes Society – AWS is in Columbia, SC based organization with a footprint around the state that covers youth homes, transitional houses, and re-entry programs that connect veterans to affordable and sustained housing. Case managers work with these veterans to secure employment, staying connected to VA services, and avoid isolation while maintaining strong relationships to meet veterans’ needs.
Adjourn
Terence Roberts, TATT Chairman
Nov 5, 2021 | Creating a Safer Upstate, Safer Upstate
Creating a Safer Upstate
November 2, 2021
Watch a video of the presentation here.
Speakers
Chief Matt Hamby, City of Greer
Chief TJ Chaudoin, City of Greenwood (c:864-992-7304)
Chief Howie Thompson, City of Greenville
Community Leaders
Dr. Toney Parks, Senior Pastor at Mt. Sinai Baptist, and Chaplain to Greenville City Police
Mayor Terence Roberts, Mayor of Anderson, and Board of Directors Chair of TATT
Keishe Nelson, Credit Manager at Michelin Community Volunteer
Challenges to Hiring, Recruiting, Training
Chief Chaudoin
Recruiting
- Relying more on communities
- Focus on minorities
- It’s a competitive market
- Develop open dialogue with council persons in each zone
- Reduce turnover
- The hiring process takes six months, including:
- First application
- Panel interview
- Psychological evaluation
- Nelson Denney Test
- Polygraph
- Physical
- Conditional offer
- Academy
- PTO training program for 7-8 months
How have they been recruiting
- Minority campaigns partnered with Army, Army PAYS program, first black female applicant currently in process, veterans to top of pool
- Hiring workshops at convention center, with physical agility test
- Hosted African American men ___org) at range
- Yard signs in neighborhoods
- Find Value Be Valued campaign, hired eight with previous experience
Chief Thompson
Some of the minimum standards set by state law (an average of 6% of applications received are eligible):
- At least 21 years old
- Citizen
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- SC driver’s license
- No driver’s license suspensions
- No felonies, crimes of moral turpitude
- Good credit history
Chief Hamby
Studies show that 29% of officers leave within first year of being hired nationally. An additional 40% leave the professional within 5 years. 8-20% stay to reach retirement. According to the SC Academy, in five years, 50% of the class is no longer in law enforcement after graduation.
Creativity is required in retention. Opportunities in Greer are available to:
- Work toward being detective
- Become a school resource officer
- Work toward the K-9 Team or drone team
- Participate in cross-training,
- Receive private vendor training
- Play a role in future planning and be part of a team
Recruiting
- Greer offers a cash incentive to current officers to recruit – $500 for new hire plus $500 at end of probation period
- College kids from Citizen’s Academy, from Greenville Tech, North Greenville University, Bob Jones, Anderson, and Furman
- Develop relationships early, tour, take to lunch, ride alongs
Community Leader Q&A
Pastor Parks
What is the plan to encourage Latinx population?
Chief Chaudoin
Become actively involved in the community to build relationships for the future
Chief Thompson
Largest growing population in Greenville
Partnered with Hispanic Alliance job fairs
Aside-15% of the department is female
Chief Hamby
Focusing on all minorities and getting them to apply
Mayor Roberts
How can elected officials help with recruiting and retention?
Chief Chaudoin
Bring elected officials along into communities
Focusing on recruiting next generation of hires
Chief Hamby
Provide leads of interested parties
Chief Thompson
Invite us to speak even to events you might not think are related
Keishe Nelson
What training has been implemented to counter tragedies?
Chief Chaudoin
Outside agency oversight through national accreditation
Increase training budget
Specialize in communication and de-escalation
Chief Thompson
Review policies to ensure up to date
Repetitive training on simulators
Biased based training
Chief Hamby
Emotional intelligence training – entire staff
Crisis interventional training by NAMI
What has been learned from open dialogue in communities?
Chief Chaudoin
Everyone learns about each other; community understands force, office understands community concerns
Chief Thompson
New NET Team (neighborhood engagement team)
Goal – promote safety, prevent crime, enhance quality of life, neighborhood led
Chief Hamby
Every department relies of community support
With removing someone’s freedom comes heavy responsibility, so a high level of trust must be obtained by getting to know each other outside “business” dealings
Builds trust and understanding
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.
