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OUR HISTORY
The Community Organization for Rights and Empowerment was formed in Holly Hill in September 1999 to focus on local environmental health issues. In the following years, CORE has served and advocated for improvement in Education, Health, Technology, Housing, Social Development, and Community and Economic Development.
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We believe that community members who understand the issues, the culture, and the needs of their people can empower people to participate in establishing feasible solutions that will serve as a solid foundation for improved well-being and a more prosperous future for all involved.
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CORE received its first grant in 2001. It attained 501(c)3 status in 2002. Donations are usually tax-deductible.
CORE received major donations of computers in 2003 and in 2007, and established a computer lab. CORE has sponsored community health screenings, technology training, and an emergency housing rehabilitation program. CORE has assisted numerous people in applying for entitlement programs such as food assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, disability claims, unemployment, cell phones, and financial assistance for pursuing higher education.
CORE has provided workforce readiness services and on-the-job training opportunities.
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One of CORE's primary concerns is middle-schoolers. CORE has sponsored teacher aides at Holly Hill-Roberts Middle School and a character education program and a robotics summer camp for middle-school students.
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CORE has collaborated with Green Thumb, AmeriCorps Vista, No Child Hungry, Stroke Belt Elimination Initiative, the former Orangeburg Consolidated School District Three, Orangeburg County Emergency Medical Services, South Carolina Department of Social Services, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Department of Education, the former Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties, Family Health Centers Inc. of Orangeburg, The Housing Trust Fund, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Experience Works, Orangeburg County Council, Palmetto Project, Heart and Soul, SC Minority AIDS, and many more. New partnerships are being formed on an ongoing basis.
OUR LEADERS
LEROY WHITE
President
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KENNETH HIGH
Vice President
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VIRGINIA TOWNSEND
Executive Director
Mrs. Townsend was one of the original founders of CORE and has served as Executive Director for the entire history of the organization.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master's degree in Educational Administration.
She is a retired career educator with the former Orangeburg Consolidated School District Three.