2010 Listening session summary

Our Voices, Our Stories

In response to God’s call and in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine,

we strategically use resources to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership.

Dear Friend,

South Carolina ranks 12th in the nation with the highest level of poverty. In this current economic downturn, we have witnessed first-

hand an increased number of families struggling each day to survive. The impact of generational and situational poverty on families in

South Carolina is devastating, and in rural communities persistent poverty often hits hardest.

As a statewide foundation, our mission is to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership, in response to God’s call and

in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. Our vision is for families in South Carolina to have the resources they need to

live out of poverty. Given the impact of poverty in our state, in 2010 we embarked upon a new strategy to obtain an “on-the-ground”

perspective of current poverty issues from a people-centered and place-centered perspective through community Listening Sessions in

varying geographical areas of the state.

Listening directly to the voices of individuals and families experiencing poverty is a critical first step in understanding poverty’s im-

pact. Our Listening Sessions had three purposes: 1) to listen to the experiences and stories of individuals who are experiencing or have

experienced poverty and obtain their perspective about central issues and concerns in their lives; 2) to listen to other community mem-

bers to obtain their perspective on the impact of generational and situational poverty in their community and 3) to identify innovative

ideas and solutions to help families live out of poverty.

In 2010, over 270 community members representing nearly 100 organizations participated in Listening Sessions facilitated by Founda-

tion board of trustees and staff. Each Listening Session was strategically conducted in four different regions of the state: Allendale,

Johns Island, Greenwood and Bennettsville. We are especially grateful to the many community representatives who welcomed us

graciously into their lives.

As you read this Listening Session summary, we hope that you will feel the tremendous strengths, untapped potential, dreams and

visions for a future without poverty for families who are currently experiencing poverty. Most importantly, we hope that the voices of

families shine through because that is what impacted us most as listeners, the humble sincerity and heartfelt ways people shared what

it is like to experience poverty, as well as their realistic recommendations for needed change. Thank you for allowing us to share what

we heard. Your voice matters.

Sincerely,

Tom Keith Stephanie Cooper-Lewter

President Senior Director of Research

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Your Voice Matters

Greenwood County has a poverty rate of 16%

Allendale County has a poverty rate of 34%

Johns Island is included in Charleston County; Charleston County has a poverty rate of 18.2%

Marlboro County has a poverty rate of 22%

Represents the areas the Foundation held Listening Sessions

Represents the areas that experience persistent poverty* (Allendale, Bamberg, Clarendon, Colleton, Dillon, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg and Williamsburg)

Represents the counties that are on the threshold of persistent poverty (Barnwell, Chesterfield, Darlington and Fairfield)

Represents the counties that experience 16.3% poverty or more

*Persistent Poverty = experiencing poverty for three generations or more** Allendale and Marlboro Counties experience persistent poverty

Where We Visited

Because of the large response of people interested in participating in each Listening Session, every effort was made to ensure every

community member present had an opportunity to share their insight and experiences. During each Listening Session, after welcome,

prayer, introductions and lunch, a Foundation board of trustees member or staff member facilitated small focused table discussions

among the attendees. Notes were taken at each table to capture responses to the questions posed. These notes were later reviewed,

along with feedback from the Foundation representatives, and compiled for analysis of themes across the various table discussions.

The following questions were posed throughout the Listening Session:

• How has the issue of poverty impacted you personally (e.g.: personal experience, work/employment, as a concerned

citizen, etc.);

• What does “poverty” mean (how do you define poverty, etc.);

• Describe day-to-day life for families experiencing poverty in your community (central issues or concerns when not

having enough money to live on, challenges families face, etc.);

• What things are most difficult for families when they don’t have enough money to live on (in what ways do families

have to make their money “go” or “stretch” a little further);

• What impact does [generational and situational] poverty have on your community or someone you know that

experiences living in poverty;

• What are the strengths of families experiencing poverty in your community that may be overlooked;

• What are some example stories of families or individuals you know who moved out of poverty in your community

(what supports were used, barriers removed, etc.);

• What are the best things about your community (strengths, what you like/value most, etc.);

• What is your vision for your community (what the future would look like if there was no poverty);

• If you could make any change in your community to help families experiencing poverty, what would you change

so that families would have the resources to live out of poverty;

• What additional solutions, creative suggestions or ideas to reduce poverty in your community would you

recommend?

