SEGMENT #1: Travis Manion Foundation
GUEST: Travis Dodd, Director 9/11 Heroes Run
ISSUE: First Responders/Community Service
The 13th annual 9/11 Heroes Run takes place on Daniel Island on Saturday, Sept. 14. The run supports the Travis Manion Foundation, and also donates money to a local charity each year. The Director of this year’s event, Travis Dodd shared that a group at Joint Base Charleston that helps families transition from on-base to off base housing. Dodd discussed the history of the event and provided details for individuals and groups to join the run. Plus, he described how the 9/11 Heroes Run brings together the community to honor and remember those we lost on 9/11 and to show the positive impact of community service.
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SEGMENT #2: City of Charleston Housing & Community Development
GUEST: Geona Johnson, Director Housing & Community Development
ISSUE: Affordable Housing
Is the American dream of home ownership out of reach? The City of Charleston is addressing the growing problem. Geona Johnson, the city’s Director of Housing & Community Development explained that affordable housing is based on the percent of income the owner is investing in a mortgage or rent – over 30% is line. Johnson discussed some of the programs the city has underway to help allow more residents to own their homes. She explained how affordable housing is not just a problem for poor people, and some of the ways the community has come forward to help. Johnson also shared affordable housing projects the city is constructing.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-travis-manion-foundation-chs-housing-community-dev-sept-8-2024?si=a1e0e89849b94890971461f0860e6dbb&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride
GUEST: Gary Goldman, Founder and Director
ISSUE: First Responders
Two decades beyond the terrible events of September 11, 2001, there is importance in remembering and honoring those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. Gary Goldman organized the first 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride as a companion to a 9/11 Walk over the Ravenel Bridge. Since then, the ride has grown to its own event, held this year on Sunday, Sept. 14. Goldman discusses his motivation for the ride, provides details on the event, and talks of the parts of the community that have joined forces to make the ride successful. Whie this police-escorted ride is free for participants; the event does raise money which is donated to area veterans in need.
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SEGMENT #2: City of Goose Creek Recreation Department
GUEST: Lyza Bowers, Program Director & Adam Kelly, Marketing Manager
ISSUE: Community Development
This September, the City of Goose Creek will open the Joseph S. Danning Amphitheater. The 1200 seat facility will host concerts, movie nights, events and even be available for rental. Lyza Bowers, the Program Director for the City of Goose Creek explained the process of how the amphitheater came to be, who Joseph S. Danning is and why the facility is named after him. Both she and Marketing Director Adam Kelly described the facility, talked about the on-site amenities and Adam talked about the first 3 events. Bowers also provided information on how residents can rent the facility and the positive economic impact for the City of Goose Creek.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-911-memorial-motorcycle-ride-city-of-goose-creek-rec-sept-1-2024?si=4f5aba16860b40889a02f52d2f4911e1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: The McConnell Foundation
GUEST: Josh and Jen McConnell, Founders/Directors
ISSUE: Children’s Health Services
When their son was less than 2 years old, Jen and Josh McConnell were told he has cancer. Treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Bohdi was treated and cured. It motivated the couple to create the McConnell Foundation as a way of giving back, raising money for Pediatric Cancer Research done at the Children’s Hospital. Jen and Josh shared their story and discussed “Shining Stars: A Hollywood Gala.” The Sept. 14 event is being held to raise money to continue the cancer research. The McConnell’s shared details on the Gala and spoke of the importance they feel in giving back to the hospital that saved their son’s life.
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SEGMENT #2: Carolina Children’s Charity
GUEST: Sonya Beale, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health & Human Services
Established in 1987, the Carolina Children’s Charity serves Children under 18 in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties. Executive Director Sonya Beale explained how the Charity began and the services they provide to Lowcountry families. The Charity has provided $4.7 million dollars in services yet receives no government funding. The Charity hosts 4 major fundraising events, including Care, Give, Run their annual 5K on Sept. 21. Beale provided information on the event, including the activities that day, how people can register and provided examples of how of the funds raised that day would be used.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-mcconnell-foundation-carolina-childrens-charity-aug-25-2024?si=2bf5b211f3f7422695029176810882c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: City of Charleston Housing & Community Development
GUEST: Geona Johnson, Director Housing & Community Development
ISSUE: Affordable Housing
Is the American dream of home ownership out of reach? The City of Charleston is addressing the growing problem. Geona Johnson, the city’s Director of Housing & Community Development explained that affordable housing is based on the percent of income the owner is investing in a mortgage or rent – over 30% is line. Johnson discussed some of the programs the city has underway to help allow more residents to own their homes. She explained how affordable housing is not just a problem for poor people, and some of the ways the community has come forward to help. Johnson also shared affordable housing projects the city is constructing.
