Courageous Leaders

On December 16, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina celebrated seven nonprofit leaders from across South Carolina as they completed the Nonprofit Leadership Development Program through the Foundation's Carolina Academy for Nonprofits.

Gwen Jobes Hampton, South Carolina School Board Association director of leadership development, served as graduation speaker and this is a poem that wrote for the celebration.

Courageous Leaders

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Who understands when culture and business thrives
It has the power to transform communities
Private public working together to enrich lives
A dream of a Civic Center
Motivated a community to take action
They will oneday open the doors
Under the leadership of Cynthia Jackson

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Kristi Coggins the coach comes to mind
Building character and instilling values
During a game at tee time
Helping the youth see their worth
So they can be all that they can be
Simply learned during a game of golf
Club and balls at The First Tee

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Amy Coward is her name
She understands the power of the pen
PR her claim to fame
She strategically leads from the middle
With strength and a spirit of gratitude
Sometimes it takes a push from the middle
In order for the mission to effectively move

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Survivors with their souls in tears
Living through sexual trauma
Lives shattered by unspoken fears
Worried about their uncertain future
Stories that make you want to holler
Through it all they have a strong leader
They call her Ginny Waller

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Committed to making families strong
Love our neighbors as ourselves
With those values we won’t go wrong
People empowered by their faith
Embraced by the religious community
Led by a compassionate leader
Her name is Marga McKee

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
With an appreciation for the arts
Sharing beauty so that many may see
With their eyes and with their hearts
Creative talents on display
In one of America’s best small towns
Under Janice Grizzard’s leadership
Various artist can be found

Imagine a world with a courageous leader
Providing families the tools that they need
To break the cycle of poverty
So women and children can succeed
No matter how difficult the obstacles
Or high the stumbling blocks
They can count on the relentless leadership
Of Kristi King-Brock

Imagine the world of courageous leaders
Inspired by visions to improve lives
Focused on vital missions
Serving families and communities with pride
We celebrate their accomplishments
We know today simply would not be
If it wasn’t for the visionary leadership
Of the Sisters of Charity

Guest blog post by South Carolina School Board Association Director of Leadership Development Gwen Jobes Hampton. It was written for the Sisters of Charity Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Development Program Graduation Ceremony held on December 16, 2011.

The Recession Affects Children Too

“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.” –Gandhi

We read about more and more people losing jobs, more and more families losing homes, the cash-strapped transportation system, increased health care costs and more. However, what about the impact of the recession on children? No one ever mentions the children. This large population didn’t do anything to contribute to society’s current issues and, yet, they are often the most punished. 
 
The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book, which tracks the well-being of children at the national, state and local levels using indicators in the areas of education, employment and income, health, poverty and youth risk factors. It is no surprise that South Carolina continues to rank in the bottom. This new data revealed that one out of every four children live in poverty. 
 
The problem that is too often overlooked is the affect of the recession on children. The question is how are we―as a community, as a state―going to address these numbers. More importantly, how are we going to move South Carolina’s children and families out of poverty?
 
The Annie E. Casey Foundation identified a two-generation strategy for addressing families living in poverty, to simultaneously help parents put their families on a path to economic success and help children’s social, emotional cognitive and physical development from birth. In its report the foundation identifies public policies that may make the difference to the families and the country. When it comes to helping parents succeed, the foundation recognizes: the importance of addressing Unemployment Insurance and promoting foreclosure prevention and remediation efforts; strengthening existing programs that supplement poverty-level wages, offset the high cost of child care and provide health insurance coverage for parents and children; and promote savings, protect assets and help families gain financial knowledge and skills. The foundation’s approach to address policy issues impacting children include: promoting responsible parenthood and ensuring mothers-to-be receive prenatal care; making sure that children are developmentally ready to succeed in school; and promoting reading proficiency by the end of third grade. While this may not be the answer for South Carolina and may not even cover all that is needed, it is a good starting point as we begin to understand our role and what we can do. 
 
Children makeup 23% of South Carolina and 100% of the future. They are our country’s future leaders. Today’s children will make all of this state’s and this country’s future decisions in the global economy. To prepare our children, we need to focus on the economic opportunities of families and improve the education and well-being of children.
 
It is up to all of us. It is up to businesses, church congregations, community leaders, government, nonprofit organizations, service providers and volunteers to see that they are equipped for this future. Everyone has a role to play. Everyone has a stake in our state’s future. And our future is dependent on our children.  

Brooke Bailey is the director of communications and public policy for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.