We also spent time in each location in a smaller venue talking with individuals represented at the following community-based

locations: residents of Dale Community Apartments in Allendale; Hispanic families served by Our Lady of Mercy Community

Outreach Services, Inc., on Johns Island; community residents served by Greenwood Soup Kitchen Ministry in Greenwood and

Marlboro County High School students in Bennettsville. The above questions were tailored to each of these groups.

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Listening Framework

Many Hispanic/Latino families have considerable strengths that they draw from including their family, informal support networks and their faith. Even when resources are limited, strong family connections and a family-oriented style give them the strength to continue pressing forward. Sharing is the cultural norm; often families invite other families to live with them during times of hardship or need. In addition to family support, they draw great strength from their faith and there is a deep sense of religious commitment. Hispanic/Latino families experiencing poverty on Johns Island are proud to be living in the United States. There is a strong desire to improve their current living conditions, actively contribute to their new community and be accepted in American society. Hispanic/Latino families want to work and live with dignity and see their children fulfill their dreams. There is tremendous faith, resilience and strength among Hispanic/Latino fami-lies, and a sincere desire to access the same opportunities in order to achieve the American dream.

Many families experiencing poverty in Allendale have a strong sense of heritage, including a willingness to share their wisdom and experiences with others. Multiple examples were provided of individual and community success stories – those of children going to college, families moving from the projects to a home, parents being able to get their education and obtaining family-sustaining jobs. One participant shared, “just because your parents were poor, doesn’t mean you have to be.” When families are in need of assistance, they go to organizations who have established trusting relationships with members of the community to access services and support. Many examples of community organizations working with families to address their needs were shared. There is tremendous resilience and strength within families living in Allendale and a strong desire for collaboration among community partners to reduce poverty.

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Johns Island is my home.

Allendale is my home.

This is Our Home

Friendships, family ties and relationships are major strengths that families experiencing poverty in Bennettsville draw upon. Families experiencing poverty often work together and help to fill the void when there is a need among other fami-lies that are struggling. All of the youth participants shared dreams for their future. For example, they aspire to become a teacher, nurse, psychologist and community leader one day. The youth participants also expressed deep respect for the adults in their community that advocate on their behalf and are willing to lead. Many are proud of their school. Sports and football give the community a place to come together and instills a sense of pride in “where they come from.” Many family members also possess a strong faith and turn to God, believing with faith that things will become better. The faith community plays an important role, with churches having various outreach ministries to enrich people’s lives (providing food, school supplies or clothing drives, etc.). There is an incredible desire among community members to support fami-lies experiencing poverty in their community.

Greenwood families experiencing poverty possess multiple strengths. Many families expressed a deep sense of faith and spirituality that helps them make it through each day. They rely heavily on their faith and turn to God, believing that things will be better in their future. One woman expressed that she believed she would not be in her situation forever and would move forward; she had recently experienced a death in her family which caused her to lose everything she had because she could not pay the bills alone. Many have a strong desire to improve their lives, and with the support of their family, friends and community resources, they are working to make changes in their lives to improve their future. While it takes consistent effort and support to move out of poverty, it is possible. There is tremendous sense of collaboration among social service organizations and a sincere commitment to continue to work to build the community in Greenwood for families experiencing poverty.

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Greenwood is my home.

Bennettsville is my home.

This is Our Home

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People need to be given a chance to do something with their lives.

