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              August 25, 2020
              Friends,
               
              I write to you in the midst of a global pandemic—one which has created novel, but not insurmountable, challenges for our residents, staff, and supporters. Even during a pandemic, though, we have so much to be grateful for at the Trent Hill Center for Children & Families (THC).
               
              Most importantly, our youth residents and staff are well and healthy. The generosity of our community partners and donors has helped us sustain our programs and services at a time when non-profit organizations nationwide face unprecedented economic challenges. You have cared for our THC community through donations of money, meals, groceries, cleaning supplies, time, and prayers. I continue to be amazed at how our community has surrounded us with boundless love. And I am grateful.
               
              That being said, welcome to the inaugural issue of our newsletter, The Trent Hill Center Tribune. We hope this and future newsletters will keep you informed about what's happening at THC.
               
              In this issue, we highlight our operations during COVID-19 and the addition of our mental health counseling program. We also introduce you to Jennifer Andrews, one of our devoted Residential Care Counselors, and One Church, one of our most active community partners.
               
              We are excited to launch our newsletter! Thank you for taking the time to read it.
               
              Sincerely,
               
              Scottie Hill
              Founder and Executive Director
               
              COVID, Community, and Counseling
               
                 
              COVID-19: Rising to the Occasion
               
              At THC, COVID-19 has meant that our Center has doubled as a school, our staff have doubled as "teachers," and everyone has buckled down in a concerted effort to adhere to strict cleaning, disinfecting, and family visitation guidelines.
               
              In addition, the economic impact of the virus hit us hard. We had to increase staffing and incur unexpected expenses to care for 13 youth residents no longer in school on a daily basis. We quickly adjusted our services and operations to oversee the homeschooling of 13 youth residents, each in different grades, enrolled in different schools, and with various learning needs. To meet the need for increased staffing, we applied for and received the Paycheck Protection Program Loan. The loan was applied to 2.5 months of payroll for our diligent staff--the epitome of essential workers!
               
              Feeding 13 teenagers "in quarantine" is no small expense either! We launched a Facebook fundraiser to raise money for groceries, and raised $4500 in two days! We continue to take advantage of the Darlington County School District's food program. And, we are grateful to local individuals, families, churches, and businesses who donate food, snacks, and deliver home-cooked meals to our youth and staff.
               
              Finally, as we finalize this article, COVID-19 continues to affect in-school participation for the 2020-2021 academic year. Once again, we will be required to maintain staffing at higher than expected levels in order to provide adequate supervision and guidance for our youth residents. We are grateful for our community's support thus far, and ask that you continue to consider both monetary and in-kind donations to THC as we wade through this season of uncertainty.
               
               
                 
              Community Partner: One Church Hartsville
               
              For the past two years, One Church Hartsville has been an active community partner of THC. Jackie Coker, One Church's liaison to THC, said when One Church attendees heard about the mission of THC, they "were so touched by what the Center is doing for children that [they] wanted to help in some small way."
               
              One Church's ministry to THC, which began with providing a monthly meal for residents and staff, has now grown to a 29-member outreach group. In addition to providing a monthly meal, the group also collects donations for THC in the form of school supplies, snacks, cleaning supplies, and toiletries, among other items. They have also hosted a back-to-school cookout and a Christmas party, both of which created an opportunity for One Church attendees to enjoy food and fellowship with THC residents.
               
              Coker added, "At One Church, we believe that 'changed lives change lives'. Each of us has been impacted by the love of Christ. We want to share that love in a tangible way with the THC residents."
               
              Thank you, One Church, for your generosity and your dedication to THC!
               
               
              In-House Hero:
              Jennifer Andrews
               
              Since THC's opening in 2018, Jennifer Andrews has served and loved well in her position as a Residential Care Counselor. For Jennifer, the position was a match made in heaven. When she met Scottie, while dropping off donations at THC before it opened, Scottie mentioned THC would be hiring Residential Care Counselors and encouraged her to apply. The rest is history!
               
              For the past two years, a lifetime love of working with children and helping others has been the backbone of Jennifer's service at THC. Her responsibilities include supervising and supporting youth residents, cleaning, cooking, administering medicine to residents, transporting residents to various activities and appointments, and even helping them find jobs!
               
              Her most important responsibility, in her words, is making the children feel safe in their home environment. She added, "It is always good to try and help people, but in this job, it could make all the difference in one's life."
               
              Thank you, Jennifer, for your diligent, wholehearted work at THC!
              Services Spotlight: Mental Health Counseling
               
              Did you know that THC now provides counseling services to our community?
               
              At THC, licensed therapists provide individual, family, and group counseling services to our youth residents and their families, as well as to children and families in our community-at-large. Doing so has created an opportunity for us to extend our expertise and resources beyond the walls of the THC group home and into our Hartsville community.
               
              We accept counseling referrals from schools, churches, community organizations, and the S.C. Department of Social Services. We also accept self referrals from local families and individuals seeking mental health counseling services.
               
              Our therapists have certifications in trauma and addiction. Counseling services are offered to help with:
              ·     Improving your child’s behavior
              ·     The stress of being a parent
              ·     Life changes (such as: job loss, divorce, new baby, etc.)
              ·     Dealing with death & loss
              ·     Coping with stressful events and trauma
              ·     Drug and alcohol use and/or abuse
              ·     Making relationships stronger
               
              While the last few months have warranted an increased focus on physical health, the direct effects of the virus on mental health cannot be overlooked. We are grateful for our in-house mental health services that allow us to see and respond to the relationships between physical, mental, and emotional health.
               
              For more information or to make a referral, please call Scottie Hill at 843-309-5502.
               
               
              Spotted!
              THC was featured in the July issue of VIP Magazine! In July 2017, VIP told our story before we opened, and in the July 2020 issue, shared an update on our progress over the past two years. Did you see it? If not, grab a copy of July's issue to read the feature in full! Thank you, VIP Magazine!
              Data Dashboard
              In April 2020, THC celebrated its 2nd anniversary! Here's a snapshot of who we've served in the past two years.
              ·     Total youth residential placements accepted: 60
              ·     Total female residents: 31
              ·     Total male residents: 29
              ·     Age range: 9-18
              ·     Average Length of Stay: 270 days
               
               
              The Gift That Keeps on Giving
               
              One of the best and easiest ways to support the THC is by making a recurring monetary donation. Recurring donations help us make the most of our budgeting efforts so that we can, in turn, maximize the way we serve our residents and the community. Click here for details on how far your monthly, quarterly, or yearly donation can go.
              Award: Granted!
               
              We are happy to share that, in June, we were awarded the America's Farmers Grow Communities Award. This award strengthens rural communities where farmers live and work by providing grant money for community outreach programs through the Bayer Fund. Thank you to Betty Griggs, a local farmer who nominated us to receive this award! Click here to read more about the America's Farmers Award program.
              		 
               
              Trent Hill Center
              522 W. Bobo Newsome Highway
              Hartsville, S.C. 29550
              843-917-4674
               
               
              Contact:
              Becky Hill
              becky.hill@trenthillcenter.org, (843) 910-7893