Letters: Nonprofit summit recognizes local health efforts

The S.C. Association of Nonprofit Organizations is holding its annual nonprofit summit in Columbia this year, in recognition of our local nonprofits’ attention and dedication to the health of our residents. Three Columbia-area nonprofits will be highlighted, with the 600 nonprofit leaders, grantmakers and policy makers each selecting one for on-site visits on Tuesday:

▪ Transitions and the Free Medical Clinic. Transitions helps adult women and men overcome their barriers to housing, and the Free Medical Clinic acts as a safety net for uninsured families.

▪ St. Lawrence Place. A village of single-family homes, St. Lawrence Place is a program of Homeless No More. More than an emergency shelter, this program keeps families together and helps them cultivate the skills they need to become contributing members of the community.

▪ Celia Saxon Community. In 2000, the Columbia Housing Authority demolished 400 barracks-style public housing apartments and rebuilt the new Celia Saxon Community. In addition to 435 new apartments, the Housing Authority created a total community, complete with sidewalks, a public library, wellness and health centers and retail stores.

This year’s summit is all about learning how we as nonprofits can make our communities’ health a priority by building a culture of health within our state. With exciting workshops, keynote speakers and great site visits, Columbia will be buzzing with nonprofits from all across the state.

This story was originally published March 5, 2017 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Letters: Nonprofit summit recognizes local health efforts."