Greenville Nonprofits and Charities

My journey with Leatherwood Matters began in 1999, when I proudly joined as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. At the time, I was looking for a meaningful way to serve my community and use my energy and skills to make a lasting difference. What started as a year of national service quickly turned into a lifelong connection with a mission I deeply believe in.<br><br>During my initial VISTA service, my focus was on capacity building, helping the organization strengthen its infrastructure, build community partnerships, and create more sustainable programs for at-risk youth. I worked closely with leadership to develop systems for grant writing, volunteer coordination, and donor outreach, all while staying engaged with the daily needs of the children we served.<br><br>What set this experience apart for me was the balance between behind-the-scenes work and direct interaction with the youth. I was involved in mentoring, tutoring, organizing recreational activities, and simply being a consistent, caring adult presence. Over time, I saw firsthand how structure, empathy, and opportunity could change the trajectory of a young person’s life.<br><br>Even after my formal AmeriCorps term ended, I remained connected to Leatherwood Matters in various volunteer and advocacy roles. The values I learned there servant leadership, compassion, resilience, and community responsibility that have shaped my personal and professional path ever since.<br><br>Leatherwood Matters became more than a service site; it became a place that shaped my heart for youth advocacy, my approach to leadership, and my lifelong commitment to creating safe and empowering environments for others.<br><br>JAF<br>

Had 6 bed frames and a desk, new in the box that came from a storage barn. Boxes didnt look perfect. Took to spartanburg (dawn redwing) to donate. Was told no. Called the customer service phone # for SC. Was told i had to call or go to individual stores to see if they would take them.<br><br>Habitate Restore was very glad to take them and said they wouldnt last long in the store once assembled.

We have been involved in supporting Child Freedom Coalition for over 5 years. We first became acquainted with one of the founders, David Miller, when he was working with our teens. His passion for the ministry so impressed my teenagers that they shared Mr Miller's vision with us and we all became dedicated supporters. Mr and Mrs Miller and others have shared wonderful testimonies of how this ministry is impacting India for Christ. The 100% model is phenomenal as is the fact that orphans reached through this ministry are growing up to become independent adults who give back to the ministry as well!

I first got involved in Together Women Rise 14 years ago when I was on the Board of a young, cutting-edge NGO that got a grant from them. I spoke to some of the Rise chapters, and was incredibly impressed with the depth of their knowledge of and compassion for girls and women in low resource areas. I went back home and started a chapter myself, which turned into 3 chapters. We meet monthly and have become well-informed, committed supporters of Rise, loving the grantee we learn about each month. It has transformed the lives of 10s of 1000s of women and girls, providing guidance, education, role models, agency, and best of all HOPE. The total below is the combined amount our 3 chapters have raised. It's $91 a day. That might not sound like a lot, but in places where people live on a few dollars a day, it makes an enormous difference.

Excellent help for children with special needs. My wife volunteers there and we support this wonderful institution wholeheartedly

I am a member of the museum. I love the interesting and education exhibits they bring to Greenville. Even better are the lectures they bring! I cannot find the right words to describe how much I love this place.

To me, Zion's mission in the world is great motivation individualsand businesseslike ours "DJR GLOBALBUSINESSLLC. " . It inspiring others to give and make the world a better place and we're very proud to be one of its sponsors. <br>

Wonderful organization! Giving families a option to have somewhere to reside while they face medical crisis with their children is just miracle work!

Great museum that supports outside of the box thinking. Would be great if the head of the museum could think outside the box when it comes to parking. Waited 30 mins to finally get out of the parking lot. Ridiculous and we won’t be coming back because of it.

My son, now 16 years old, has been involved with Project Hope Foundation since he was 5 years old. They have given me and my family such comfort and hope during this time. They are constantly thinking outside of the box and coming up with ways to help our children with autism thrive and become the best person they can be. They individualize their care for each child. They set lofty goals for each child to become as independent an adult as possible and then work tirelessly to reach those goals. I truly don’t know where my family would be if Project Hope wasn’t such an integral part.

I have been working at the Center for Developmental Services for almost one year. I had some contact with CDS previous to working here, but had no idea what all was housed under one roof. I was blown away by the modern-day miracles that are performed here. As I have been out in the community, I have heard testimony after testimony of how family members and acquaintances have been immeasurably helped by the caring and knowledgeable staff of CDS and its partner agencies.

What a wonderful organization! They offer many cultural programs and are highly active in the Upstate Area.

Great place. Two of my three nephews have went here and being the aunt that I am, I tagged along. They have an awesome staff team, very friendly & informative.<br>One of my nephew's had to attend therapy. I was concerned because he's autistic and doesnt do well with change or new people and if he feels uncomfortable everyone in the building will know but surprisingly he did a great job and I know it was because he had such a good therapist! He felt safe and comfortable, and actually opened up to talk and participate with the session.<br>They both also had to see the doctor as well & you couldn't ask for a better one. <br>Like I said they have a great staff, amazing doctors and I would highly recommend Carolina Family Services!!!!<br><br>

So thankful for this lifesaving organization! Thank you, Safe Harbor!

