SEGMENT #1: Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
GUEST: Jermaine Husser, Executive Director
ISSUE: Community Service
Everyone has the right to thrive – that’s the belief at Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach with locations in downtown Charleston and on Johns Island. The non-profit organization helps those in need, but more than just on a surface level, but instead strives to provide long-term assistance. Executive Director Jermaine Husser explained how the organization helps individuals and families who walk through the door. Husser discussed all of the services they try to provide beyond just food and clothing needs, but also assisting with job searches and providing life skills. They have a huge fundraiser, the March 22 “Love Your Neighbors Celebration” which includes an awards ceremony as they thank businesses and community organizations that have assisted over the past year.
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SEGMENT #2: Water Missions International
GUEST: Mary Howell, Sr. Manager of Charleston Community Engagement
ISSUE: Water/Water Needs
Many people do not realize the organization that is at the forefront of providing clean water to areas around the world when storms and natural disasters occur was created and in based in Charleston. Water Missions International provides clean water, for drinking, cleaning and sewage internationally, and in the U.S. The non-profit recently assisted in North Carolina, devastated by Hurricane Helene. Mary Howell, the organization’s Senior Manager of Charleston Community Engagement explained how the organization was founded and the growth they’ve had. Howell also provided details on their huge fundraising event, the annual “Walk for Water” on March 29 at North Charleston Riverfront Park and shared how people could sign-up and participate in this year’s event.
SEGMENT #1: Hoofprints in the Sand
GUEST: Sarah Lustig, CEO & Founder
ISSUE: Veterans/Health & Human Services
Every three days a South Carolina Veteran commits suicide. PTSD is a major source of this tragedy. Hoofprints in the Sand is a non-profit organization that uses equine therapy to assist those with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Sarah Lustig is the CEO & Founder of Hoofprints in the Sand and provided background on the services the organization offers and how they use horses in treatment. Ann O’Brien, a counsel with Hoofprints share the ways that clients respond to this unique treatment. The organization is hosting their annual “Denim & Diamonds” fundraising gala on Saturday, March 15 to raise needed funds to assist in their mission. The pair gave specifics on the event and how tickets can be purchased.
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SEGMENT #2: Summerville Family YMCA
GUEST: Joe Debney, Executive Director
ISSUE: Community Service
Summerville is one of the fastest growing areas in the Lowcountry and the Summerville Family YMCA is working to stay ahead of that growth. Joe Debney is the Executive Director of the YMCA and spoke of how he was first a member and volunteer with the organization before becoming Executive Director. Debney detailed the many programs the YMCA offers, beyond just exercise and physical fitness, and showcased how the nonprofit has immersed itself in the community. The Executive Director highlighted two specific programs that he believes people aren’t aware of. And Debney provided specifics on two upcoming fundraising events, the March 15 Shamrock Shuffle, and the YMCA’s biggest fundraising event, the annual Flowertown Festival, April 4-6.
SEGMENT #1: NYPD 10-13 Club North Charleston
GUEST: Frank Capogrosso, President
ISSUE: Law Enforcement
Officer Jonathon Donnelly is a member of the North Charleston Police Department who was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease, which advanced to stage 5. At that point, it was necessary for the officer to receive a kidney transplant. Officer Donnelly, Lindsey Perry, his kidney donor, and Frank Capogrosso, President of the NYPD 10-13 Club North Charleston combined to organize a fundraiser to help offset some of Officer Donnelly’s medical expenses. The NYPD 10-13 Club is made up of retired New York City police officers. Capogrosso explained why the group decided to host a February 27th fundraiser. Donnelly share his story, how the North Charleston Police Department has worked with him through this ordeal and how and why he can’t wait to return to the force.
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SEGMENT #2: Camp Rise Above
GUEST: Allison Carter, Director of Development
ISSUE: Children’s Health and Human Services
Every child should have the opportunity to experience camp, even those with disabilities or special needs. The Camp Rise Above is an organization that provides camp for those children. The Director of Development for Camp Rise Above, Allison Carter, shared how the non-profit was started, and the different service they provide children. Camp Rise Above’s biggest need is monetary donations, and Carter provided the details on their 3rd annual “Glamping Gala” on March 14, put on to raise money for the organization. In addition to furnishing the specials on the “Gala,” Carter discussed ways individuals and businesses could support Camp Rise Above, including through supply donations and volunteering.
