Lowe’s Heroes bring hope and healing to at-risk families
November 18, 2019
Eight Lowe’s retail stores collaborate for Carolina Youth Development Center
Eight area Lowe’s home improvement retail stores including Goose Creek, Summerville, Northwest Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island and both Mount Pleasant stores, collaborated in October to complete a significant renovation on the Carolina Youth Development Center’s (CYDC) North Charleston campus through their Lowe’s Heroes program. The renovated facility will provide counseling and support services for families at risk of intervention from the SC Department of Social Services.
“What started out as a partnership with one store in Goose Creek, escalated to a major collaboration between eight stores,” says Katy Calloway, Vice President of Advancement for CYDC. “CYDC has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Lowe’s and the enthusiasm of the management and team members to support our work.”
Goose Creek store manager, Benjamin Duncan contacted a few of his colleagues to see if they had the time and resources to participate. From there, word got out and store managers were calling Duncan to ask if they too could participate.
“We had 40 volunteers here for two days doing a complete overhaul of the 1,790 square foot building: fresh paint, new floors and a kitchen remodel. What the Lowe’s team did in two days would have taken us months to complete when you consider all of the time and resources that would have to be negotiated and secured,” explains Calloway.
“It (Lowe’s Heroes program) is strictly volunteer by our associates and they are there out of their desire to help their communities. I would estimate that our in-kind donation amount is around $18,000 at this point,” said Duncan.
The George Williams Building will be the site of CYDC’s Community Based Programs team, whose family support services disrupt dysfunctional behavioral patterns and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect in families. CYDC expects to serve over 700 individuals annually through the family support center.
The Lowe’s team will be back at CYDC on Wednesday, November 20 to complete the project. All eight store managers and District Manager, Wesley Champion, will be on site.
“We are so grateful to Lowe’s and the Lowe’s team members who have put in hours of hard work to help serve our community. What an extraordinary example of compassion for our neighbors,” said Calloway.
About CYDC
Originally established in 1790 as the Charleston Orphan House, Carolina Youth Development Center is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to empowering and equipping our community’s most vulnerable children by providing a safe environment, educational support and career readiness. While services have grown to include outreach to at-risk children and families throughout the community, CYDC’s most enduring program is its residential foster home, which serves children throughout the state of South Carolina who are victims of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment. For information visit CYDC.org or call (843)266-5200.
About Lowe’s in the Community
Lowe’s has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a Fortune® 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.
