SC Thrive releases details about their incredible achievement of providing one billion dollars in benefits & services.
Columbia SC—If you needed or were seeking a reason to be proud again, SC Thrive’s Annual Training themed, “Thrive Together” took place this week. Kicking off the 14th year of providing an annual training for professionals working in the nonprofit industry was Dr. Patrick Jinks who bestowed the beginning keynote presentation with a flawless motivational message reminiscent of a Ted Lasso locker room huddle.
The audience was guided by Dr. Jinks’ inspirational journey of becoming an advocate to help family members locate their ancestor’s gravesites and gravestones. His gifted storytelling with his presentation titled “Confessions of a Grave Hunter,” helped us understand the importance of pondering and taking action on questions like, “Am I being the person I want to be right now?” and “How and where can I add value in the world?”
During the opening session, the audience of over 300 attendees was the first to hear that SC Thrive had reached a major milestone, the organization has amassed the enormous accomplishment of providing 1 billion dollars in benefits and services to South Carolinians. Accompanying this announcement were two exquisitely prepared impact videos, produced by Inspire Agency, highlighting the organizations’ long list of community partners and showcasing SC Thrive’s acumen for leveraging relationships and assets for the betterment of South Carolinians.
As a way to celebrate this huge triumph, Juliette Bogus, SC Thrive’s Board Vice Chair presented to SC Thrive’s CEO, Tricia Richardson, a proclamation prepared by Governor Henry Dargan McMaster. Tricia who shies away from surprises, was visibly touched and appreciative of this beautiful gesture. Tricia stated, “I love that we get to host such amazing people each year and bring together our wonderful program partners during this annual conference. It is a great way to connect and learn together.”
Since its inception over 14 years ago, SC Thrive and their partners have served more than 530,000 South Carolina households by connecting those in need with food security, senior programs, healthcare access, mental wellness resources and financial support.
The planning and implementation of a conference of this size takes a dedicated, creative, and organized staff and leading this initiative is the dynamic duo of SC Thrive’s Chief Financial Officer, Allie Boykin and Chief Development Officer, Stephanie McGuire. Allie was thrilled to see so many moving parts come together. Allie stated, “The planning for this event takes months, but every second is worth it when I see all the connections happening in the rooms and during the breaks!” Stephanie chimed in and declared how proud she was of the team, their work ethic, and how much they care about their community and their coworkers, “I feel so blessed to have this position and to work with so many talented individuals at SC Thrive!”
Other feel-good moments occurred during breakout sessions where attendees learned of new funding opportunities ahead with the State Digital Equity Grant Programs. An engaging presentation by Mary Dell Hayes, filled the audience in on the state’s digital equity plan goals. She highlighted the importance of working together to increase digital literacy throughout South Carolina, especially for rural communities and for persons who have economic challenges and are unable to afford the steep pricing of broadband and connect-ability. Mary Dell highlighted South Carolina’s Digital Opportunity Department’s vision which is, “All South Carolinians have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and the necessary skills to benefit from this technology.”
The conference continued today with more breakout sessions and a second keynote presentation by Dr. Malcolm Walls. Jr. SC Thrive’s Annual Training 2025 will take place in Greenville and will be held from September 15-16. To stay up to date on SC Thrive’s announcements and to sign up for their newsletter, visit SC Thrive's Website.
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