SEGMENT #1: Berkeley County School District
GUEST: Natalie Locklear, Director of Recruitment & Retention and Aimee Fulmer, Chief Human Resources Officer
ISSUE: Education and Employment
Berkeley County is one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina. That means Berkeley County Schools are growing as well. Feb. 22, the District is hosting their “Big Top Hiring Event,” looking to fill teaching and other positions across the district. From the Berkeley County School District’s Natalie Locklear, Director of Recruitment & Retention and Aimee Fulmer, Chief Human Resources Officer provided the specifics on the job fair. Along with the location and hours of the fair, both shared specifics in terms of the need for teachers and what the district offers new employees. They also spoke of the other available positions, the atmosphere within the district, and what individuals need to do not only to apply, but find a position at the event and start their employment in August.
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SEGMENT #2: American Heart Association
GUEST: Rick Hundorfean, 2025 Lowcountry Heart Walk Chairperson, Chief Operating Officer at MUSC Health
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The American Heart Association’s annual “Heart Walk” is an event designed to raise money for heart disease research, and overall awareness of heart disease. Rick Hundorfean, the Chief Operating Officer at MUSC Health and the 2025 Lowcountry Heart Walk Chairperson, provided the details on this year’s Saturday, Feb. 22 event. In his second year as Walk Chairperson, Hundorfean talked about the previous year’s event, and what is new in 2025. The COO also talked about his family’s experience with heart disease, and the importance of this event. Additionally, he explained how and why this year’s walk is incorporating CPR training.
SEGMENT #1: Town of Mount Pleasant Police Department
GUEST: Lt. Ashley Croy, Public Information Officer
ISSUE: Special Needs
Each February, hundreds of people go for a swim in the cold Atlantic Ocean, for a good cause. “Freezin’ For a Reason,” the Isle of Palms annual Polar Plunge is a benefit event for Special Olympics, hosted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department. The Public Information Officer for the Mount Pleasant PD, Lt. Ashley Croy share the specific information on the Saturday, February 22nd event. Croy provided details on how individuals could register to participate and the other elements that would be included with the “Plunge” like a costume contest and post plunge concert. The officer also discussed the department’s relationship with Special Olympics and the ways this event benefited those athletes, and their families.
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SEGMENT #2: Charleston Area Senior Citizens & Berkeley Seniors, Inc.
GUEST: Donna Cook, Executive Director
ISSUE: Senior Citizen Issues
Inflation is a challenge for everyone, but more so with those on a fixed income. The Charleston Area Senior Citizens & Berkeley Seniors, Inc. implement Meals on Wheels in those two counties. Donna Cook, the organization’s Executive Director shared the challenges the Means On Wheels program is facing. Cook explained the importance of the program to area seniors, both in nutrition and the companionship those seniors receive through daily visits. Over 300 seniors are currently on a waiting list to receive Meals on Wheels. Additionally, the organization has a shortage of volunteers to deliver the food. Cook provided information on how seniors can get on the wait list and how individuals can volunteer to assist the organization.
SEGMENT #1: American Heart Association
GUEST: Katie Logan, Nurse Practitioner, Kelly Guerrero, Physician Assistant, Roper St. Francis Hospital
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
The statistics are stunning – 9 of 10 people who suffer a cardiac event outside a hospital don’t survive. The importance of knowing how to perform CPR is growing. Ahead of this year’s Lowcountry Heart Walk, the American Heart Association is focusing on CPR education. Mary Logan, Nurse Practitioner and Kelly Guerrero, Physician Assistant, both at Roper St. Francis Hospital explained how easy it is to receive CPR training, something that can be done in about 4 hours. They provided information on where those resources and provided some tips, including using music – a favorite song – to time compressions. The pair also shared specifics on the 2025 Lowcountry Heart Walk, why people should want to participate and how individuals can register to be a part of the event.
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SEGMENT #2: Lowcountry Rapid Transit
GUEST: Mike Seekings, Chairman, CARTA
ISSUE: Traffic/Transportation
One thing everyone in the Lowcountry can agree on is that traffic is bad. As the area continues to grow, solutions are needed to deal with that growth. Lowcountry Rapid Transit is a project to assist with congestion and provide traffic relief. CARTA Chairman Mike Seekings explained that Lowcountry Rapid Transit is not a bullet train, but an individual corridor being created from Exchange Park in Ladson to the hospital district in downtown Charleston – a 21.3-mile route. The Chairman provided background on the project, stressing that it was happening, as the funding is already in place. He discussed how Lowcountry Rapid Transit would work, the convenience it would provide Charleston County residents, how it may expand after the initial line opens in 2030 and how citizens can provide impact and learn more about the project.
