Lowcountry Forever: James Island Outreach & Dorchester Parks – Jan. 5, 2025

SEGMENT #1: James Island Outreach
GUEST: Jeff Gordon, Executive Director
ISSUE: Community Service
Helping Neighbors, Uniting Community is the motto of James Island Outreach, a non-profit formed in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo Jeff Gordon, the executive director of the organization, explained the main service they provide is a food pantry, open multiple days each week. James Island Outreach does provide other services, including their newest addition, assisting with home roofing repairs, which is also their biggest current need, looking for funding and expertise. Gordon spoke about being one of the few nonprofits operating on James Island and the Outreach’s connection with 27 local churches. He also provided information on their other needs and shared that the Outreach serves more than just residents of James Island.

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SEGMENT #2: Dorchester County Parks & Recreation
GUEST: Pam Zanowski, Parks Marketing and Special Events Manager
ISSUE: Community Service
Dorchester County is growing, and beyond just new housing developments. The County will open a new park, the Pine Trace Natural Area in 2025. Pam Zanowski, the county’s Parks Marketing & Special Events Manager provided information on all of the Dorchester County parks and described what residents would find at each facility. Plus, she also talked about what the new park will include and when it should open. Zanowski also shared some examples of the programs the Parks and Recreation Department will execute in early 2025. In addition to giving an overview of the types of programs offered, Zanowski also discussed the county’s annual Park Pass and the benefits these passes provide.