August Monthly Newsletter

If I had to describe July in one word, it would be full.

Full of new faces. Full of community. Full of opportunities to serve. And, at one point, full of a very large tree!

Many of you may have seen that one of the beautiful trees outside the Community Resource Center didn't survive last week's storm. Thankfully, the damage to the building was minimal, and we're incredibly grateful that no one was hurt. It was a reminder that even unexpected challenges can become opportunities to appreciate how fortunate we truly are.

July also brought incredible growth. We served 32 individuals and families, doubling the number of clients we assisted in June. Each visit represents someone reaching out for support, resources, encouragement, or simply a safe place to begin taking the next step. It continues to be an honor to walk alongside our neighbors during those moments.

One of the highlights of the month was wrapping up our Pickens Feeds Pickens summer campaign. Thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches, civic groups, and local businesses, the Little Free Food Pantry at our elementary schools remained stocked throughout the summer. Your willingness to "adopt" a pantry ensured that children and families had access to food while school was out, and we couldn't have done it without you.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, partnered with us, or simply encouraged our work, thank you. Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, helps build a stronger, more connected community.

As we look ahead to August, we're excited to continue welcoming families into the Community Resource Center, growing our partnerships, and finding new ways to connect, equip, and empower our neighbors. Thank you for being part of this journey. We truly are Better Together.

REMINDER: Our August Collaborative will be an Open House at the Community Resource Center 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

All the best,

Leslie Long

Executive Director

Pickens County Family Connection

Every journey begins somewhere, and this family will always hold a special place in our hearts as the very first clients to walk through the doors of the Community Resource Center.

It was our very first day. Boxes were all in the floor, and the only furniture was a small couch. A single mother and her two young boys came to us after a series of incredibly difficult circumstances had left them without a home or any of their personal belongings. They needed more than just resources. They needed hope, encouragement, and a community willing to walk alongside them.

Thanks to the generosity and collaboration of our community partners, we were able to connect the family with clothing, food, and essential resources. As they secured a new home in Dawson County, partners including the Community Thrift Store and Sleep in Heavenly Peace helped furnish their home, providing the comfort and stability every family deserves!

Today, this family is moving forward one step at a time and creating a new beginning together. We are honored to have played a small role in their journey and grateful to witness their resilience and determination!

Stories like this remind us why the Community Resource Center exists. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is believing someone's story, listening without judgment, connecting them with the right resources, and reminding them they don't have to face life's challenges alone. When our community comes together, hope grows, lives change, and families find the support they need to thrive!

Our community is stronger because of the incredible organizations, agencies, businesses, faith communities, and volunteers who work every day to support the people of Pickens County. Through collaboration and shared purpose, our Community Partners help connect individuals and families to resources, services, and opportunities that improve quality of life. We invite you to learn more about the partners highlighted below and discover how you can support their important work.

ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than what is needed to afford the basic cost of living in their county. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle as wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of essentials such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan. Households below the ALICE Threshold, including both ALICE households and those living in poverty, cannot afford the essentials.

One of the challenges facing ALICE families is that earning above the Federal Poverty Level can mean they do not qualify for many traditional safety-net programs or may receive limited assistance, even when they are struggling to make ends meet. Depending on household circumstances, this can include programs such as SNAP, free or reduced-price school meals, and Medicaid. These families can find themselves caught in the gap between earning too much to qualify for assistance and not earning enough to afford the true cost of living.

For families in Pickens County, the cost of meeting basic needs continues to put pressure on household budgets. The 2024 ALICE Household Survival Budget shows that a single adult in Pickens County needs an estimated $3,789 per month, or $45,468 per year, just to cover basic expenses. For a family with two adults and two children, that number rises to $6,748 per month, or $80,976 annually. These figures include necessities such as housing, food, transportation, health care, child care, technology, and taxes, leaving little room for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

At Pickens County Family Connection, understanding the true cost of living helps us better understand the challenges facing the families we serve. Data like this informs our work, helps us identify gaps in resources and support, and reminds us that financial hardship is not always reflected in traditional poverty statistics. By connecting families with resources, strengthening partnerships, and working together to address the challenges behind the numbers, we can help our community move toward greater stability and opportunity.

Click the photo below to view the full Pickens County ALICE data Profile.

Stay connected with what's happening across our community through the Partner Bulletin Board. This features upcoming events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, classes, and announcements from our Community Partners. We are proud to help share the great work happening throughout Pickens County and encourage you to explore these opportunities to get involved, support local organizations, and stay engaged with our community. Click the link below!

REMINDER: Our August Collaborative will be an Open House at the Community Resource Center 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.