SEGMENT #1: Dorchester Paws
GUEST: Preston Hayden, Director of Marketing and Development
ISSUE: Pets/Animal Control
Former known as the Francis R. Willis SPCA, Dorchester Paws has been serving the Lowcountry for 51 years, all of it in the same Summerville building. In 2025, the non-profit hopes to break ground on a new facility. Preston Hayden, the organization’s Director of Marketing and Development explained Dorchester Paws need for the new shelter and the capitol campaign that started during the holiday season to raise money to fund it. Hayden shared the shelters commitment to being a No Kill facility and the challenges that has created. He also discussed the organization’s other needs including fostering animals and volunteering and their next major fundraising event, an oyster roast on February 1.
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SEGMENT #2: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
GUEST: John Powell, Executive Director
ISSUE: Tourism/Economic Development
The start of the tourist season in the Charleston area begins with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, this year February 14 through the 16. For the past 20 years, John Powell has been the Executive Director of SEWE. Powell shared the growth of the Exposition over that time frame and talked about how wildlife art is still the center of what has become a wide-ranging event. Along with art, SEWE includes outdoor and wildlife events like the Dock Dogs competition in the Birds of Prey exhibition in Marion Square. Powell explained the partnership that has been created not just with the city of Charleston, but the surrounding communities, and went in-depth on the economic effect of the Exposition, sharing how SEWE generates about $35 million dollars for the Lowcountry.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-dorchester-paws-sewe-jan-12-2025?si=44086a5daa74480db87aa585411fdb3d&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
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.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-james-island-outreach-dorchester-parks-jan-5-2025?si=44086a5daa74480db87aa585411fdb3d&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
SEGMENT #1: Dorchester County Parks & Recreation
GUEST: Pam Zanowski, Parks Marketing & 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 three Dorchester County parks and described what residents would find at each facility. Plus, what the new park will include and when it may open. Zanowski also shared some of the programs the Parks and Recreation Department will execute before the end of 2024, including a Noon Year’s Eve party for children. 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.
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SEGMENT #2: Delancey Street
GUEST: Eric Meeks
ISSUE: Prison Reform
Delancey Street is a non-profit organization that provides a place to live and a program for men who have hit rock bottom and have decided to change their lives. Eric Meeks is the Supply Coordinator and an individual who has been through their program after having served time in prison. Meeks provided an overview of what Delancey Street does for clients here in the Lowcountry, from how individuals join to what is required of those individuals to complete the program. Delancey Street employs former inmates to a variety of businesses they operate, including one for the holiday. Meeks share the details on their three area Christmas Tree lots, and how the money raised from the sales is used to support the non-profit.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-dorchester-county-delancey-street-dec-15-2024
SEGMENT #1: MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
GUEST: Dr. Mark Scherer, Chief of the Children’s & Women’s Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence
ISSUE: Children and Youth Services/Medical
This December, the 23rd Annual Reindeer Run, presented by Half Moon Outfitters, takes place in downtown Charleston. The run is a benefit event for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, the number one ranked Children’s Hospital in South Carolina. Dr. Mark Scherer is the Chief of the Children’s & Women’s Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence at the Hospital. Scherer participates in the run and shared his experiences in previous Reindeer Runs. Additionally, Scherer discussed when the money raised from the event goes, and some of the specific ways that it assists the Children’s Hospital.
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SEGMENT #2: Pattison’s Academy
GUEST: Dr. Laura M. Ganci, CEO
ISSUE: Children/Youth Disabilities
Pattison’s Academy is a Lowcountry nonprofit focused on providing comprehensive, year-round programs to support children with disabilities and their families. Dr. Laura M. Ganci, the CEO of Pattison’s Academy told the story of how the Academy was founded, and the four programs the Academy provides to the community. The Academy itself is only open to Charleston County residents, but the other programs, including the very popular summer camp, is open to anyone in the tri-county. Dr. Ganci shared information on all of the programs, as well as discussing how the Academy is funded, and how individuals can help, not just by monetary donations, but by volunteering to help.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-musc-childrens-hospital-pattisons-academy-dec-8-2024