Allendale Community ChurchAllendale County AdministrationAllendale County AliveAllendale County Campaign to Prevent Teen PregnancyAllendale County First StepsAllendale County HospitalAllendale County Public HousingAllendale County SchoolsAllendale ScooterAllendale Town CouncilBennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry Bread of Life Food PantryCarolina Health CenterCareSouth CarolinaChampion Women for ChristChildren’s Defense Fund*City of Bennettsville Police DepartmentCommunity Development Corporation of Marlboro CountyCommunity Initiatives, Inc. Compass of Carolina, Inc. County of AllendaleEdisto ProduceEvans Correctional InstitutionFederal Bureau of InvestigationsFirst Baptist ChurchFood Bank of Greenwood CountyFranciscan CenterFranklin C. Fetter Family Health CenterGLEAMNS, Inc.Greenwood Community Children’s Center*Greenwood Soup Kitchen MinistryHealthy LearnersHouse of Hope of the Pee DeeKinard MannerLafitte & WarrenLighthouse MinistriesLowcountry Children’s CenterLow Country Healthy StartMagic Johnson Community Empowerment Center*Man 2 Man MinistriesMarlboro Civic Center Marlboro County Adult Education *Marlboro County High SchoolMarlboro County Literacy CouncilMarlboro County School District Marlboro County Sherriff’s OfficeMEG’S House

MUSC – College of NursingNational Kidney Foundation of SCNew Direction Christian BookstoreNew Life CenterNew Life House of Love ChurchOur Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church*Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc.Palmetto ProjectPee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault Pee Dee Indian Tribe of South CarolinaRevelation MinistriesRoper/St. Francis Health CareRural MissionSaint John’s Episcopal Church/Iglesia de San JuanSaint Matthew’s Community OutreachSalkehatchie Arts*Salkehatchie Healthy Communities CollaborativeSmiles for a Lifetime Dental Center*SC Department of Health and Environmental ControlSC Department of Social ServicesSC Department of Juvenile Justice SC Employment Security CommissionSC Legal ServicesSC Public Health InstituteSC State University Extension Program - CYFARSolid Rock Holiness Church MinistriesSugar Hill/Flat Street Neighborhood AssociationTelamon CorporationThe Allendale SunThe Red CrossThe Salvation ArmyThe Self Family FoundationTown of AllendaleTown of FairfaxTri-County LinkTrue Vine Deliverance Ministry*United Center for Community CareUnited Way of Greenwood and Abbeville CountiesUniversity of South Carolina SalkehatchieLeadership InstituteUpstate Homeless CoalitionUnited States Citizenship and Immigration ServicesUnited States Immigration and Customs EnforcementVision MinistriesWoodBranch Child and Family Support Services

*These organizations were instrumental in the planning and facilitation of the Listening Sessions.

A special “thank you” to the representatives from the following organizations who participated in our Listening Sessions:

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Who Participated

We believe in God and have faith,that’s all we have.

In order for families to live out of poverty, a multitude of strategies are needed. Summarized below are twelve overlap-ping themes that emerged across the four locations based on the voices and insights provided by each of the Listening Session participants. Participants emphasized that the recommendations below should be delivered with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity of families to foster hope and build courage necessary to live out of poverty.

1. Focus on the Basics Increased social service support is needed to help families experiencing poverty. Initial efforts to reduce poverty should focus on the basics, such as providing food and shelter, along with assistance in accessing family support services. Food insecurity is a growing concern among families who are uncertain when they will receive their next meal. Ensuring housing is both affordable and safe is necessary to combat substandard housing conditions. Several communities need resources, such as shelters, for the homeless in the community. Improved access to public trans-portation will also ensure that all families can utilize services available in their community and actively contribute to their community.

2. Create Economic OpportunityWithout adequate income, families will continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. One of the most powerful predictors of community success is having an economic engine that drives and fuels the local economy. There is an overwhelming need for increased employment options, especially jobs that offer a livable, family-sustaining wage. Specialized job training is needed to learn both “hard” and “soft” skills necessary for employment. Learning how to overcome other barriers to employment, such as an inaccurate criminal record or drug conviction, is another critical area of education.

3. Support Families Families experiencing poverty face many challenges. A strong support system is necessary for any family, and even more so for those that are struggling to make ends meet each day. Investing in resources to strengthen parenting skills and support systems helps to ensure the next generation of children has a strong foundation from which to grow.

For many, children are the community’s most precious resource. For parents who work, more affordable, safe and reliable child care opportunities are needed. In addition, offering an array of positive activities in the community for youth and families to be engaged is necessary.

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What We Need

Social Services

We believe in God and have faith,that’s all we have.

We’re justtrying to makeit fromday to day.