Oct 29, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
The mission of the Alston Wilkes Society is Rebuilding Lives for a Safer Community. Founded in 1962 by the Reverend Eli Alston Wilkes, AWS began its service by working with currently incarcerated individuals to provide them the tools and resources needed to become productive members of their community. Since that time, our programs have grown to include at-risk youth and adults, Veterans and their families, and those currently or formerly involved with the justice system.
AWS operates a high-management youth home, four Residential Reentry Centers, two transitional facilities for homeless Veterans, eight statewide community service offices, and two offices providing Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). These programs and facilities provide counseling and assistance to our clients that include housing counseling services, personal financial planning, transportation services, income support services, and legal services.
Our high management youth home works with children who are referred by approved State agencies and are transitioning back to a familial setting. As with all our facilities, individual, group, and family therapy sessions are offered to our residents. The children attend school locally and also have GED, trade, and technical school programs available to them. They receive 24-hour supervision from our staff, who are trained in providing therapeutic care to children. In the year 2020, this program was able to assist 45 children with family reunification.
Alston Wilkes’ residential reentry programs partner with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to assist individuals returning from federal incarceration as they transition back to their community. Our residential reentry centers provide housing, food, and intensive case management to residents as they work to secure employment. Research has shown that the number one cause of recidivism is financial insecurity, and the counseling provided by our facilities help keep South Carolina among the nation’s leaders in reduced reoffender rates.
The Community Service programs operated by AWS provide similar services to individuals who are currently incarcerated or have recently returned from incarceration in State facilities. Community Service offices are located throughout South Carolina, and our Community Service Coordinators also assist the homeless and at-risk populations in their community. By offering these services, we are able to reduce crime in our community by lowering recidivism rates and helping our clients become law-abiding, tax-paying citizens.
Our two Veterans Facilities are located in Columbia and Greenville and are partnered with the VA to help provide housing and care to homeless Veterans in South Carolina. These facilities also provide After Care assistance to ensure that the Veterans who have completed our residential program are able to maintain the security and stability they need to remain self-sustaining and productive members of their community. Over the past year, our transitional facilities have helped 155 homeless veterans get off of the streets in South Carolina.
One of the core beliefs in our agency is that the “golden rule” will always lead you in the right direction. When we work to give members of our community a second chance, we’re offering them the same support and care that we would want offered to us. The success of the Alston Wilkes Society is measured by how we meet our responsibilities to clients, volunteers, investors, partnerr agencies, and each other. To learn more about the Alston Wilkes Society, please visit alstonwilkessociety.org or call 803-799-2490.
Oct 22, 2021 | Staying on Top
Welcome
Dean Hybl, Executive Director
Congressional Update
The Honorable Jeff Duncan, U.S. House of Representatives, South Carolina District 3
You can watch the remarks from Congressman Duncan in the session video here.
Resource Update
Cheryl Garrison, Launch Greenville – Launch GVL is a partnership program between the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Greenville County Schools to connect high school junior and seniors to offer paid career opportunities. This is to create a talent pipeline for employers and allows students to clarify their career goals while making money.
Questions:
- How many students are in each cycle? Anywhere between 20-40
- Are there kids who are doing virtual work to adjust to the times? Some companies are doing hybrid but most want the student to have a connection to the work space.
Adjourn
Dean Hybl, Executive Director
Oct 20, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Written by: Cheryl Garrison
Businesses face a lack of available talent with the skills needed to meet ever-evolving employment demands. Unemployment and labor force participation rates are low. Continuing workforce challenges require creative solutions. LaunchGVL is one such solution.
LaunchGVL connects business, industry, education, and youth. LaunchGVL was born in 2017 when a Greenville County Schools (GCS) high school principal approached Greenville Chamber leadership about facilitating connections between area businesses and students. LaunchGVL operationalizes this concept across sixteen Greenville County high schools, four career centers, and adult education.
LaunchGVL is part of Greenville County School’s work-based learning (WBL) continuum. WBL provides work experience integrated with identified core academic coursework, career and technical education curricula, or electives to support strong secondary and postsecondary education opportunities. WBL encompasses internships, co-ops, youth apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships. Students enhance their knowledge, technical skills, and 21st century work skills through participation in supervised, paid, work-based learning experiences that are not possible to replicate inside classroom walls, preparing them to enter the workforce, military, and/or pursue postsecondary education.
