Charleston Promise Neighborhood

Do you think you can make a difference by what you do? It’s true, it takes only one act of kindness for the wheel to move. – Copyright 2000 Tammy Joseph

When I was asked to write a blog about our volunteer opportunities at Charleston Promise Neighborhood, I had no idea where to start. I decided to focus on the reasons for volunteering. Yes, we all know that people volunteer for many reasons, sometimes personal, but always for a purpose. When I was single, many people told me to volunteer so I could meet someone who shared my interests. I did, and I met some great people along the way. Continue reading →

After serving 30 years as a college administrator where my energies were devoted to helping college students find success, I followed my husband to Charleston so he could pursue a career opportunity at MUSC. After much soul searching, I decided to leave my career in higher education to pursue new ways of making a positive difference for Charleston’s children – without “working for pay.” So, imagine my delight when serendipity connected me with the visionary and determined people who are shaping the CPN community! . . . and my good fortune increased even further when I discovered they needed a volunteer to help shape plans for a college-bound culture in the 4 CPN elementary schools!!

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Dear Friends – It’s been a little more than a year since CPN opened its doors last July and what a whirlwind it has been! We thought it would be a good time to share a quick program-focused year in review.

Conducting Community Surveys
Beginning in August, CPN surveyed nonprofit organizations that are currently providing services to the children and families who live within the Neighborhood. Thanks to assistance from Trident United Way and the Coastal Community Foundation, requests for survey responses were sent to 500+ nonprofits. The services were arrayed along six areas of community focus (parenting, education, employment, community revitalization, housing, and healthcare) and along nine age groups from prenatal to seniors. Continue reading →