$5 million gift to fund capital needs of organizations statewide
Silent Tears on Wednesday announced a second round of grants totaling more than $800,000 to organizations statewide that assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse.
Six years ago, Silent Tears formed to systematically address the complex issues associated with child sexual abuse – considering best practices, the fragmented support system for victims, the culture and politics of South Carolina, and a lack of attention on the issue.
In April, Silent Tears announced a $5 million gift from the Castellani family of Greer. The commitment is funding a second phase of support for organizations that promote an end to child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence across South Carolina, including the 17 Children’s Advocacy Centers of S.C., 15 rape crisis and 12 domestic violence centers. The first round of funding awarded more than $350,000 to 15 organizations.
“Through the first round of funding, we witnessed firsthand the tremendous need organizations have throughout our state – not only for training and staffing, but for facility improvements, such as air conditioning and roofing repairs,” Silent Tears Founder Bob Castellani said. “God has placed us in a position to be able to help, and we are compelled to act.”
The following organizations were included in the second round of grants and have already received funding that will address a variety of capital needs:
- CASA Family Systems in Orangeburg $50,000
- Children’s Recovery Center of Horry and Georgetown Counties $15,000
- Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons $15,000
- Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center in Mt. Pleasant $10,000
- Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center in Lexington $45,500
- Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center (Children in Crisis in Dorchester Co. Inc.) $25,000
- The Family Resource Center in Camden $35,000
- Foothills Alliance in Anderson $30,000
- Generations Group Home in Simpsonville $100,000
- Hopeful Horizons in Beaufort $35,000
- Julie Valentine Center in Greenville $50,000
- Laurens County Safe Home in Laurens County $40,000
- Meg’s House in Greenwood $16,000
- My Sister’s House in North Charleston $50,000
- People Against Rape in Charleston $50,000
- Pickens County Advocacy Center in Easley $30,000
- Rape Crisis Center of Horry County $27,600
- Safe Harbor in Greenville $75,000
- Safe Passage in Rock Hill $50,000
- South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers $45,000
- South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault $30,000
- Sistercare in Columbia $30,000
Organizations interested in applying for future Silent Tears grants can apply online, which also features information about previous grant recipients and the organization’s partnership with ELYSIAN magazine. That partnership will allow best practices established in South Carolina to reach a nationwide audience. The success stories and gains made in this state will reach decision-makers across the country through the ELYSIAN platform, affecting even greater change.
For more information, contact Kelly Nichols, director of philanthropy, Silent Tears SC, 864-596-7501 or kelly@readelsyian.com.