We Care Center Vying for $25,000 Grant

Chapin’s We Care Center is one of 200 causes competing for a $25,000 grant to expand its facility in an effort to help more individuals and families in the area. 

The contest is part of the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program, which supports efforts to build safer, stronger, better educated communities.

We Care Board member and State Farm agent Scott Hanners said in a release that participating in the Neighborhood Assist contest made perfect sense as the board examines ways to build a larger facility with more rooms for food storage, offices for interviewing clients and opportunities to provide additional services, such as referrals, counseling and training opportunities.

“We have had to store food off site during peak collection periods, and we have a donated walk-in cooler that we haven’t been able to install because of a lack of space,” Hanners said. “We are helping more people than ever before, and this grant would go a long way in helping us renovate a larger building that is conveniently located for both our clients and donors.”  

We Care provides food and warmth to those in need in Chapin and the surrounding communities. Founded in 1986, WeCare operates a food pantry as well as provides emergency assistance to individuals and families living in Chapin, White Rock, Prosperity, Peak, Pomaria and Little Mountain, according to a release.

The center has outgrown its 1,800-square foot building in Chapin and is in negotiations to lease a 3,300-square foot building just across the parking lot from its current site.

Voting continues through Monday, April 22, and the top 40 vote-getters will be announced on April 29 at 9 a.m. Those 40 causes will each receive a $25,000 grant from State Farm to pursue their efforts to creatively solve local problems and improve communities.

“We are one of five causes selected in South Carolina and the only one in the Midlands,” Hanners said. “You don’t have to be from South Carolina to vote for our cause. We are asking folks to invite their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers regardless of their location to vote for Expanding We Care.”

To vote for Expanding We Care, click here to download the free app on Facebook. Individuals can vote 10 times a day.

Submitted by Karen Owens of Karen Owens Communications