Partnership unveils new Community Family Resource Center in Dillon

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), the Carolina Family Engagement Center (CFEC) housed within the University of South Carolina’s College of Education and The Village Educational Services, LLC are pleased to announce the grand opening of a new Community Family Resource Center in Dillon.

Designed to make information from local schools, agencies, and community organizations available to families, Community Family Resource Centers are physical displays of free materials to assist families as they support their children’s learning and development.

This new center expresses a shared commitment to equipping South Carolina families with high-quality educational tools and resources. As part of the partnership, SCETV has provided furnishings and supplies for the Dillon center. These items include bulletin boards, literature kiosks, puzzles, games, tables, chairs and signage—all designed to create a welcoming and educational environment for families. SCETV has also contributed technology, including mobile tablets, coding and robotics kits, and a datacasting receiver. In addition, SCETV has provided books for the center’s co-branded book vending machine, available for community members to access at no cost.

CFEC funded a 300-book capacity vending machine and provided additional furnishings and educational resources, including copies of its “Ready, Set – Kindergarten!” guides for young children. The family-friendly booklet, available in both English and Spanish, focuses on six key areas of childhood growth and development.

The Village is led by Directors Rashawn and Kimberly Aaron, who have been an integral part of the project, helping to ensure the center meets the needs of the local community. The Community Family Resource Center in Dillon will serve as a space for families to access books, educational tools and other resources that promote student success and lifelong learning.

This latest resource center marks another significant step in the statewide effort to support family engagement and student learning, becoming the 16th Community Family Resource Center to open in the state.

SCETV funding for the partnership is provided by the K-12 Technology Initiative. The K-12 Technology Initiative oversees the distribution of funds appropriated by the Governor and General Assembly, collectively addressing schools’ needs for software, hardware, connectivity, digital content, instructional technologies and professional development.

The Village Community Family Resource Center is located at 1131 Hwy 57 S., Dillon, SC 29536.

For more information on the CFEC and the Community Family Resource Center, visit the CFEC website.

“The opening of the Community Family Resource Center in Dillon is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting families and children across South Carolina. At SCETV, we are proud to be part of a partnership that provides access to critical educational tools and resources. This center is more than just a physical space; it represents a brighter future for students and their families, where learning is encouraged and supported in a welcoming environment.” -SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“This collaboration is a prime example of how community partnerships can make a meaningful impact on student learning and family engagement. The technology, books, and resources that SCETV has provided for the Dillon center are tools that will empower families to foster learning at home and beyond. We are honored to work with CFEC and The Village to create opportunities that will inspire and uplift this community.” -SCETV Chief Learning Officer Dr. Salandra Bowman

“The new center in Dillon reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between families and the resources they need to support their children’s academic and personal growth. Through this partnership with SCETV and The Village, we are able to provide not only physical resources but also a sense of connection and engagement. Our goal is to help families feel supported as they navigate their children’s educational journeys.” -Carolina Family Engagement Center Project Director Karen Utter

“We are excited to host the Community Family Resource Center here in Dillon and to be part of this impactful collaboration. This center is a vital resource for our community, and it’s our hope that families will take full advantage of the tools and support available to them. At The Village, we believe in the power of education to change lives, and this partnership brings that belief to life in a tangible way.” -The Village Educational Services LLC Owner/Founder Rashawn Aaron

FAST FACTS

• The new Community Family Resource Center in Dillon was created through a partnership between SCETV, CFEC, and The Village Educational Services, LLC.
• The center is designed to provide free resources from local schools, agencies and community organizations to help families support their children’s learning and development.
• SCETV provided furnishings, technology and books for the center, including bulletin boards, mobile tablets, coding kits and books for a co-branded vending machine for community use.
• CFEC funded a 300-book capacity vending machine and provided educational resources, including copies of its ‘Ready, Set – Kindergarten!’ guides for young children, available in both English and Spanish.
• The Dillon location is the 16th Community Family Resource Center opened in South Carolina, marking significant progress in the statewide effort to enhance family engagement and student success.

 

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.

About Carolina Family Engagement Center

The Carolina Family Engagement Center is a federal grant project housed within the SC School Improvement Council (SC-SIC) at the University of South Carolina College of Education. It is fully funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Its work focuses primarily on underserved families and their students (low income, English learners, those with disabilities, those in foster care, migrants, homeless, and marginalized communities). CFEC makes its tools, trainings, and materials available to all stakeholders statewide through its website and other venues.