LaunchGVL, while young, is gaining brand recognition. Youth economic mobility and post-secondary skill development is improved through paid WBL opportunities. The LaunchGVL website provides easy access for business to engage and for students and parents to view positions. Once registered, companies complete paperwork with Greenville County Schools. Recruitment of students takes place year-round with interviews held several times throughout the year.
According to Forbes Magazine (and Pew Research), today’s young adults (between the ages of 15-21) are the least work-connected generation in decades. They are much less likely to have had a paid summer job or to have been employed in the last year compared to every previous generation for which data exists. Students need to connect earlier with employers to ensure successful engagement in and completion of their high school education. This positions the student for additional success as they launch their educational or career journeys.
The Greenville Chamber’s vision is of a globally competitive Upstate economy where businesses succeed and people prosper. Despite the affluence and economic opportunities in Greenville, too many of our citizens are not enjoying prosperity. This year in Greenville County Schools, 59.8% of students are pupils in poverty. Let that statistic sink in. To break poverty cycles and increase labor force participation rates, businesses, education entities, and citizens need to find new ways to engage and LaunchGVL is one such option.
Economic mobility is a clearly identified issue in Greenville County as presented by Raj Chetty’s Equality of Opportunity Project. This national study found that a child born in Greenville County to the bottom quintile of family income has only a 4.7% chance of reaching the top quintile. For a black child, that chance is less, only a 2.9% chance, and for a black male, it is even less with only a 1.9%. Young people beginning their lives in poverty in Greenville have a much more difficult time in reaching economic parity with the mainstream. The development of post-secondary skills can help mitigate this disparity.
LaunchGVL directly helps students network with business/industry representatives, increasing their social capital. All LaunchGVL experiences are paid. Many high school students must work to meet financial needs. Participants are often able to continue work with their placement companies after high school and, sometimes, during college and beyond. Furthermore, employers are increasingly seeking new hires that have this valuable experience.
For the student, WBL strengthens career awareness, workplace readiness, and personal development. Experiences are structured to give the student extensive practice in applying fundamental technical and practical knowledge as well as developing skills needed to create a career mindset for a lifetime of growth and development. Former LaunchGVL students recently shared the impact the program had in their lives.
“I learned many skills I wouldn’t have anywhere else. Experience is the best teacher.” Chloe Penaflor
“I will never forget the experience and how amazing it was to feel a part of something larger than myself.” Jay Smith
“I help conduct research, do reports and spreadsheets and graphics for the effluent flows for the facility systems. The different responsibilities at ReWa as the Business Continuity Services Intern have helped me learn how to be an adult and having those social skills is something I can definitely take with me into my career as a climate change analyst”. Kennedy Williams
For employers, connecting with students early allow them to train their future workforce today, create a pipeline of talent, to help meet current and future employment needs.
“We have 6 students, 4 in production working with CNC machines and the other 2 are in maintenance. We have been impressed with all the students and highly recommend other companies get involved with the program”. Dan Martin, plant manager at ABB Mechanical Power Transmission
LaunchGVL has grown steadily with 68 companies hiring 193 students since summer 2018. Several students have been hired full-time upon graduation while others have continued employment long-term. We track wages earned by students and are putting systems in place to follow students long-term to determine impact.
The Greenville Chamber Foundation supports students, employers, and the education process by removing barriers to employment. Generous grants have been received from Bank of America, Truist, and United Way. Accelerate (Greenville Chamber’s private sector-fueled economic development initiative) supports LaunchGVL as a key component of its talent and workforce strategy.
This year, two Greenville Chamber programs began a new partnership. LaunchGVL and Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) graduate companies have come together to give Opportunity Youth the chance to connect with minority, women, and veteran owned businesses to create both employment and mentorship opportunities. We are excited about the positive outcomes this new initiative within LaunchGVL is providing.
The goal is to grow both student and employer participation in LaunchGVL. WBL is a heavy lift for all involved, but the impact is well worth the investment. By continuing to connect business and non-profits with students, we have a unique opportunity to create an ecosystem of on the job learning that begins in high school and extends to college and beyond.
We encourage all businesses in the region to consider providing an opportunity now for their future workforce. To learn more about LaunchGVL, go to www.launchgvl.org or contact Dr. Cheryl Garrison at cgarrison@greenvillechamber.org. Be a part of growing a greater Greenville through LaunchGVL.
