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Florence County Invests $10,000 in Collective Initiative

Participants engage in collaborative discussions at a Florence County Collective meeting.

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United Way of Florence County

The United Way of Florence County has been a crucial part of the community’s social service network for over 70 years. In 2022, the organization transitioned from a traditional model to a collective impact approach, focusing on key areas such as early childhood education, mental health, housing, and basic needs. In 2024, it helped establish the Florence County Collective, a collaborative initiative aimed at uniting nonprofit organizations and government agencies to address community challenges more effectively. Supported by significant local funding, including a $10,000 contribution from Florence County, the United Way continues to facilitate partnerships, provide resources, and promote community well-being through strategic programs and initiatives tailored to improve residents’ quality of life.

News Summary

Florence County has committed $10,000 to the Florence County Collective, an initiative by the United Way aimed at improving community well-being through nonprofit collaboration. The funding will enhance resources for nonprofit leaders and support community initiatives focused on education, health, and financial stability. The Collective’s efforts reflect a unified approach to address pressing local challenges, especially highlighted by educational readiness issues in school districts. Led by a diverse steering committee, the initiative seeks lasting positive change for residents.

Florence, SC – Florence County has pledged a significant contribution of $10,000 to support the Florence County Collective, a collaborative initiative managed by the United Way of Florence County. This funding is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents by unifying the efforts of nonprofit organizations and government agencies within the region.

The Florence County Collective was established in 2024, evolving from the former Florence County Coordinating Council, which functioned until its dissolution in 2020. The new Collective represents a renewed commitment to fostering a vibrant nonprofit sector, capable of effectively addressing the diverse needs of the community.

Kevin Yokim, the county administrator, emphasized the potential of a thriving nonprofit community to tackle various local challenges. The financial support from the county will enable the Collective to provide essential resources that empower nonprofit leaders in their missions.

Collective’s Functioning and Objectives

The Florence County Collective is designed to facilitate regular meetings at no cost to participants, thereby encouraging active participation among local organizations. These gatherings focus on creating networking opportunities, educational sessions, and collaborative efforts among participants. The agenda includes time dedicated to relationship building, which is crucial for fostering partnerships that can drive community initiatives.

To ensure that discussions are informative and beneficial, subject matter experts are invited to share best practices and deliver practical insights on relevant issues. The Collective also promotes collaboration through the formation of working groups centered on common objectives and mission alignment. Participants engage in developing comprehensive action plans that address key pillars: education, health, and financial stability.

Steering Committee Oversight

The functioning of the Collective is guided by a steering committee comprising 11 leaders from an array of organizations, including Duke Energy and the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, alongside various local health and service groups. This diverse representation ensures a well-rounded approach to tackling community challenges.

United Way’s Role and Historical Context

The United Way of Florence County has served as a foundational part of the area’s social service network for over 70 years. In June 2022, the organization transitioned to a collective impact model, a strategic shift aimed at concentrating efforts on critical areas such as early childhood education, mental health, housing rehabilitation, and meeting basic human needs.

A needs assessment survey conducted in early 2023 highlighted pressing issues within the community, with results showing that more than 70% of students from local school districts were unprepared for kindergarten. This alarming statistic underscores the necessity for initiatives focusing on educational readiness.

Addressing Health and Economic Challenges

Furthermore, the Collective aims to improve access to vital mental health services and reduce the alarming rate of drug overdoses, targeting specific resources for addiction recovery. Economic goals include assisting homeowners in making timely repairs and aiding families in securing sustainable housing, both of which are crucial for enhancing overall community well-being.

The continued support from Florence County, reflected in this recent funding commitment, illustrates a collaborative effort to uplift the community through strategic partnerships and focused initiatives. Together, the Collective and its participant organizations strive to create lasting positive change for the residents of Florence County.