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SEGMENT #2: City of Goose Creek Recreation Department
GUEST: Lyza Bowers, Program Director & Adam Kelly, Marketing Manager
ISSUE: Community Development
This September, the City of Goose Creek will open the Joseph S. Danning Amphitheater. The 1,200-seat facility will host concerts, movie nights, events and even be available for rental. Lyza Bowers, the Program Director for the City of Goose Creek explained the process of how the amphitheater came to be, who Joseph S. Danning is and why the facility is named after him. Both she and Marketing Director Adam Kelly described the facility, talked about the on-site amenities and Adam talked about the first 3 events. Bowers also provided information on how residents can rent the facility and the positive economic impact for the City of Goose Creek.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-chs-housing-community-dev-goose-creek-recreation-dept-aug-18-2024?si=2bf5b211f3f7422695029176810882c2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Big Bros 4 Life
GUEST: Abraham Jenkins Founder and Director
ISSUE: Youth Services
After his brother’s life was ended by gun violence, Abraham Jenkins was inspired to help youth in the Lowcountry community. The organization’s mission is “Saving Our Youth One Community at a Time.” Jenkins explains how the organization recruits both members and mentors to work with the members and how he conducts weekly learning sessions to assist youth in growing into adults. Big Bros 4 Life first major event is this August’s “Back to School” Bash. Jenkins provided all the details surrounding the free event and the significance of certain aspects of the bash, such as the importance of haircuts in the community.
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SEGMENT #2: Town of Mount Pleasant
GUEST: Kevin Mitchell, Deputy EDS Director
ISSUE: Economy/Shrimping Industry
Each year that goes by, the local shrimping industry gets older. In 2019, the Town of Mount Pleasant purchased land on Shem Creek, where most of the shrimping in the Lowcountry is done. Since purchasing the land, the town has been making plans to remodel and redevelop the area, specifically for the shrimp boats. Kevin Mitchell, the Deputy EDS Director with the Town of Mount Pleasant has been in charge of the project. Mitchell explained the importance of the town spending $3 million dollars to purchase the property, and what will ultimate be done through the project, scheduled to be completed in July of 2025.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-big-bros-4-life-town-of-mount-pleasant-aug-4-2024?si=f2b942ae77d84f4e8cb85a982748fc44&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: City of North Charleston
GUEST: Edwin Wright, City of North Charleston Ombudsman
ISSUE: Education/Policing
In conjunction with the City of North Charleston, around 2010, then radio host Edwin Wright partnered with local churches for the “Cool to Be in School” program. The program encouraged students to return to class at the beginning of the school year, the time when some government resources are determined, based on school attendance. This event was created to prepare students with supplies and other school needs. This year, with the assistance of the North Charleston Police Department, the “Cool to Be in School” program begins with a Saturday, Aug. 3 event, which includes the distribution of school supplies, backpacks and even free haircuts. Plus, opportunities to talk with North Charleston Police Department members, and School Resource Officers.
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SEGMENT #2: Turn 90
GUEST: Amy Brach, Founder and Executive Director
ISSUE: Prison
Turn 90 is a Lowcountry non-profit providing a new direction after prison. Amy Brach is the founder and executive director of the organization who explained the goals of Turn 90 and how she was motivated to start the non-profit. Brach shared how Turn 90 works, and was joined by Decardio Glisson, a former convict who went through the program and now serves as their Charleston Shop Foreman. Glisson talked about his experiences within the program and spoke of how it helped him. Brach provided a vision of the future for Turn 90 and talked about the needs the organization has, and how the community can assist.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-cool-to-be-in-school-turn-90-july-21-2024?si=f2b942ae77d84f4e8cb85a982748fc44&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Teachers Supply Closet
GUEST: Lynette Duggan, Executive Director
ISSUE: Education
With the start of the school year approaching, teachers are in need of assistance for their classrooms. Teachers Supply Closet is a Lowcountry non-profit helping educators in Title One schools, schools which have a high percentage of students receiving discounted or free lunch. Lynette Duggan is the Executive Director of Teachers Supply Closet. Duggan explained how they work to provide school supplies to teachers in these schools and shared a list of supplies the non-profit needs. She also talked about the organization’s need for volunteers and donations, and discussed an upcoming Saturday, Aug. 3 School Supply Drive benefit Teachers Supply Closet.
