Lifestyle

Lowcountry

Senior Helpers of Charleston Acquires Lowcountry Companions

May 19, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Local In-home Senior Care Company Expands Support of Seniors and their Families in the Tri County Area

CHARLESTON, SC Senior Helpers®,one of the nation’s premier providers of personalized in-home senior care, today announced its Charleston, SC-based location has acquired Lowcountry Companions, a provider of home and hospice care to elders throughout Mount Pleasant and Charleston, South Carolina. The acquisition of Lowcountry Companions complements Senior Helpers of Charleston’s mission to help local seniors continue to enjoy the comfort of their own home despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges. Low Country Companions will now operate under the Senior Helpers of Charleston name.

“Our acquisition of Lowcountry Companions strategically expands our reach in South Carolina allowing for more growth of in-home and hospice care opportunities, said Amy Petersen-Smith, owner of Senior Helpers of Charleston. “In light of recent events, home-based care is on the front lines of healthcare and we’re passionate about supporting our community. We are proud to provide a valuable resource to local elders and their family by helping to alleviate the stress associated with caregiving and ensure a better quality of life for families through personalized in-home senior care.”

“Lowcountry Companions’ outstanding reputation and high-quality services will serve Senior Helpers objective to ensure a better quality of life for seniors and their families by providing dependable and affordable care,” said Tali Wells of Lowcountry Companions. “Amy and her team at Senior Helpers bring a wealth of knowledge and commitment, caring and kindness, and years of experience. The combination of companies and complementary offerings will fuel growth, allowing us to help support more seniors in the community, while maintaining best-in-class care.”

Senior Helpers operates with a vision to be the leading home care company in each community it serves. Its caregivers in the Tri County area are trained to offer the highest level of care possible based on the company’s Senior Gems® Alzheimer’s and Dementia care program. As the gold standard for excellence in personalized in-home senior care, the program was developed in conjunction with nationally recognized dementia care expert Teepa Snow, Positive Approach, LLC. Local residents will also benefit from the company’s Parkinson’s Care Program, a specialized training program for its caregivers created in conjunction with leading experts from the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Centers of Excellence network. 

Senior Helpers of Charleston will continue to operate during the current COVID-19 pandemic as an essential health service and home health agency. The company will offer Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), provided by Senior Helpers and designed to help ensure all its caregivers and clients remain safe and also continue providing optimal care for seniors and their families during this critical time when they are most vulnerable. 

Senior Helpers of Charleston is located at 359 Wando Place Dr. Suite B Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. For more information, please visit www.seniorhelpers.com/sc/charleston. For inquiries, please call Amy Petersen-Smith at (843) 628-3486  or email amy.smith@seniorhelpers.com. Senior Helpers of Charleston is also hiring caregivers. For more information on available jobs, call (843) 628-3317 or visit https://www.seniorhelpers.com/sc/charleston/careers

About Senior Helpers® 

Senior Helpers® is the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior services ranging from specialized care for those with diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to personal and companion care to help individuals looking for a little assistance with daily activities. Founded in 2002 with a vision to help seniors age with dignity despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers® has hundreds of franchised and owned businesses that have cared for tens of thousands of seniors. 

Senior Helpers® was the first and remains the only national in-home care provider to be certified as a Great Place to Work. The company has been named by Fortune Magazine as one of the best places to work in the aging services category and one of the best places to work in the state of New York. Senior Helpers is named to the Entrepreneur 2020 Top Low-Cost Franchises list as well as one of Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise Companies. Moreover, the company is an approved partner in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. Senior Helpers is also an active member of the Healthcare Leadership Council—an exclusive alliance of leading healthcare companies from all health sectors committed to advancing the American healthcare system. Learn more by visiting http://www.seniorhelpers.com.

Lowcountry

GALLERY: Opening of Bruce Munro at Brookgreen: Southern Light

May 17, 2020 by 0 Comments
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We had the honor of attending the opening nights of the new Bruce Munro at Brookgreen: Southern Light exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens and what a sight to behold.

We captured some of the images from this opening gala event an want to share the magic with you.