Youth expressed the need to know that the adults in their community care enough to listen, and are willing to stand beside them as they work towards change. Having a positive community mentor and role model is important and allows the youth to experience that others believe in them. Youth want to feel welcomed, have a voice and have a space of their own within their community.

While examining the supports needed among families experiencing poverty, the unique challenges faced by Hispanic families facing a broken immigration system was also heard. More services are needed to assist with becoming legal citizens, along with comprehensive immigration reform. Hispanic parents expressed a need for assistance with estab-lishing power of attorney and legal guardianship for children whose parents are at risk of deportation.

Hispanic families want the same opportunities to live and work with dignity in their communities. While more interpretation and translation services are needed in order to access and participate in community services, there is also a need for flexible opportunities to learn English that are scheduled around long work days. Above all, Hispanic parents want their children to be afforded the same opportunities to pursue the American dream through education and hard work.

4. Invest in Education One of the most important predictors of being able to move and live out of poverty is obtaining an education that can position individuals for future successes and opportunities in life. Listening Session participants emphasized the im-portance of improving the quality of the educational systems. In addition, enlisting greater parental support of their child’s educational progress and involvement in school will strengthen the support teachers need to teach effectively. 5. Make Educational Opportunities Accessible for All Increased educational opportunities are needed for adults to build their vocational and life skills (e.g. improving literacy, GED opportunities, computer training, etc.). These opportunities need to be affordable, accessible and pro-vided in a flexible manner in recognizing the multiple ways working families are balancing the demands of meeting their family’s basic needs.

6. Keep Youth EngagedParents expressed a sincere desire to keep their children engaged in the educational system. For youth, this means having tangible experiences where they can explore potential opportunities beyond high school while having guid-ance to make the best decisions about their future plans. Many youth desire to build the skills necessary for future success, but feel unsure on the actual steps necessary to plan their future. Guidance is needed to make the best deci-sions on exploring opportunities beyond high school, whether it be higher education, attending a technical school or obtaining further job skill development.

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Education

I need to see hopeto believe there is hope.Instead of telling me, show me the hope.

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7. Increase Availability and Access to Health Care Resources Improving the health of families experiencing poverty ensures a stronger community for all. Additional comprehen-sive health care resources are needed to meet unaddressed needs, including services to assist with drug addictions. Identifying alternatives to barriers, such as lacking a permanent address, phone or reliable transportation, which are necessary to access health-related benefits and services, are needed.

8. Recognize the Impact of Mental Health Concerns Unaddressed mental health concerns can result in multiple negative consequences. Increased counseling services and mental health support is needed to address depression, trauma and other mental health concerns that can impede obtaining or maintaining employment or parenting effectively.

9. Address Safety ConcernsFamily members experiencing poverty are often some of the most vulnerable members in society, facing issues such as abuse, exploitation, neglect, domestic violence situations, homelessness and human trafficking. Additional educa-tion and advocacy is necessary to ensure that those experiencing poverty are safe and protected, along with neces-sary resources to assist those that are homeless or experiencing abuse.

10. Establish Trusting Relationships Individuals in formal community leadership roles need to initiate efforts to build relationships of trust between members of different social classes. In addition, concentrated work at the community level is needed to eliminate cultural barriers between different races in order to overcome stereotypes and build a stronger community. Residents expressed a sincere desire to better understand cultural differences and celebrate the opportunities diversity brings.

11. Create a Community VisionCreating a community vision and plan for implementation that ensures all perspectives are present by enlisting infor-mal, as well as formal leaders, is needed. Investing in community leadership includes identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders.

12. Collaborate Increased collaborative efforts are needed to raise awareness of resources available to assist those in need between nonprofits, government and faith-based organizations. Sharing resources and knowledge can help to further identify where gaps in resources exist, as well as foster networking among organizations so available resources can be pooled in order to help families live better and reduce the impact of poverty.

* Pictures are South Carolina residents, but not actual Listening Session participants.

Health

Strengthen the Community

2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 115, Columbia, SC 29204 • 803.254.0230 • sistersofcharitysc.com

When familiesexperiencing poverty

are given a chance

andhave faith

from day to day

then, there is hope.