Homes of Hope welcomes four new board members to help advance mission across South Carolina

As Homes of Hope continues creating pathways to economic mobility for individuals and families across South Carolina, the organization is strengthening its leadership with the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors.

Dwayne Bates, T. Walter Brashier III, Cheryl Cash and Kaylee Eisman have joined the board, bringing professional expertise, community connections and diverse perspectives that complement Homes of Hope’s work in affordable housing, economic development and workforce development.

Together, their backgrounds span banking and community development, construction, community outreach, education and the arts, reflecting the breadth of experience and perspective needed to help guide an organization working toward generational change throughout South Carolina.

“As Homes of Hope enters its 28th year of service, we have an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come while continuing to look ahead to where we’re going,” said Don Oglesby, CEO of Homes of Hope. “Dwayne, Walter, Cheryl and Kaylee each bring a distinct perspective to our board, but they share a commitment to seeing individuals, families and communities thrive. Their leadership will help us build on the foundation established over the past 28 years as we continue pursuing generational change throughout South Carolina.”

Dwayne Bates

Dwayne Bates serves as Vice President and Manager of Mortgage Community Development and Analytics at First Citizens Bank. His background in mortgage banking, community development and analytics brings valuable expertise to a mission rooted in expanding access to affordable housing and creating greater opportunities for economic mobility.

Bates’ perspective will also support Homes of Hope as the organization continues strengthening the connections between housing stability, financial opportunity and long-term economic advancement for the individuals and families it serves.

T. Walter Brashier III

T. Walter Brashier III is the owner of Dovetail Creative Construction and brings hands-on knowledge of construction to the board.
His industry experience closely aligns with a core component of Homes of Hope’s work: developing quality, affordable homes and using construction as a vehicle for both community development and workforce opportunity. His perspective will be particularly valuable as Homes of Hope continues developing housing opportunities throughout South Carolina.

Cheryl Cash

Cheryl Cash is the founder of Queen B’s Charities Community Outreach, where her work is centered on serving others and connecting individuals and families with resources and opportunities.

Her community-centered perspective complements Homes of Hope’s understanding that housing can provide an important foundation for stability, while strong relationships, access to resources and community connections can help individuals and families move toward greater economic mobility. Cash brings firsthand experience in community engagement and responding to the needs of those she serves.

Kaylee Eisman

Kaylee Eisman serves as an assistant teacher in the 4K classroom of the Parents’ Morning Out Program at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Travelers Rest. She is also an embroidery artist whose work has been featured in TOWN Carolina and showcased at Indie Craft Parade.

Through her work with young children and families, as well as her involvement in the local creative community, Eisman brings a distinctive perspective to the Homes of Hope board. Her experience adds another lens through which the organization can consider the role that stable housing, strong communities and opportunity play in shaping the lives of families and future generations.

The four new members join a Board of Directors responsible for providing governance, strategic guidance and stewardship as Homes of Hope continues pursuing its vision of generational change throughout South Carolina.

For nearly three decades, Homes of Hope has worked at the intersection of housing and economic mobility. Through the development and management of affordable housing and its one-year residential Men’s Workforce Development program for men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, the organization creates opportunities for individuals and families to build greater stability and pursue stronger economic futures.

As Homes of Hope continues to grow, the organization remains focused on connecting each part of its work toward a shared goal: creating opportunities today that can change the trajectory of individuals, families and communities for generations.

About Homes of Hope

Homes of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Greenville, South Carolina, dedicated to opening doors to economic mobility through affordable housing and workforce development. Since its founding in 1998, Homes of Hope has built 757 homes and graduated 348 men from its Men’s Workforce Development program, creating lasting impact for families and communities across South Carolina. To learn more, please visit us at www.homesofhope.org.