Tag: SC Families

Evette praises YMCA’s impact during visit

By Brandon Roberts, Originally posted by The Summerville Journal Scene on April 27, 2025

Lt. Gov. advocates for youth programs, small businesses, public-private partnerships

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visited the Summerville Family YMCA at The Ponds on April 24 to discuss the YMCA’s role in the community and emphasize the importance of local partnerships.

During the one-hour tour, YMCA CEO Joe Debney highlighted the organization’s community-focused initiatives, such as drowning prevention programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits and elected officials.

“Every single time I have heard her speak, she stresses the importance of small business, public-private partnerships and nonprofits,” Debney said. “Not only here in South Carolina, I’ve seen her do this at the national level with the YMCA.”

Evette expressed her strong support for the YMCA’s work, particularly its effect on youth and seniors. She praised the organization’s programs that teach soft skills to high school students and provide seniors with opportunities to stay active and socially engaged.

“I am a huge champion of the Y, and for so many reasons,” Evette said. “First and foremost, because of the impact you’ve had in your community, not just with young people.”

She also shared her enthusiasm for the YMCA’s historical connections to prominent figures such as Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney.

“Ronald Reagan’s first job was being a lifeguard at the Y, and Walt Disney lived at the Y while he was sketching out his characters,” she said. “All these amazing people who did such impactful things have such a strong connection to the Y.”

Evette also highlighted the YMCA’s role in fostering youth involvement in government, pointing out the Youth in Government program led by the Y.

“It is so important for us to get our younger generation involved in government,” she said, referencing the increased awareness of state government processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to discussing the YMCA’s contributions, Debney recognized local partnerships that strengthen the organization’s impact. The visit underscored the YMCA’s commitment to community health and its role as a resource for Summerville residents.

Lt. Gov. Evette, Vision to Learn celebrate program’s impact on students’ vision care

By Brandon Roberts; Originally posted in the Summerville Journal Scene,

Event at Fort Dorchester Elementary highlights efforts in South Carolina

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Vision to Learn President Ann Hollister attended a special event Friday, March 14, at Fort Dorchester Elementary School, celebrating the nonprofit’s success in providing vision care to children across South Carolina.

During the event, Evette and Hollister helped 20 students at the school try on their new glasses for the first time. This moment marked a milestone for Vision to Learn’s South Carolina program, which has provided more than 30,000 vision screenings, 12,000 eye exams and 10,000 pairs of glasses to students in need, all at no cost to the child or their family.

“Education is the gateway to success, and for students with vision issues, glasses are the gateway to learning,” Evette said. “I’m proud to partner with Vision to Learn to help ensure our children have access to the eye care they need to reach their full potential.”

Since its launch in 2021, Vision to Learn has expanded its reach in South Carolina, assisting students in Charleston and Dorchester counties. The program serves as one of the state’s most comprehensive school-based initiatives for children’s eye care.

“Vision to Learn has been a game changer for students in Dorchester County,” said Dorchester School District Two Interim Superintendent Chad Dougherty. “By providing eye exams and glasses to students where they are every day – at their neighborhood school – this effort has delivered access to care that was sorely lacking for many of our students.”

Vision to Learn, a national nonprofit founded in 2012, seeks to address the disparity in access to eye care, especially in low-income communities. According to the organization, about 1-in-4 children need glasses, but many go without the proper care. In South Carolina alone, an estimated 100,000 students lack the necessary glasses.

“More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need,” said Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner. “Every child in every school, everywhere in the country, should have the glasses they need to succeed in school and in life.”

For more information on Vision to Learn and its programs, visit www.visiontolearn.org

Charleston event to feature South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette at New Realm Brewing

by ABC NEWS 4 STAFF. Originally published February 20th 2025

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette will be the featured guest at the upcoming Charleston Business & Brews event in March.