To learn more about this event running through September 12, 2020, which includes seven works of art in light and mixed media, click this link for more details and to purchase tickets

Photos Courtesy of Ashley Hughes

Lowcountry

Three Boeing Dreamlifters Transport PPE to South Carolina for COVID-19 Recovery Efforts Across the State

May 11, 2020 by 0 Comments
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  • Boeing transported more than 150,000 protective eye goggles and face shields as part of the company’s ongoing COVID-19 airlift efforts
  • Partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to deliver the goggles and face shields to frontline health care professionals in the MUSC Health system
  • PPE to be used by MUSC Health care team members to assist with statewide COVID-19 community testing and outreach efforts, which are critical to recovery and a staged economic revitalization

CHICAGO, May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today completed another set of COVID-19 airlift missions, deploying three Dreamlifter aircraft to transport more than 150,000 protective eye goggles and face shields from China to the United States. Boeing worked in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to deliver the personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline health care professionals in the MUSC system.

“Today’s delivery puts essential personal protective equipment in the hands of South Carolina’s frontline health care professionals and helps MUSC further support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. “I am incredibly proud of our Boeing team members throughout the world for their work to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and thankful for our government and industry partners that have joined us in the pandemic response.”

The MUSC Health team will use the PPE as they support the revitalization of the economy and ramp-up COVID-19 community outreach efforts, including diagnostic testing and antibody testing, across South Carolina. MUSC Health, under the guidance of the South Carolina Legislature and in partnership with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), has established mobile screening and collection sites in rural and underserved areas.

The mobile setup allows health care providers to rotate sites, reaching people experiencing barriers to health care access for COVID-19 screening. Rural and underserved communities have experienced disparities in access to COVID-19 screening, testing, prevention and treatment in South Carolina and across the U.S.

The MUSC Health team leading this effort were the first in the U.S. to launch a combined virtual urgent care platform and drive-through specimen collection site. They are now bringing a version of this successful model to the communities that need it most.

“On behalf of our entire MUSC family, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Boeing team for helping to make today’s critical PPE shipment possible,” said MUSC President, David J. Cole, M.D., FACS. “These goggles and face shields will allow us to continue to expand our ability to test and monitor for COVID-19 as businesses and communities start to move forward. Increasing access to testing in the areas of greatest need throughout our state is an essential part of this work. We must continue to protect our most vulnerable populations. Boeing and MUSC have a longstanding partnership, and today’s delivery is yet another example of two great South Carolina institutions coming together in support of our local community.”

Similar to previous airlift missions flown by the Dreamlifter – a converted Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter – the medical cargo was transported in the lower lobe of all three aircraft, while 787 component parts were flown in the main deck cargo hold. Boeing donated the cost of the mission transport, with Atlas Air operating the flights on behalf of Boeing. Boeing has scheduled additional flights, to deliver a total of 400,000 units of PPE to MUSC, in the near future.

Boeing continues to support local communities and the heroic health care professionals working tirelessly to stop the spread of COVID-19. Boeing is coordinating closely with U.S. government officials on how to best assist areas with the greatest need.

Leadership Support

“We are grateful for the role Boeing continues to play in collaborating with our health care professionals to help ensure our frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19 have the equipment they need to stay safe while caring for our people.” – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster

“I want to thank all those who worked so hard to ensure this shipment of critical PPE is arriving in Charleston today. Protecting our frontline health care workers, who put their lives on the line every single day, is absolutely essential, and this will help MUSC do exactly that.” – Sen. Tim Scott

“Our frontline health care workers have proven themselves to be the heroes of the crisis we are facing, and the folks at MUSC are a great example of that. I am immensely grateful for all the work they have done to care for South Carolinians. We’ve seen Americans rise to meet the immense challenges we are facing time and time again, and companies like Boeing are no exception. Thank you for ensuring that our frontline health care professionals have the necessary resources to fight this virus.” – Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01)

“I am grateful to the Boeing Dreamlifters for bringing PPE to MUSC. In this time of incredible uncertainty, I am thankful to see private and public organizations come together to help keep our community healthy and safe. As a native Charlestonian, I know firsthand that MUSC Health works hard to protect our families, especially now from the coronavirus, and they will continue to help our community recover from this pandemic. I appreciate Boeing for supporting such an important cause.” – Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02)

“It’s incredible to see American companies rise to meet the numerous challenges our nation faces in this battle against COVID-19. I’m particularly proud of Boeing for airlifting personal protective equipment to South Carolina for the MUSC hospital system. MUSC Lancaster and MUSC Chester are two critical health care facilities in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and I’m extremely grateful for them, as well as companies like Boeing who are working hard behind the scenes to support our nation’s health care efforts.” – Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05)