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SEGMENT #2: Turn 90
GUEST: Amy Brach, Founder and Executive Director
ISSUE: Prison
Turn 90 is a Lowcountry nonprofit providing a new direction after prison. Amy Brach is the founder and executive director of the organization who explained the goals of Turn 90 and how she was motivated to start the nonprofit. Brach shared how Turn 90 works, and was joined by Decardio Glisson, a former convict who went through the program and now serves as their Charleston Shop Foreman. Glisson talked about his experiences within the program and spoke of how it helped him. Brach provided a vision of the future for Turn 90 and talked about the needs the organization has, and how the community can assist.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-teachers-supply-closet-turn-90-july-21-2024?si=903e2008f5cc486d93de308ea525b80f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: James Island Yacht Club
GUEST: RJ McHugh, Tournament Director & Zach Volousky, Pickle’s People
ISSUE: Children’s Health
The nonprofit James Island Yacht Club hosts a benefit fishing tournament each summer. This year, the 54ht annual King Mackerel & Inshore Tournament takes place on July 27 and is a benefit for Pickle’s People. Tournament Director RJ McHugh provided details on this year’s event and explained how the Club selects a different charity to support, and why this year they selected Pickle’s People. Zach Volousky explained how Pickle’s People was created following his daughter’s cancer diagnosis and how his organization assists family who receive a similar diagnosis at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
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SEGMENT #2: Town of Mount Pleasant
GUEST: Kevin Mitchell, Deputy EDS Director
ISSUE: Economy/Shrimping Industry
Each year that goes by, the local shrimping industry gets older. In 2019, the Town of Mount Pleasant purchased land on Shem Creek, where most of the shrimping in the Lowcountry is done. Since purchasing the land, the town has been making plans to remodel and redevelop the area, specifically for the shrimp boats. Kevin Mitchell, the Deputy EDS Director with the Town of Mount Pleasant has been in charge of the project. Mitchell explained the importance of the town spending $3 million dollars to purchase the property, and what will ultimate be done through the project, scheduled to be completed in July of 2025.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-james-island-yacht-club-town-of-mt-pleasant-july-14-2024?si=1cdd9e058bfe434fbeb8773d7646fb0c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Lowcountry Youth Services
GUEST: ReZsaun Lewis, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children & Youth Services
Originally Connection and You and then the Distinguished Gentleman’s Club, now Lowcountry Youth Services, the 501c3 nonprofit served 1,200 children between 2016 and 2023. The organization’s vision is “Every Child Wins” and the nonprofit’s mission is to provide Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County youth the tools they need to succeed in every area of their lives. Executive Direct ReZsaun Lewis and Associate Executive Director McKendrick Dunn shared the tools Lowcountry Youth Service provides to the boys and girls that are part of one of their five programs. They serve children both inside and outside of school and have community service as one of the elements that youth in the program are part of. Both gentlemen provided specifics in the ways Lowcountry Youth Services assist those in the program and shared their thoughts on the importance of the nonprofit in our community. They discussed the needs that the organization has, both financially and from a volunteer standpoint as mentoring is a huge part of what they do. Lewis and Dunn also shared their passion for Lowcountry Youth Services and discussed what they personally get from being involved and the joy that volunteers and families receive when they give of their time.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-lowcountry-youth-services-june-30-2024
SEGMENT #1: Positive Vibes
GUEST: Ronald Smith, Founder & Director
ISSUE: Gun Violence
It’s not just in big cities where gun violence is a problem. This has become an issue in the Lowcountry as well. Ronald Smith’s young daughter was a victim of gun violence and out of that tragedy he founded Positive Vibes, a non-profit organization dedicated to dealing with the issue. Smith explained what Positive Vibes does in North Charleston, and in communities throughout the Lowcountry. He discussed to upcoming Positive Vibes events, including a Gun Violence Panel Discussion including government officials, community leaders and the public. Smith also spoke on the needs of Positive Vibes and how people can assist the organization.
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SEGMENT #2: Lowcountry Food Bank
GUEST: Brenda Shaw, Chief Development Officer
ISSUE: Hunger
Kids are happy to be out of school, but the end of the school year brings hunger as low-income children miss meals they normally get in school. Brenda Shaw, the Chief Development Officer for the Lowcountry Food Bank shares how they execute their summer hunger program to assist these families. Shaw explained how the Food Bank partners to assist families in the 10-county area they serve. She also discussed the needs of the Food Bank and what individuals can do to help, outside of monetary donations. Shaw also shared the food items best to donate and how they have transitioned to providing healthier offerings, including fresh produce.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-positive-vibes-lowcountry-food-bank-june-16-2024?si=1c9137f973e24ebfbff513da15a03d41&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
