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
SEGMENT #1: CARTA
GUEST: Mike Seekings, Board of Directors Chairman
ISSUE: Transportation
With the holiday weekend, CARTA starts its “Beach Reach Shuttle,” providing free rides to the beach from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to the Isle of Palms. Mike Seekings, the CARTA Board of Directors Chairman talked about how the route came about, the partnership that made it happen and how people can take advantage of this free route. The Chairman also discussed other CARTA programs including Park n’ Ride and CARTA On Demand, for those 55 and older. Seekings also talked about the upgrades CARTA has made over the past 15 years, how the organization is moving toward the future with an App, attempting to attract younger riders and the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project being currently developed.
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SEGMENT #2: South Carolina State Election Commission
GUEST: Syndi Bain, Voter Education/Outreach Coordinator
ISSUE: Voting
Tuesday, June 11 is Primary Election Day in South Carolina. The Voter Education Outreach Coordinator for the South Carolina State Election Commission, Syndi Bain explained what this primary is for, and how it differs from the Presidential Primaries that took place back in February. Bain discussed the early voting period that is the two weeks prior to the primary, and talked about where and when people could vote. Additionally, she explained what individuals need to bring to the polls to vote. Bain also shared voter registration information, including the deadline for the November election and the website to learn about voting in South Carolina.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-carta-south-carolina-state-election-commission-june-2-2024?si=a83e385fb44741b287be19b964174b5f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: CARTA
GUEST: Mike Seekings, Board of Directors Chairman
ISSUE: Transportation
With the holiday weekend, CARTA starts its “Beach Reach Shuttle,” providing free rides to the beach from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to the Isle of Palms. Mike Seekings, the CARTA Board of Directors Chairman talked about how the route came about, the partnership that made it happen and how people can take advantage of this free route. The Chairman also discussed other CARTA programs including Park n’ Ride and CARTA On Demand, for those 55 and older. Seekings also talked about the upgrades CARTA has made over the past 15 years, how the organization is moving toward the future with an App, attempting to attract younger riders and the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project being currently developed.
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SEGMENT #2: South Carolina State Election Commission
GUEST: Syndi Bain, Voter Education/Outreach Coordinator
ISSUE: Voting
Tuesday, June 11 is Primary Election Day in South Carolina. The Voter Education Outreach Coordinator for the South Carolina State Election Commission, Syndi Bain explained what this primary is for, and how it differs from the Presidential Primaries that took place back in February. Bain discussed the early voting period that is the two weeks prior to the primary, and talked about where and when people could vote. Additionally, she explained what individuals need to bring to the polls to vote. Bain also shared voter registration information, including the deadline for the November election and the website to learn about voting in South Carolina.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-carta-south-carolina-state-election-commission-june-2-2024?si=a83e385fb44741b287be19b964174b5f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Lutheran Services Carolinas
GUEST: Robbie Dent, Foster Family Recruiter
ISSUE: Youth & Family Services
There are currently more than 4,000 children in South Carolina waiting to be placed with a foster family. Robbie Dent, the Foster Family Recruiter for the state of South Carolina, with Lutheran Services Carolinas discussed the challenges this is causing. Dent explained how children end up in foster care, and the importance of having families who are willing and able to assist these boys and girls. Along with providing information on who is eligible to become a foster family, and sharing the steps someone can take to explore becoming a foster, he also made an appeal for community groups to allow him to speak to their members in an effort to recruit new foster families.
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SEGMENT #2: Eminent Professional
GUEST: Lee Landisburg, Director of Marketing
ISSUE: Economic Development
Technology is also moving forward, and there’s a new sound technology being developed in part, in the Lowcountry. Lee Landsiburg, the Marketing Director with Eminent Professional introduced us to the new ET Pro Speakers. Over the past few decades, we’ve seen the quality of sound increase while the size of speakers decrease. Landisburg’s company has two patents that are potentially reducing the size of speakers even more, while improving the sound quality and clarity. He discussed the technology that could impact the concert and live music industry, as well as sharing its more practical uses on smart phones and speakers, and computers.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-lutheran-services-carolinas-eminent-professional-may-19-2024?si=7d2a0df510b54d58b14b2005a1de2365&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Segment #1: Landmark for Families
GUEST: Megan Davis, Assoc. Vice President for Development
ISSUE: Youth & Family Services
One of the oldest non-profits in the nation is here in the Lowcountry, serving our community since the 1790s. Recently, the Carolina Youth Development Center changed its name to Landmark for Families. Megan Davis, their Associate Vice-President for Development explained the reason behind the name changed. She discussed how they are continuing their original mission and new ways they are helping children, and families. Davis also provided details on their upcoming fundraising event, the Give Me Shelter Color 5K, shared information on how people could enter, or volunteer, and explained how the money raised would help the organization.
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Segment #2: TriCounty Speaks
GUEST: Deborah Freel, Executive Director
ISSUE: Sexual Assault
The statistics are staggering, and while many people feel it’s a New York/Chicago/Los Angeles “big city” problem, sexual assault is an issue in all areas of our nation, including the Lowcountry. Deborah Freel is the next executive director of Tri-County Speaks, formerly known as People Against Rape. Freel provided which each letter stands for in their acronym and explained the organizations approach to dealing with and assisting victims of sexual assault. She gave tips for individual who are dealing with sexual assault and provided suggestions for an individual who believes someone they know are being sexually assault. She spoke of her plan for the organization moving forward, and how the community can assist.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-landmark-for-families-tricounty-speaks-may-12-2024
