Community Foundation Names Eau Claire Shalom Ministries the 2009 Catalyst Award Recipient
September 25, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – September 25, 2009 – Central Carolina Community Foundation announced Eau Claire Shalom Ministries (Shalom) as the recipient of the 2009 David W. Robinson Catalyst Award at its 25th Anniversary Celebration on September 17. The Shalom received a $3,000 stipend to support its mission of being an effective catalyst for community change in North Columbia and Metro Columbia.
Since its founding in 1995, this interracial, interfaith community service organization has helped to revitalize their inner-city neighborhood of Eau Claire. They have worked with realtors and business leaders to present the new face of Eau Claire through local and national publicity programs. The Shalom lobbied to rid the area of an abandoned housing complex that was a haven for drug dealers, gangs and prostitutes. This property now houses a light industrial park generating jobs for the area.
The Shalom has also worked in collaboration with educators, religious and nonprofit organizations to establish youth and educational programs. They helped establish The Clubhouse Gang, a tutoring program with Columbia College and Arden Elementary School as well as Richland District One’s Parent-Child Partnership. In addition, they developed the Youth Enrichment Through Art program.
Eau Claire Shalom Ministries has truly been a catalyst in bringing together their community, said JoAnn Turnquist, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. Most impressive is the fact that these extraordinary results have been obtained without a paid staff. This small board of committed leaders, with the aid of hundreds of volunteers, has revitalized their community and made a positive difference in their neighbors’ lives.
The annual Catalyst Award recognizes outstanding organizations in the Community Foundation’s 11-county service area that have exemplified leadership, creativity, vision and commitment in addressing critical community issues. David W. Robinson was a leader, activist, humanitarian and philanthropist in the Midlands for seven decades. Through the Community Foundation, David’s wife, Susan, established the award in his honor following his death in 1989.
Central Carolina Community Foundation
Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and area leaders to communities in need. We work with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create permanent charitable funds that address the needs in our community. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.yourfoundation.org or call 803.254.5601.