Slated for Thursday, March 13, at New Realm Brewing on Daniel Island, the event, which runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Evette, the 93rd lieutenant governor of South Carolina and the state’s first female Republican to hold the position is known for her entrepreneurial spirit. She founded Quality Business Solutions, a payroll, HR, and benefits services firm, which grew into one of the nation’s fastest-growing small businesses under her leadership.

Since taking office in January 2019, Evette has focused on leveraging her professional experience to benefit South Carolina’s businesses and communities. She has been an advocate for the state’s small business ecosystem and has worked to attract new businesses to the area.

The event is organized by Follywood Productions and sponsored by companies including HNTB, Kavalyn Custom Solutions, Apostioli, and Ridge Media. New Realm Brewing is located at 880 Island Park Dr., Charleston, SC 29492.

Lt. Gov. Evette attends groundbreaking at Miracle Hill Park in Rock Hill

By Lamaur Stancil, originally published February 3, 2025 in the Post & Courier Rock Hill

ROCK HILL — It’s not just a place to play.

Rock Hill’s Miracle Park, featuring a playground, a baseball field and a general-use field, emphasizes the inclusion of children with disabilities who also want to participate.

On Jan. 31, city officials led a groundbreaking ceremony for the next phases of the 15-year park, which opened in 2021 as a joint effort among Rock Hill, Winthrop University and a slew of donors.

“It’s great to have an accessible park, but we also need a place where there’s community and belonging,” said Kylie Carroll, executive director for Miracle Park, located between Eden Terrace and Cherry Road, near Winthrop.

Miracle Park, Rock Hill

Miracle Park in Rock Hill; Lamaur Stancil/staff

Throughout York County, 2025 could be a transformative year for parks. In Fort Mill, the town is preparing to receive bids for a renovation plan for Walter Y. Elisha Park.

And the York County Parks and Recreation Department in January released its strategic plan for its facilities.

At Miracle, the Phase 2 plans include adding a second baseball field, a multi-purpose field for football and pickleball, a fishing pond and more parking.

Phase 3 will place a retail space at the corner of Cherry and Richmond Drive. That will be Miracle Coffee, where adults with disabilities will be trained to work. MaxAbilities of York County, a nonprofit agency that provides assistance to people with disabilities, will run the shop.

“There’s nothing like this anywhere in the U.S. of this magnitude, serving people with disabilities as its primary objective,” said real estate developer Warren Norman at the groundbreaking event.

Miracle Field, for example, is wheelchair accessible and has a rubberized surface with painted bases, designed for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges. The dugouts there are also wheelchair friendly.

Lt. Gov. Evette says delivery of F-16 to Bulgaria is “Peace Through Strength”

By Rey Llerena, originally posted January 31, 2025 on WYFF4

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria as the country plans to develop its air force.

The aircraft was delivered in a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville County facility on Friday morning, with top Bulgarian defense officials in attendance.

“With the acquisition of this multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of tasks, we’re marking the beginning of the modernization of our combat aviation,” said Atanas Zapryanov, Bulgaria’s minister of defense.

Friday’s ceremony marked the first of 16 total F-16 Block 70s that will eventually be delivered to Bulgaria.

Chris Nations, Lockheed Martin’s chief F-16 test pilot, said the F-16 has been in service for more than 50 years. He said the Block 70 is the most capable version to date.

However, before the aircraft are delivered to customers, Nations said they are tested in the Upstate, where some people can hear sonic booms.

“That is the sound of freedom,” Nations said. “Realistically, what that is making sure that these jets work exactly like they’re supposed to. On the very first flight, after we’ve put the tires on and strap the wings on, I’ll take that aircraft up to over 40,000 feet in the air.”

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said these planes are one way the state is helping with national security.

“This is peace through strength,” she said. “Making sure that our allies have the equipment they need to keep their citizens safe is something we’re passionate about here. We’ve heard since President Trump took office, ‘How do we bring up the U.S.’s military might to make sure we keep our people and our country safe?'”

