SEL4SC receives $25,000 grant from the David Elmer Stone Fund

Contribution will help statewide nonprofit expand community engagement series and online resource hub

The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC) is proud to announce that it has received a $25,000 grant from the David Elmer Stone Fund. This generous contribution will help SEL4SC expand its reach across South Carolina, fostering essential social and emotional skills among the state’s youth in the classroom and through our statewide Community Engagement Series.

In the wake of the pandemic, record numbers of young people are dealing with unprecedented levels of mental and emotional health issues that are not only roadblocks to learning and adopting crucial social and emotional skills, but can also lead to negative — and often tragic — outcomes if not properly addressed. These issues have been exacerbated by the ever-growing usage of screens and social media.

In response, SEL4SC’s statewide Community Engagement Series is featuring local screenings of two Screenagers documentary films— “Screenagers Next Chapter” and “Screenagers Under the Influence” — which address young people’s mental health, social media use, and substance abuse in our digital age. Each screening is followed by a Q&A session with counselors, physicians, and other mental health professionals. SEL4SC also provides a comprehensive solutions guide through its online family resource hub, ResourceSC.org, to continue the conversation and offer resources after each event.

SEL4SC is thankful for the support of the David Elmer Stone Fund, which is devoted to helping those in need through contributions to numerous institutions and organizations, including the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital of Memphis, Tennessee. The fund’s contribution to SEL4SC will help the organization bring more events to audiences across the state, as well as help connect more families with much-needed resources online.

“The benefits of social-emotional skills taught to children are beyond measure. Children who can manage their emotions, make wise decisions, and cultivate healthy relationships are destined to excel in school and thrive in life,” says SEL4SC Executive Director, Wendy Methvin. “We are extremely grateful for this grant which will help us positively impact the well-being of young people. The support signifies a commitment to fostering a generation of emotionally intelligent individuals living their most powerful, peaceful, and productive lives.”

SEL4SC’s work depends on the generosity of supporters like the David Elmer Stone Fund. The organization asks the public to consider donating at SEL4SC.org to help them empower the next generation.

About the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for South Carolina (SEL4SC)

SEL4SC is a non-profit that empowers youth and adults to live healthier lives by uniting a network of individuals and organizations promoting essential social and emotional skills statewide. Through training, resources, and advocacy, we aim to create a supportive environment where all students can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. For more information about SEL4SC and its programs— or to make a contribution — please visit SEL4SC.org or contact Wendy Methvin at [email protected].