With the onset of the pandemic, unemployment rates across the country skyrocketed. Many South Carolinians found themselves unemployed or with a reduction in work hours, wondering how they would make ends meet. Navigating the job market during this difficult time can seem impossible, but luckily, there are nonprofit organizations with programs and resources available to assist individuals. Through the One SC Fund, housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation, grants were awarded to organizations that aided those in the community seeking employment.

Through their One SC Fund: COVID-19 Grant, Midlands Fatherhood Coalition helped serve 27 different fathers in Sumter and Fairfield Counties. They utilized the grant to carry out their mission of fast-tracking fathers with employment needs to rapid reemployment.

“Whether their plans for employment were derailed by COVID-19, or whether they lost their jobs, the funds allowed us to mobilize resources around supporting these fathers,” Eleanor Boyd, Midlands Fatherhood Coalition’s Director of Development, said. “Funds were used for costs of certifications, books, transportation, or any need that would create a barrier to employment. MFC found new programs and fast-tracked certification options for some fathers to help get quickly trained and job-ready.”

Joshua, a father of two in Fairfield County, came to MFC looking for employment. Participating in the Rapid Reemployment Program, Joshua worked with a case manager who helped him find employment in Winnsboro.

“The funding helped Joshua purchase essential items needed for work, such as protective gear and steel toe boots,” Eleanor Boyd said. “It was also used to ensure transportation for Joshua. Joshua overcame the massive hurdle of unemployment to show up every day as a stand-out father to his children.”

Through their work, Midlands Fatherhood Coalition helped all 27 fathers further their education, receive training in various job skills, and gain employment or promotions from July of 2020 to December 2020.

In addition to helping parents get back on their feet through reemployment, One SC Fund: COVID-19 Grants also helped make sure children were prepared for school. In Jasper County, Antioch Education Center (AEC) used its grant to serve over 5,000 people.

“AEC used a portion of the funds to assist in covering the expense associated with the purchase of over $10,000 in school supplies for low-income students who were members of low-income households affected by the coronavirus,” Jacqueline O’Bannon, Executive Director of Antioch Education Center, said. “For this event, AEC held a drive through pop the trunk event and distributed over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.”

In addition to school supplies, AEC provided children with food boxes and new clothing, such as school uniforms, was purchased for children whose parents had lost their job due to the pandemic.

Through the One SC Fund: COVID-19 Grants, adults in our communities were able to secure employment, and children could be prepared for school. Individuals who want to learn more about or donate to the One SC Fund can do so by visiting www.OneSCFund.org.