Lockheed Martin said there are more than 700 F-16s currently in service across Europe.

Charleston celebrates Chanukah in the Square with special visits from state representatives

by Emma Charles, originally posted Dec 30, 2024 by WCBD News 2

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Monday night, the Lowcountry celebrated Charleston’s 17th annual Chanukah in the Square.

“Chanukah is one of those holidays that brings out the light and we’re lucky to do that every year,” said Rabbi Yossi Refson.

The Center for Jewish life puts on Chanukah in the Square every year to celebrate the Jewish Holiday. Charleston has a history of religious tolerance which is one of the reasons the event takes place in Marion Square in the heart of the city.

“Charleston has a wonderful history of religious tolerance and Chanukah is the holiday where we celebrate our religious freedom and we celebrate it publicly we can celebrate our traditions here in Marion square the most public place in Charleston,” said Refson.

There is traditional food, live music and decorations as the low country celebrates Chanukah. South Carolina leaders spoke at the event including representative Nancy Mace, State Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette

“It’s great we can all celebrate together. Everybody of all faiths coming together and standing in solidarity to make sure we can worship freely: that’s what this country is based on. That’s why my grandparents came here, they said this is the best place in the world. You can worship any way you want; you can be anything you want here in the United States and that’s what this shows. Here in South Carolina, we’re special, we don’t let hatred, and we don’t let racism cast a dark shadow over our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson said this event is an opportunity to show support for the Jewish community in South Carolina.

“This Jewish community is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the United States of America and we come from different faiths and different traditions, but we have a shared history we have a shared value system and being down here to support this community and rededicate ourselves as we go into 2025 is a real special thing for me,” said Wilson.

Lt. Gov. Evette joins Gov. McMaster as he signs human trafficking bill into law

Originally published in the Lexington County Chronicle on Wednesday, August 21, 2024

By Marley Bassett,

Gov. Henry McMaster signed S.142 at a ceremony. The law creates the crime of child luring in South Carolina and also strengthens existing human trafficking laws.

“Protecting our children and victims of human trafficking is essential to building safe communities and allowing our state to continue to thrive,” McMaster said in the press release. “By enacting this legislation, we are not only defending our people but equipping our prosecutors and law enforcement with additional tools to ensure criminals are held accountable.”

Child luring refers to “adults who lure, entice, or attempt to lure a child with the intent to harm them,” the press release said. If someone is convicted of this felony, the criminal will face a fine of up to $10,000, serve a prison sentence of 10 years or both.

The law also expands the definition of sex trafficking to include sexual exploitation of a minor and the participation of the prostitution of a minor.

“The new law adds more protections for victims of human trafficking. Victims may now motion the court to expunge a non-violent offense stemming from trafficking if they were forced to commit the crime by their captor,” the press release said. “Further, the bill adds that a person under the age of eighteen who is a victim of human trafficking may not be prosecuted for prostitution or any other non-violent misdemeanor or class F felony.”

“We need to prevent victims from being prosecuted for crimes they committed because they were entangled in the human trafficking ring,” Attorney General Alan Wilson said in the press release. “I am so grateful we brought in safe harbor to protect victims of human trafficking.”

McMaster was joined at the ceremony by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, S.C.-01 Congressional Representative Nancy Mace and several members of the state legislature.

Greenwood Republican Party hosts SC Lt. Gov. Evette

Originally posted by Index-Journal on August 12, 2024

By MYA ATTEN

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette addressed the Greenwood County Republican Party during its August monthly meeting at Lander University.

On Monday, Evette urged the audience to come together, highlighting the importance of unity.

“South Carolina is a huge state when it comes to its impact on the world,” Evette said. “We are small but mighty and our impact is everywhere.”

Evette noted that South Carolina must increase its energy production to maintain growth and continue attracting new businesses.

State Rep. John McCravy thanked Evette for her efforts in floodwater prevention, her commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and for initiating the statewide “Grab a Bag” liter pickup challenge.

