Beginning in 2003 the congregation of the Unitarian Church in Charleston has undertaken, through its Social Justice Program, an effort to assist children in our community who live in poverty. Approximately $40,000, raised through donations from the congregation and a series of benefit concerts, has been directed toward after-school programs and academic enrichment activities conducted at schools which serve some of the poorest communities in Charleston County.

The program got underway in 2002 shortly after then Minister Jacqueline Collins called on the UCC to form a Social Justice Committee. The committee decided, after some deliberation, to focus its attention on the plight of children in the Charleston area who were living in poverty and more specifically to concentrate on how to enhance educational opportunities for these children.

The funds to support these needs have come from two sources: (1) donations from the UCC congregation, primarily at the Christmas Eve service, and (2) from a series of nearly 60 concerts (Gage Hall Coffeehouse) conducted by the Social Justice Committee. The annual Christmas Eve contributions and the monthly Gage Hall Coffeehouse have now become traditions at UCC.

This program supplements and is coordinated with other UCC Social Justice initiatives such as the Community Outreach Giving Program, Assistance to Crisis Ministries, Green Sanctuary, and Welcoming Congregation.

Read more about the UCC Social Justice programs...