“I’m grateful for the dedicated workers we have in South Carolina – from the manufacturing lines to the front lines – and today’s delivery is another example of how South Carolinians come together. Being able to expand our testing efforts at this level is critical in helping us tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and care for our community. Team work across industries and organizations demonstrates the spirit of our State. Thank you to everyone, especially MUSC and Boeing, who made today’s vital delivery possible.” – South Carolina State Senator Marlon Kimpson (District 42)

“Through the generosity and logistical might of Boeing, our local health care providers are receiving much needed equipment to keep them safe while they care for the most vulnerable in our community. We should all be inspired by the efforts of Boeing and their teammates, because together, all challenges can be met.” – North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

Boeing Contact:
media@boeing.com

MUSC Health Contact:
Heather Woolwine
woolwinh@musc.edu

SOURCE Boeing

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant, SC History Publisher Arcadia Publishing Acquires New Orleans Publisher River Road Press

May 11, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Mount Pleasant history publisher, Arcadia Publishing, has acquired a New Orleans book publisher that specializes in regional books about the city and the surrounding area, the company said in a news release.

Scott Campbell founded River Road Press in 2014 after previously working at Pelican Publishing, which Arcadia bought last year. He will join Arcadia as the publisher of Pelican Publishing. River Road Press will merge its catalog with Pelican Publishing’s list.

Remembering Columbia is one of Arcadia Publishing's titles on South Carolina's capital city. (Photo/Andy Owens)

Remembering Columbia is one of Arcadia Publishing’s titles on South Carolina’s capital city. (Photo/Andy Owens)“

Having previously spent a decade at Pelican, I have the deepest appreciation for its unique role in New Orleans culture,” Campbell said in a statement.

Arcadia President and CEO David Steinberger said he was glad someone with Campbell’s background was rejoining the company to lead Pelican Publishing.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that this innovative company will join with Pelican, which has such an esteemed legacy of publishing in New Orleans and the surrounding region,” Steinberger said in a statement.

Arcadia has been on an acquisition tear. In August 2019, the company also purchased Wildsam, a guidebook publisher based in Austin, Texas. Pelican Publishing is much older than Wildsam, which was founded in 2012. Pelican was founded in 1926 and has a catalog of more than 2,000 titles.

Arcadia’s books can be found nationally in specialty and chain retailers. Many of the publisher’s books rely heavily on historic photographs, publishing images, and information targeted to the local area where the books are sold. Some of the titles focus on specific subjects within a historic context, such as vintage postcards, true crime, military, sports figures, and ghost stories, among others.

Lowcountry

Benefitfocus Introduces For You SC to Assist South Carolina Residents Affected by the Economic Downturn

May 11, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), a technology platform provider enabling rapid innovation for employers, health plans and consumers, has launched For You SC, an initiative to offer a selection of health insurance, life insurance, financial services and lifestyle benefits for residents of South Carolina who have been impacted by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

ForYouSC.com directs South Carolinians to a range of insurance, benefits and resources, some of which are only available in the state. This offering, accessible online or via mobile devices, is designed to provide a wide array of options to those facing unemployment or economic uncertainty during this crisis through a single digital experience.  

“Our mission is to connect consumers to the benefits and services that improve their lives and, since the onset of this crisis, we have worked diligently and quickly to help those most directly affected,” said Ray August, president and CEO of Benefitfocus. “We are now paying particular attention to helping those in our home state. For You SC is our initial effort to present a state-focused option to residents who may need them the most.”

Through the end of 2020, Benefitfocus will donate profits generated through For You SC  to the One SC Fund: COVID-19 Response. This partnership between SC Grantmakers Network, Together SC, and the United Way Association of SC will enhance the efforts already underway in several counties and regions across South Carolina to address gaps in the response efforts, including support for communities that lack resources or an organized philanthropic response.

Benefits Options for South Carolina Residents  
According to the U.S. Labor Department, more than 33 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance in a seven-week period since the start of the coronavirus crisis. Millions of other self-employed workers have seen their income shrink. Many now have to find benefit plans to replace those provided by their former employers or to revisit their current benefits to determine if they meet their needs, and they will have to do so without the help of an employer.

South Carolina residents visiting ForYouSC.com will find information to help them easily navigate the process of choosing specific benefit options that meet their personal needs, many of which are only available within the state, including short- and long-term health plans from a local provider. Additionally, Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, headquartered in Columbia, is offering accident, dental and whole life insurance.

