South Carolina House of Representatives Recognizes Carolina Youth Development Center 230 Year Anniversary

COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina House of Representatives recognized Carolina Youth Development Center’s (CYDC) 230 year anniversary by approving H. 5563. The resolution, introduced by Representative Marvin Pendarvis (D) and Representative Sylleste Davis (R), commemorates the organization’s anniversary which takes place on October 18, 2020. 

“CYDC has been a strong presence in the Charleston community, serving our state’s most vulnerable children and youth for more than two centuries,” said Representative Pendarvis. “This organization has worked hard to overcome struggles and challenges to ensure voices of the underserved are heard and I am honored to take part in celebrating their success.”

On October 18, 1790, the city of Charleston passed an ordinance that established the Charleston Orphan House for the purpose of supporting and educating the city’s orphaned youth. The non-profit officially changed its name to the Carolina Youth Development Center in 1978 but continued its long-practiced mission of protecting children, empowering families and preparing youth for adulthood. For nearly two and a half centuries, CYDC has served South Carolina children and families.

“Recognizing our community’s history is important and I am excited to celebrate CYDC’s impact in the Berkeley community,” said Representative Davis. “Their dedicated staff and committed volunteers help support our children and deserve recognition for their continued efforts!” 

CYDC’s mission is to protect children, empower families and prepare youth for adulthood by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness in collaboration with families and community partners. The organization provides services to more than 800 children and families and housing for up to 48 residents across two campuses in North Charleston and Berkeley counties.

In celebration of their 230th anniversary, CYDC will hold a virtual Birthday Bash on their Facebook page from October 13th -18th. The celebration will also include a ribbon-cutting at the new Family Support Center, located in the George Williams Building on CYDC’s North Charleston campus. 

The virtual celebrations allow members of the community to celebrate 230 years of CYDC from wherever they are! For more information on CYDC’s history and a detailed list of events, please visit CYDC.org.

About Carolina Youth Development Center:
Founded in 1790 as the Charleston Orphan House, Carolina Youth Development Center’s mission is to empower and equip our community’s children by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness, in collaboration with families and community partners. Our vision is that all children have loving and stable families and a nurturing community that empowers them to lead successful lives. For more information visit CYDC.org.