Governor McMaster joins Turning Leaf, a successful prison reentry program, to open second location in Columbia on October 27, 2021
October 7, 2021
A Grand Opening Celebration Featuring Governor McMaster and other Honored Guests planned at 630 Blue Ridge Terrace
Turning Leaf, Charleston’s program that helps men who are at the highest risk of rearrest find a new direction after prison, will open the doors to its new Midlands location on Thursday, October 27th. Guests of Honor will include Governor Henry McMaster, SC State Representative Todd Rutherford, City of Columbia’s Mayor Steve Benjamin, and Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
Opening a second location means Turning Leaf will provide its unique program of cognitive behavioral therapy, case management, transitional employment and job placement to more men returning home from prison across South Carolina. It marks a milestone achievement in the organization’s three-year statewide expansion plan. It’s also a big step toward Turning Leaf’s goal of becoming the first nationally-recognized evidence-based reentry program.
The event* features an Open House from 11:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. with the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony commencing promptly at noon. There will also be a surprise announcement; stay tuned for additional information following the launch.
Date: Wednesday, October 27th
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 12:00 pm
Open House: 11:00-12:00 pm and 1:00-2:00 pm
Address: Turning Leaf’s Columbia Facility, 630 Blue Ridge Terrace, Columbia, SC 29203
“Since 2019 we’ve had the dream of opening Turning Leaf reentry centers across South Carolina,” says Turning Leaf Founder and Executive Director Amy Barch. “These last two years haven’t been easy. Launching an expansion campaign during a global pandemic was never in the plans. But we never wavered in our goal to become the first nationally recognized evidence-based reentry program. Opening Turning Leaf Columbia is a huge milestone achieved towards that goal and lets me know that we’re on the right path.”
Expanding Turning Leaf statewide requires an investment of $6 million over the next three years. $1.4 million is projected from local government and foundation funds and $1.4 million is anticipated in program revenue. An additional $3.2 million in philanthropic support and state funding is needed to complete the project. $1.75 million, or just over half of that goal has been raised to date.
To learn more about Turning Leaf, to donate, or to purchase a t-shirt printed by a program participant, visit www.turningleafproject.com.
* Covid safety protocols to be followed. This event will be indoors. Masks are required except when eating or drinking; social distancing is suggested everywhere.
About Turning Leaf
Turning Leaf is a non-profit organization in Charleston, South Carolina that equips men with the skills and opportunities to succeed after prison. The program is pioneering in its approach. A giant step away from the traditional charity-based reentry model of providing basic needs services, Turning Leaf focuses on equipping people with critical social, emotional, and workforce development skills and access to living wage employment. It creates a path to success after prison where one doesn’t currently exist.