“We are proud to partner with other South Carolina companies to help protect the families, finances and futures of Palmetto State residents,” said Tim Arnold, president and CEO of Colonial Life. “It’s important for families facing unexpected hardships to be able to rely on valuable insurance coverage to remain physically and financially healthy.”

Both the state-focused health plans and national offerings from Doctors on Demand provide virtual care, a service of growing importance as more consumers rely on telehealth as an alternative to in-person care and consultation.

The site will also have access to national offerings, such as: student loan refinancing from CommonBond; auto and home insurance from Liberty Mutual and Bristol West; prescription savings through ScriptSave WellRX; and grocery shopping and delivery services from Shipt.

Benefitfocus plans to offer similarly tailored consumer solutions, such as For You SC, in other states across the country.

Creating Consumer Access – Benefitplace.com
ForYouSC.com is part of the direct-to-consumer benefits offering through benefitplace.com, which launched in April as a resource for independent workers and displaced employees to access a selection of affordable individual and family health plans, as well as a variety of other products and services to support their well-being through this challenging time.

Benefitplace.com reflects Benefitfocus’ long-term strategy to support  consumers’ health and financial well-being. It is designed to help individuals who do not have benefits through an employer or have lost their group benefits and are looking to ensure they and their family have access to health, financial, lifestyle and other benefits.

Benefitfocus has constructed its benefits platform so that users receive access to a personal account where they can shop for individual health plans and voluntary benefits to support them and their family’s needs for life.

Connect with Benefitfocus
Access For You SC

Like Benefitfocus on Facebook 
Follow @Benefitfocus on Twitter
Follow Benefitfocus on LinkedIn
Follow Benefitfocus on Instagram

About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT) unifies the entire U.S. benefits industry on a single technology platform to protect consumers for life. Our powerful cloud-based software, data-driven insights and thoughtfully-designed services enable employers, insurance brokers, health plans and suppliers to simplify the complexity of benefits administration and deliver health, wealth, property and lifestyle products through a world-class benefits experience. Learn more at www.benefitfocus.com, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

INSURANCE NOTICE
Certain products available on the BENEFITFOCUS BENEFITPLACE™ platform may be regulated through various state agencies as insurance products. Regulated insurance products are offered through brokers affiliated with BenefitStore, Inc. (doing business as 627 Benefits Insurance Agency in California and 627 Insurance Broker Agency in New York), a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Benefitfocus, or through your, your association’s, or your employer’s appointed broker as applicable. Any insurance coverage is subject to the issuer’s underwriting standards, fees and other terms and conditions associated with specific offering or services as determined by the issuer or provider.

DISCLAIMER REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results or performance might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the need to innovate and provide useful products and services; risks related to changing healthcare and other applicable regulations; the immature and volatile nature of the market for our products and services; our ability to compete effectively; our ability to maintain our culture and recruit and retain qualified personnel;  privacy; security and other risks associated with our business; management of growth; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings, copies of which are available free of charge within the Investor Relations section of the Benefitfocus website at http://investor.benefitfocus.com/sec-filings or upon request from our investor relations department. Benefitfocus assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE Benefitfocus, Inc.

Lowcountry

Why Charleston should be cautious about opening its doors too quickly (Please read all the way through)

May 11, 2020 by 5 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

This morning I walked through a complex near my home where I saw 16 unique state license plates, two kayaks, two surfboards, and a Tesla.  Like many, I have spent the last several months ponding about the pandemic and the eminent changes it has made on all our lives, but I am thankful that the Charleston area and South Carolina have truly stepped up in true community form to combat the spread together.

As of this morning:

  • South Carolina is ranked 30th in total cases
  • South Carolina is 27th in total deaths (331)
  • We have administered 84,457 tests

Here is another thing we should know that may cloud this positive data:

  • Rhode Island is ranked #1 with tests per population at 86,102 tests per million population.  South Carolina is ranked last with 16,404.  Per the population, we have administered the smallest percentage of tests per citizen and that could indicate many more cases remain positive that we are not aware of.

Based on the current U.S. Model, we should not start seeing under 100 deaths daily until after August 1, so we have a long way to go.  More importantly, opening our doors now, based on data alone may be a false negative, and here is why.

