Community Group Gets Huge Grant

East Cooper Community Outreach has received a $250,000 grant from the Spaulding-Paolozzi Foundation which was founded by Countess Alicia Paolozzi, one of the early supporters of the development of the Spoleto Festivals in Charleston and in Spoleto, Italy.

“We are very grateful for this gift from the Spaulding-Paolozzi Foundation” said Jack Little, ECCO executive director. “We plan to use the money for the Getting Ahead Family Partnership program over the next four years. At this year’s graduation ceremony we will be unveiling the Countess Alicia Paolozzi Empowerment Fund. Countess Paolozzi loved Charleston and I’m sure she would be very pleased that her money is being used to break the cycle of poverty among many families in our community”.

On Tuesday, ECCO held a ceremony to honor recent Getting Ahead Family Partnership graduates. The Getting Ahead Workshop, the cornerstone education program, is a facilitated group discussion taking place over eight weeks that helps clients take stock of their current situation and identify personal goals that will enable them to make necessary changes to improve it. A key objective for the program is to teach participants how to plan for the future. Mentors are available to assist in this process and additional education programs are offered at ECCO to support clients in their efforts to reach their full potential. Ultimately, the goal is to help them achieve economic independence.

The Spaulding-Paolozzi Foundation was founded by Countess Alicia Paolozzi to support efforts concerning the environment, the sustainability of agriculture, issues involving the elderly and issues involving women.

Alicia Spaulding Paolozzi was a concerned and involved citizen of the world, philanthropist, activist, businesswoman and pioneering sportswoman. Throughout her life she brought to bear her considerable influence, wealth and personal energy to causes important to her. She was a committed early supporter of the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy and subsequently of Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, SC.

East Cooper Community Outreach strives to provide safety net services for low income families in the greater Charleston area, while empowering them to create better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. ECCO provides emergency assistance for food, clothing, household furnishings and financial needs, as well as ongoing services including dental, prescription assistance, education and counseling.