“Evette is one of the greatest advocates for our state,” McCravy said. “She was born in Ohio, but she has the South Carolina traditional values that we share.”

Evette reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for school choice and discussed key legislative actions from this year’s General Assembly.

Among the topics she highlighted were the “Help Not Harm” bill and legislation aimed at protecting children from online pornography.

“As parents, we need help,” Evette said. “There are so many things out there that we can’t monitor all on our own.”

Evette emphasized that her top priority is eliminating DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs from schools. She said she is a strong supporter of school choice.

“It’s a parent’s right and responsibility to determine the best educational path for their children,” Evette said.

Evette shared that during her first year as lieutenant governor, she made it a priority to visit any place that would host her, aiming to listen and learn.

“It was quite a leap for me,” Evettte said. “I went from owning a business to being lieutenant governor.

She also mentioned that she has enjoyed traveling to different parts of South Carolina and engaging in conversations about the diverse developments taking place across the state.

Evette has been South Carolina’s 93rd lieutenant governor since 2019, making her the first woman to ever hold the office in the state.

The National Lieutenant Governors Association donates 100 STEM toys to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina

Originally published April 25, 2024 by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina was the proud recipient of the NLGA STEM Service Project donations at the National Lieutenant Governors Association Spring Meeting.  

David Byrd, Chief Executive Officer for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina thanked the NLGA participants and said, “STEM is a big part of our future. Our YMCAs across the United States and particularly here in South Carolina, focus heavily on STEM. I see it everyday with our kids and our families. We are honored today to receive this gift of 100 STEM toys.” 

Sponsored by BMW Manufacturing Co, NLGA Members wrapped and donated 100 STEM-related toys to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina to give to kids in our programs.  As of April 1, 2024, more than 450 youth in six states or territories have STEM opportunity as a direct result of NLGA Members meeting and working together.

“Getting our kids involved and engaged with STEM is so important to developing the workforce of tomorrow” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “We are thankful to BMW for their support and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina for providing hands-on learning experiences throughout the school year and during the summers — allowing parents to get to work and helping our kids to thrive.”

YMCA Afterschool and Summer Camp programs incorporate STEM, literacy, academic support, and physical activity into the daily schedules. Evidence shows that providing out-of-school time (OST) learning directly impacts what is possible to learn inside classrooms — just as what happens in classrooms impacts OST learning.

Hatton Gravely, Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, adds, “Kids learn through play, and these STEM toys will enhance what the kids are learning in school and at the Y in programs. We are so grateful to be selected by the NLGA for this wonderful gift!”

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette supports expansion of home visit programs for SC moms, babies

By Dejon Johnson | Originally posted by ABC 15 News on Wed, Feb. 2024

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — On Wednesday, Legislative leaders held a press conference supporting home visit programs that serve South Carolina mothers and babies.

The press conference was held at 11:30 am at the South Carolina State House.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette reaffirmed the states commitment to maternal health and early childhood development.

Lt. Gov. Evette was joined by Senator Katrina Shealy, other legislative leaders, Chidren’s Trust CEO Sue Williams and a mom who benefitted from the home visiting programs.

“I have seen first-hand the invaluable work being done by Children’s Trust home visiting programs in our state,” said Lt. Governor Evette. “By offering guidance and support directly within the families’ homes, these programs empower parents and caregivers with the tools and resources they need to provide the best possible start in life for their children.”

Less than 10 percent of eligible families in South Carolina receive voluntary home visiting services. 

South Carolina will be able to serve more families through a state financial investment that would get matched 3-to-1 by the federal Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting grant. 

“Investing in early childhood development is one of the most effective ways to build a brighter future for our state,” said Williams. “By supporting home visiting programs, we are investing in the well-being of our children and the strength of our communities,” said Sue Williams.

For more information about home visiting programs in South Carolina, visit scChildren.org.

Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram Vimeo