  • Opening our doors also opens up one of our largest revenue streams:  tourism.  With the potential of 40 million-plus visitors coming from out of state by car, boat, and plane, we increase our susceptibility to a massive spike.  We know that alone we cannot sustain our businesses and need tourism. Therefore, we must be prepared before the gates open up once again.
  • Though Charleston does not have the densely overpopulated numbers of a New York or Los Angeles, the infrastructure does force close proximity with our narrow sidewalks, small urban parks, and narrow roads. 
  • Hotels, restaurants, markets, beaches – These are a vital part of our lifestyle and all very difficult to maintain the high sanitation protocols we now adhere to.
  • The new normal forces a slowing down of everyday life.  With limitations on occupancy, increased sanitation steps, and social distancing, are we prepared for large festivals and of course, thee Cooper River Bridge Run?

I have been nothing but impressed with the way we have handled ourselves and the sacrifices we have made, but now is not the time to get angry at one another and have counties threatening lawsuits on towns.  We are better than that.  We need to ease into recovery for the sake of our children, elderly, loved ones, family, and friends. 

Charleston is a proud community who has overcome so much from natural disasters to the heinous acts on Mother Emanuel.  We come through strong because we come through together.

Let’s open this right.

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC - Real Estate

Charleston, SC Based The Cassina Group Unveils New Real Estate Search App

May 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., May 8, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Innovation-driven real estate firm, The Cassina Group, has unveiled a new real estate app designed to help clients easily search for properties from the convenience of their phones. The app is extremely user friendly and has tons of innate features designed to make the mobile search experience quick, efficient, and enjoyable.

“We are very excited to launch our new app,” said Owen Tyler, Managing Broker, and Partner of the firm. “Now more than ever, people are using their mobile devices to search for real estate, and we are excited to present a cutting-edge tool that seamlessly integrates the traditional search experience with geo-enabled features. The Cassina Group continues to invest in technology to ease the buying and selling process for our clients and customers while providing a high touch experience.”

The app allows users to search for property throughout the tri-county area. Highlights include a map view search, detailed search parameters, robust property information, the capacity to save properties or searches, and the ability to easily connect with a Cassina agent through the click of a button. To gain access to the app, please reach out to a Cassina Group REALTOR or visit their website, https://www.TheCassinaGroup.com.

The Cassina Group has a proven reputation for delivering stronger results though leading-edge technology and building lasting relationships. The company had an extremely successful first quarter of 2020, closing the quarter as the No. 1 boutique firm for home sales over $1 million*. The company also ranked as the No. 1 boutique firm for home sales over $500,000 and $750,000 during the same period. So far this year, The Cassina Group has closed or placed under contract over $142 million worth of real estate.

For more information on The Cassina Group or their new app, please visit https://www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843.628.0008.

About The Cassina Group
The Cassina Group is a boutique real estate brokerage with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC and Charleston, SC. The firm is managed by Owen Tyler, partner and managing broker, and founding partners Jimmy Dye and Robertson Allen. Recent awards include top honors from Charleston Magazine, Inc. 5000 and SC Biz News. For more information, visit https://www.TheCassinaGroup.com or call 843-628-0008.

*stats pulled from CTAR MLS on 5.1.2020

Lowcountry

Charleston Mom Receives Brand New Smile for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C., May 8, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Just in time for Mother’s Day, Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery has helped one Charleston-area woman smile again. Due to years of decay, 31-year old Chelsea Carter was referred to the practice by her dentist, Dr. Kent Griffin, as a prime candidate for guided full-arch dental implants.

As a child, Chelsea wasn’t taught about oral hygiene; in fact, she didn’t have a toothbrush. The result was a smile Chelsea made a point to cover with her hand when she laughed. She became used to looking away or grinning without showing teeth.

“It definitely brought my confidence down a lot,” said Chelsea. “I don’t feel beautiful as a mother, I don’t feel beautiful as a wife.”

Enter Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery and Dr. Edward R. Strauss, who was approached by Chelsea’s dentist. Chelsea met Dr. Strauss at their Summerville-Ingleside location for a preliminary meeting during which he told her the good news: The dental-implant procedure would be entirely free of charge.

“Chelsea’s story of being a young wife and mother moved us and we wanted to help restore her smile and her confidence,” said Edward R. Strauss, DMD, MD.

“We use cutting-edge digital technology to eliminate the guesswork in the full-arch implant procedure, so we knew she would have an absolutely perfect result.”

Dr. Strauss utilized the GM system by Neodent, a new generation of implant systems that boasts high-level engineering. The surgery went seamlessly, and when Chelsea woke up, she had a brand new smile.

