At our luncheon last week, Jeri Farren, WAHHI Charitable Fund Chair announced the selection of eight $1500 Community Grants to deserving nonprofit organizations. Since its founding in 1961, WAHHI has donated thousands of dollars to projects that benefit local charitable organizations to support specific program needs that align with WAHHI’s mission: To facilitate communication among women, to encourage projects that benefit the community and to promote the natural and cultural beauty of the Lowcountry.

This community giving was formally structured in 2016-2017 with the establishment of the WAHHI Charitable Fund, administered by the Charitable Foundation of the Lowcountry. This year the grants committee reviewed grants through the lens of “resilience”, WAHHI’s theme. Many of the grants were intended to help those nonprofits that were severely impacted by the pandemic.

Through the WAHHI Charitable Fund administered by The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, WAHHI awarded the following grants for 2022:

The Children’s Center-The grant will be used to support low-income infant and toddler programs.

Hopeful Horizons-The grant will be used to provide wellness and aftercare packages that are requested by therapists for clients who complete Child Advocacy Programs

Love House Learning Academy-The grant will cover supplies and materials for after-school academic support for students who have fallen below grade level during COVID.

Lowcountry Alliance for Healthy Youth-The grant will provide an opportunity to expand a program where teens reach out to their peers to educate them on the dangers of addiction

LowCountry Legal Volunteers-The grant will support the Housing Protection Program where local volunteer attorneys will work on eviction cases.

Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC)-The grant will support parent workshops at its New Oaks Learning Center. Those who participate will have the opportunity to economically provide proper nutrition for their families by incorporating fresh produce in every meal.

Sandalwood Community Food Pantry– The grant will be used for families of young children enabling them to secure wipes, diapers and other items such as detergent and household needs.

Pregnancy Center– The grant will provide funds for counseling, education, and support for uninsured and underserved pregnant women whose mental and physical well-being are being adversely impacted by COVID.