Let Us Begin

On November 9, 2011, the 2010-2011 Hull Fellows officially graduated from the Southeastern Council of Foundations’ (SECF) yearlong intensive program designed for philanthropy’s rising leaders. As a member of the 2010-2011 Hull Fellow class, I followed in the footsteps of four other former Hull Fellows from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and countless other Hull Fellows from across the Southeast. The Hull Fellows program is the only philanthropic leadership development program of its kind open exclusively to SECF members.

As part of the Hull Fellows experience, my understanding of the breadth of the field of philanthropy increased tremendously. We read multiple books and articles, followed by in-depth discussions which helped shape our understanding of the philanthropic sector. The readings provided a specific lens on the unique history, strengths and challenges specific to philanthropy in the South, equipping me with a deeper understanding of the Foundation’s work within a regional and national context. During the weeklong retreat and monthly capstone calls, we had a unique opportunity to dialogue with visionary leaders who inspired us to lead authentically from the seat we are in. Together we discussed a range of issues facing the philanthropic sector (e.g. servant leadership, diversity, mentoring the next generation of philanthropists to attract and ensure diverse representation of perspectives, talent and leadership in the field, nonprofit capacity building, etc.) as well as a wide range of professional development topics (e.g. understanding individual leadership styles, maintaining work/life balance, etc.).

As the next generation of emerging leaders in the field of philanthropy, I am confident this cohort will continue forward to make a difference in each of our corners of the world through philanthropy. As a graduate of this leadership program, I walked away with additional leadership tools and strategies that I was able to apply directly to my work at the Foundation. I was also able to build collaborative relationships with my 19 fellow peers in a safe place where creative ideas could be exchanged. My Hull mentor, Maria Elena Retter, executive director of the Goizueta Foundation, shared her vast expertise and wisdom, and became a trusted sounding board for me on the intersection of research, evaluation and strategy within the context of the field. I know I will draw from my Hull mentor, Hull Fellows and the many others I connected with as a resource in the years that lie ahead.

I left the 42nd Annual Meeting of SECF as a Hull alumnus, inspired and encouraged, and deeply aware of the great privilege it is for me to serve in this sector. The field of philanthropy tackles some of the most difficult issues in our communities, such as reducing poverty, addressing social injustice and ensuring that the disenfranchised have a voice and a seat at the table. The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina seeks to be equal partners with communities we care deeply about. We recognize our vision, families in South Carolina have the resources to live out of poverty, may take years to flourish in order to achieve measurable impact. Regardless of the challenges and setbacks we will undoubtedly face to achieve our mission, we continue pressing forward, applying the principle Mother Teresa once shared, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter is the senior director of research at the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Our Voices, Our Stories: A Look Back on 2010 Listening Sessions

As part of the Foundation’s commitment to listen directly to those experiencing poverty in South Carolina, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina conducted four community Listening Sessions in Allendale, Johns Island, Greenwood and Bennettsville in 2010. Each location was strategically selected because of the different levels of poverty. For example, one community had a 16 percent poverty rate, while another one had 32 percent.

The response to the Foundation’s Listening Sessions was overwhelming with over 270 individuals participating, representing nearly 100 organizations across the four locations. Specific attention was given to obtaining diverse representation and perspectives. More than half of the participants voluntarily provided demographic information. The demographics of those that responded included:

• 57% female, 40% male;
• 34% African American, 27% Latino/Hispanic; 23% Caucasian/White, 5% were Native American;
• 36% were unemployed while 15% were working part-time;
• 24% had attended middle school or some high school as their highest level education, 17% had either a GED or high school diploma;
• 19% had an income range of $25,000 or below while 15% had an income range of $25,000 to $49,000.

During each Listening Session, a Foundation board of trustee’s member or staff member facilitated small focused table discussions among attendees to elicit their perspectives on their experience of poverty and its impact on their community. Throughout the Listening Sessions, families experiencing poverty shared―in a heartfelt way―their struggles, joys and pain.

They were remarkably open with us as they invited us humbly into their lives. We witnessed first-hand tremendous strength and resilience among those we talked with, felt their deep sense of heritage and heard the importance of informal support systems (friendships and family ties). Perhaps what resonated most was the importance and fundamental role faith and spirituality plays in their lives.

One Johns Island Hispanic resident shared, “we believe in God and have faith, that’s all we have.”

Those with a strong spiritual foundation and faith used this faith as an inspiration as they work to overcome so many barriers in order to move out of poverty.

“We’re just trying to make it from day to day," shared one Greenwood resident.

We wrapped up our Listening Sessions by asking participants to share their potential ideas, solutions and resources needed in their community in order to reduce poverty.

As one resident in Allendale shared, “people need to be given a chance to do something with their lives.”

“I need to see the hope to believe there is hope. Instead of telling me, show me the hope,” said one Bennettsville youth. 

Across the locations, twelve recommendations for action fell in four primary areas: social services, education, health and strengthening the community. Families experiencing poverty want to know that people care and are invested in their success.

Read the full summary and recommendations made during the 2010 Listening Sessions



Stephanie Cooper-Lewter is the senior director of research for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.