“Now I can look at people and be confident…it definitely boosted my self-esteem a lot,” Chelsea said. “They turned me into a confident, strong woman that I knew I was always meant to be for my kids.”

Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery is committed to pro bono cases and has remained open during the COVID-19 crisis to treat emergent dental cases. With six Lowcountry-area locations, they are open and ready to serve the people of Charleston with both in-person and virtual appointments.

Learn more: https://www.charlestonoralandfacialsurgery.com/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/oHQ8ZfSQ4Pk

PHOTO Caption: Chelsea Carter with Dr. Edward R. Strauss of COAFS.

Lowcountry

Great list of grant funding available for restaurant workers in the Charleston community

May 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coronavirus pandemic drastically affected service sector jobs in Charleston County and South Carolina. Workers in industries such as restaurants, hotels, childcare services, retail trade and transportation services have taken a hard hit. Loss of incomes impact the ability to provide necessities such as food, medicine, shelter, and housing.

A recent Pew Research Center analysis of government data found nearly 1 in 4 U.S. workers – 38.1 million out of 157.5 million – were employed in industries most likely to feel an immediate impact from the COVID-19 outbreak. Among the most vulnerable are workers in retail trade (10 percent of all workers), food services, and drinking places (6 percent). In total, these two industries employ nearly 26 million Americans.

Though the outlook has been dire, there is good news to share. Our Workforce Development Team compiled a list of foundations offering grant assistance to restaurant workers as well as gig, and low-earning contract workers. Check the information below to see what grants you qualify for and how you can apply.

Foundations & funding programs offering grants:

Samuel Adams Restaurant Strong Fund
This fund offers grant assistance for full-time restaurant employees. 30 hours, for purposes of this grant, is full-time. Employees working at multiple restaurants for time that equals to 30 hours per week qualify.

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
Grants provided for bartenders, their spouses, and their children.

Door Dash COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program
Up to two weeks of financial assistance for Door Dash employees.

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation
RWCF’s Board of Directors has approved directing funds raised in the following ways: 50% for direct crisis relief to individual restaurant workers; 25% for nonprofit organizations serving restaurant workers in crisis; and 25% for zero-interest loans for restaurants to get back up and running.

The Workers Fund (The Workers Lab)
Provides funds for gig and low-earning contract workers who do not qualify for employer-based benefits.

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
Financial help for restaurant and service workers.

If you would like more information, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started, or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. You may also call us at 843-805-6930, leave a voice message, and a library staff member will return your call.  Remember, you are not alone.

Provided by Charleston County Library

Lowcountry

We’re here for you, as always. Don’t delay medical care – A Message from Roper St. Francis

May 6, 2020 by 0 Comments
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We hope you’re healthy and doing well during this difficult time. We want you to know that we’re here for you and are taking extra precautions to keep you and our care team safe, so that you don’t have to wait to address your medical needs. Since our state has seen a significant flattening of the curve, we’re able to safely proceed in providing care for you and your loved ones. Here’s what we’re doing to keep you safe.

In an emergency
In an emergency situation, every minute matters. Call 911 or visit the ER. Here’s a list of Roper St. Francis Emergency Room locations. Please don’t suffer at home during this crisis. We’re keeping ER patients whose symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 separate, isolating them from everyone else and performing intense cleaning to ensure your safety.

Routine medical care
Your doctor is still available for your routine medical care. If you have an appointment, the practice will contact you to determine if your visit can be done virtually. If your provider thinks that it’s necessary for you come to the practice, we’ve introduced a few new guidelines for your visit. They include:

  • A pre-screening phone call for COVID-19 to include you and a support person, if you have one (must be 16 or older)
  • Limiting time in our waiting rooms, which have been rearranged to optimize social distancing
  • Waiting rooms are disinfected throughout the day using recommended CDC & EPA disinfectants and cleaning chemicals (like Sani-Cloth Bleach wipes)
  • Our entire team is wearing masks, and those who are delivering care are also wearing gloves

Imaging services
Remember to keep up with your regular preventive screenings. Detecting problems early increases the success of treatment. If you’re scheduled for a CT scan, MRI, X-Ray or any other imaging service, please visit rsfh.com/coronavirus to learn about how we’re keeping you safe.

If you have questions about safety, please give us a call at (843) 402-CARE. We’re happy to address any concerns and direct your next steps for care.