The 2008 Membership Retreat in Bennettsville, South Carolina was a success! The program began with a welcome from our host, Rev. Charles Malloy of the CDC of Marlboro County. Two other member community development corporations (cdcs) shared about their programs and work within South Carolina. We heard from Lenore McKenna at the Charleston Area CDC and Rev. Jerry Blassingame from Soteria CDC.
Jerry Blassingame, Soteria CDC
Soteria CDC has a transitional housing program for ex-offenders and offers financial literacy and homebuyer education classes in Greenville, SC. Rev. Blassingame gave some startling statistics concerning incarceration costs:
$10,370 - Cost of in-state tuition at Clemson 2007-2008
$ 9,063 - Cost of in-state tuition at USC 2007-2008
$16,432 - Cost to state and federal government for incarcerating one person in a SC state prison for 2007
Luke Johnakin of the CDC of Marlboro County gave of us a tour of some of the homes they have rehabilitated or helped low-wealth individuals purchase. The CDC has also invested in an apartment complex that has helped to improve the area near a public housing project. See photos of these projects below...
Representative Doug Jennings
The Mayor of Bennettsville and Representative Doug Jennings attended a dinner and shared their support of the CED industry and particularly the work of CDCs throughout the State. NeighborWorks America provided a trainer to re-emphasize to our members the importance of "collaboration". Collaboration...within our communities...with our city council....with our State Legislators...with the SC Association of CDCs!
Not only are we stronger organizations when we partner with others, funders also notice this leverage and are more willing to offer their support!
Membership dues are up for renewal each spring (by April 30, 2008). If you would like to join the Association or need to renew your membership, visit our Membership Page. Call (843) 579-9855 if you have any questions.
