Epworth Children's Home

On this #ThankfulThursday we want to recognize our fabulous Grounds and Maintenance Team! On August 3rd, around 5 p.m., a microburst hit our Millwood Campus causing damage quickly- downed trees to damaged roofs, and a power outage. This team jumped into action to ensure the safety of youth and staff members. Maintenance technician David Livesay stayed on campus until power was restored at 2 a.m. Their dedication and service to Epworth are unmatched, and they do it all with smiles! We love our Grounds and Maintenance Team! Pictured: 1. CEO Beth Williams and David Livesay. 2. Ray Cuomo/Director of Buildings and Grounds, Larry Winstead and Kenny Oliver. *We are seeking to hire an additional Maintenance Technician. If this great team is where you belong, we invite you to apply, or share with someone you believe would be interested. https://lnkd.in/ed47rT9z

#MyWhyWednesday All of our Epworth staff came together today to recognize and celebrate hard work, as well as get to know other team members across programs and regions of the state. Opportunities like today strengthen the work we do across the continuum of care, and everyone’s passion shone through. Pictured are members of the Rock Hill Foster Care Team. Left to Right are Taylor Lakey and Eden Marbey, Clinical Coordinators, and Program Director Sharon Lee. Taylor Lakey shared the following ‘why’ behind her work. “This field is more than a job and career, it’s more than problem-solving or critical thinking. It’s about being intentional, building relationships, being attentive, patient, flexible, and aware. I believe we have to do our part as professionals to advocate for the children we work with and be their voice because they depend on us. It’s about structure and stability and creating a safe environment. We have to keep going and make a positive impact. But most importantly, it’s showing our families love and support.” We are very thankful for each team member and their ‘why!’

For more than 126 years, Epworth has grown and adapted to the individual needs of children and families by providing a safe and nurturing environment, evidence-based practices, and programs across the continuum of care, as well as across the state of South Carolina. We are excited about our expansion of services in the Pee Dee Region! Now we need to expand our team of passionate individuals serving children and families in the area. You could be our missing piece. Apply today for the roles of Family Engagement Coordinator and Family Support Specialist. Epworth’s history has shown that when the community stands together and invests in comprehensive services, lives are transformed. We invite you to join us. https://lnkd.in/ebgkWUG4

September is Addiction Awareness Month, and with much joy, the staff of the Epworth Family Care Center recently celebrated Janie, a mom of two teenagers who successfully completed our six-month residential program that helps single moms learn how to thrive in recovery from substance use disorder. Moms live at our home-like facility while they receive intensive counseling and complete classes in parenting, job training, financial management, and learn how to live successfully without the illusion of escape that drugs or alcohol once provided. Janie cried tears of gratitude throughout the graduation party, which was attended by staff and other residents of the Family Care Center and their children. She said her children were ecstatic at the changes she had made. Janie’s S.C. Department of Social Services Caseworker attended the celebration and said she was thrilled at the difference the Family Care Center program had made in Janie’s life. Janie, we wish you the very best, and remember, we are always here for you. https://lnkd.in/eZX2MNBJ

September is Kinship Care Month in SC. 💛 Kinship care refers to a temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative or non-related adult, also known as fictive kin, assumes full-time care of a child whose parents are unable to do so. We would like to recognize relatives and family friends who step in to care for children and youth in need! According to the latest available KIDS COUNT data, approximately 6 percent of all children in the state live with a relative with no parent present. “Being temporarily separated from a parent can be traumatic for a child,” said DSS State Director Michael Leach. “That’s why kinship caregivers are so important. They provide familiarity and comfort when it’s needed most.” Approximately 27 percent of children in foster care in South Carolina are placed with a kinship caregiver that has received a license from DSS. This number will continue to increase with the ‘Kin-first’ mindset. Epworth serves kinship caregivers through our Kinship Navigator Programs in the Midlands and Pee Dee Regions of the state. If you are a Kinship Caregiver whom we can support, please connect with us at 888-561-2932.

Today and every day we appreciate our exceptional team at Epworth! Happy Labor Day to our staff, volunteers, and community members!

At Epworth, we are very appreciative of our community! Thank you for following along and supporting the work we do across the state! We love when you engage with us on social media. Do you know all the places you can find us? We have two Facebook pages and two instagram accounts, and you can also find us on LinkedIn. Thank you for following along with us and sharing with your network! Together we are building community across the state of South Carolina!

Yesterday, Epworth CEO Beth Williams presented on Kinship Navigation at the Children’s Trust Building Hope for Children Conference. The Foster Kinship Model was implemented in South Carolina this month and Epworth is serving kinship families in the Midlands and Pee Dee Regions. Also pictured are to Beth’s left Ali Caliendo, Ph.D., Executive Director, Foster Kinship, and to Beth’s right Dawn T. Barton, Director of Child Welfare Services Permanency Division, SC DSS, and Haley Grau, Executive Director, Middle Tyger Community Center. Together we are working to increase caregivers’ capacity to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes in South Carolina. Are you a kinship caregiver in the Midlands or Pee Dee? Our Epworth team is ready to support you: 888-561-2932.

Has the idea of foster care been on your heart? Do you have a desire to help children and youth but are unsure in what way? Join us one week from today to learn more about what it means to become a foster parent with Epworth, or how to support those who are. Register to join by scanning the QR Code or using the direct link: https://lnkd.in/eS7nYdFW