About 3 - 4 years ago, a gorgeous pit bull who had been hit by a car and was lying in the street for a couple of days, then she landed at the shelter. She was the sweetest dog and had breed/injury/large size against her. I networked EVERYWHERE with no success until Alison (in another state) responded with a big YES. Almost immediately I saw this dog's photo at Alison's site w/ her new name (NYLA) and a brand new PINK set of wheels to get her up and around. I have never forgotten this sweet dog, and, most of all, Alison's kindness. Go to the rescue web site and see the magnitude of issues she takes on with the dogs. She is a St. Theresa of dogs!! It's very expensive and sometimes heartbreaking to take on some of the animals she takes on.......a lot of rescues won't get NEAR them because of the time and $ commitment. Alison's in this FOR THE DOGS!!

Miracle Hill Ministries - We Make a Difference!<br><br>On Tuesday November 24, 2015, Miracle Hill Ministries is hosting its annual Great Possible Turkey Fry. All efforts enable the hungry at Miracle Hill&rsquo;s various shelters be fed for Thanksgiving. Six hundred turkeys will be cooked, either smoked or deep fried, and approximately two thousand people will be fed. Many volunteers come together in support of Miracle Hill to prepare, store, and deliver the turkeys to the shelters and facilities in Upstate South Carolina. This event would not be possible without the valued community partner, WSSL 100. The Great Possible Turkey Fry enables Miracle Hill to show compassion while serving the homeless and hungry at Thanksgiving and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. <br><br>

Upstate Forever is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Upstate Forever meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Upstate Forever has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.

Habitat Greenville is a wonderful organization. I love the Habitat model, where families go through a homeownership preparation program, and participate in building their own home and the homes of others. When you volunteer with Habitat, you know you're having a direct impact on someone's future!

This is a well run and smart organization. In 2007 three G. S. councils merged into a brand new council consisting of half the state. The merger was successful because the three councils did research and made the hard decisions before they merged, not after they were together. Everyone knew what was expected. They also created an entirely new entity, not just putting themselves into one of the three councils. The way this merger was done created a tradition of doing things thoughtfully and for the long term. That tradition is being carried on today.

Imagine yourself in the shoes of an innocent child who is being abused. Imagine the confusion and anger you feel. Imagine wondering if your home is safe. Imagine thinking there’s nowhere left to turn, and you discover a place that can help. <br> <br>Now imagine you are not alone. As an abused child, spouse or sexual assault victim, you meet others just like you who overcame the unspeakable things that happened. That’s exactly why the Julie Valentine Center is here, to help people in your shoes. <br> <br>Our inspiration comes from an infant who was found deceased in a wooded area here in Greenville on a cold February day in 1990. The police named her Julie Valentine. Adopted by the community, her legacy has become a symbol of hope for those who have survived rape or child abuse. <br> <br>The Julie Valentine Center works to stop sexual violence and child abuse.

While most of what RMSCA does is to sponsor active and hands-on lessons in science and social studies to school classes Monday-Friday, some of the same exciting programs are open to the public. The planetarium shows every Friday night are awesome in the full-dome setting, enabling us to really see and learn about our heavens. The monthly Second Saturday events, such as Engineering Day, STEM Fest and even the Blueberry Festival, are a great way to be introduced to and explore all fields of science, math and engineering. We are lucky to have this entity focus on STEM learning as well as provide a natural setting with the Living History Farm right in the city. They seem to operate very effectively, being frugal with limited resources, as they plan to upgrade and expand with the future. They are welcoming to volunteers and need additional ones.

Mrs. Martin was an amazing educator. She touched my life when I was in high school, and I became a teacher because of her example. This memorial scholarship and service fund honors Mrs. Martin and gives high school seniors and college students an opportunity to succeed.

Greenville Forward was created to shepherd and facilitate a community vision for Greenville, SC by researching and understanding the key community issues, building partnerships and connections, creating dialogue, and inspiring young leadership.

I adopted my dog, Frida, from the Greenville Humane Society. They rescued her from a bad situation and their foster manager took care of her for a few months before she was ready to be adopted. I am so thankful to have my wonderful little dog, and for the big hearts who took care of her to make her well again.

I was a volunteer, donor and parent to a student at this institution. Over the course of more than a year, we were repeatedly told that certain services (ex: Interactive Metronome, autism support, individualized educational plans) were part of the program, then told they were not available because of lack of funds, lack of staff, etc. Meanwhile, virtually all fund raising money went to a "future building" fund, versus the program itself, while donors and participants were led to believe it went to the children being served. The school was in operation for more than 5 years before bylaws were written. A board member wrote a proposal in July 2011 expressing concerns that the school was not providing promised services, but his proposal was not approved. Turnover of students enrolled May 2011 to September 2011 is follows: of 25 students, five "graduated", and seven elected to leave. That's more than 25%. Since leaving, we have learned from the secretary of State's office that the school failed to file either an application or exemption to solicit funds in South Carolina for 2010 or 2011, although the Gala event netted more than $14,000 October 2010. Money which went to the "future building fund" vs the children being "served". Or not. <br>