Epworth’s Beth Williams accepts a donation from Rotary’s Stan Holland.
The Rotary Club of Forest Acres has announced a new partnership with Epworth Children’s Home, an organization that continues to transform the lives of vulnerable children and families across South Carolina.
During its club meeting September 10, Beth Williams, president and CEO of Epworth, shared the remarkable progress the organization has made. With more than 160 staff members statewide, Epworth has already served over 1,800 children and families this year alone and expects to reach more than 2,000 before year’s end.
Williams highlighted Epworth’s new initiatives, including the launch of a Family Resource Center in Richland County—the first of its kind in the area. This center will provide critical support such as food security assistance, legal aid, parenting resources, counseling, and partnerships with local organizations like DSS, WIC, and the Fathers Coalition. The goal is clear: to help families before they ever have to enter the child welfare system. “No child should ever enter care because of poverty,” Williams emphasized.
Epworth is also expanding its counseling services, opening a new Lowcountry Counseling Center in North Charleston next month and piloting a Rapid Response Program designed to reduce placement instability for children in foster care. In addition, Williams celebrated the 23 adoptions finalized this year, underscoring Epworth’s commitment to helping children find forever families while also working tirelessly on prevention to keep children safely at home whenever possible.
Rotary Club President Stan Holland expressed excitement about the club’s new partnership with Epworth. Beginning in October, Rotarians will participate in “meetand greet” events to build relationships with families and learn how best to serve them. Holland emphasized the unique opportunity for Rotarians to share their professional experience and personal wisdom with young people who are working to overcome significant challenges.
As part of this partnership, the Rotary Club presented a $2,250 grant to fund 15 picnic tables for Epworth’s outdoor pavilion, transforming it into a welcoming space where families can gather in privacy and comfort. The club has also enlisted local Scouts from Troop 10 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church to build additional tables, expanding the impact of the project.
“Partnerships like this are vital,” Williams noted. “We could not do this work without the support of churches, civic clubs, and community organizations like Rotary. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
With this collaboration, the Rotary Club of Forest Acres is living out its mission to serve—and making a meaningful investment in the lives of children and families who need it most.
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