Able SC and Santee-Lynches Council of Governments (COG) Partnership Increases Access for People with Disabilities in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter Counties
PRESS RELEASE: July 30, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Areatha Clark (803-774-1405)
Santee-Lynches COG completes first year of Building Capacity Grant from Able SC, which aims to improve the utilization and quality of services offered to youth and adults with disabilities in our communities, as well as the increase the knowledge and improve attitudes of employers with regards to disabilities. The first year of effort led to an 8% increase in the number of individuals with disabilities served in our region.
SUMTER, SC – The Santee-Lynches Council of Governments received a grant in the amount of $53,090 from Able SC and completed the first year of the grant on June 30, 2019. One objectives of this grant was to create greater job access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities by promoting and advocating for workplace inclusion. These efforts help to facilitate independence for both youth and adult persons with disabilities. Additionally, it had an objective of increasing employer knowledge of the facts concerning people with disabilities and combating potential negative attitudes towards those with disabilities.
Quarterly training sessions were held for regional employers, SC Works staff, and all partner agencies. Local employers commended the training and the information provided and have expressed interest in continuing the training sessions on a regular recurring basis. Through the leadership and oversight of Ms. Areatha Clark in partnership with the SC Works Operator, Mr. Ray Jackson, we have seen an 8% increase in the number of individuals served with disabilities in through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act over the previous program year.
About Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments
Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments is a premier organization committed to optimizing our region’s unique strengths for a better tomorrow. Our mission is to deliberately enhance the quality of life and provide opportunities for the advancement of our region. Santee-Lynches serves the counties and cities of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter. To learn more, visit santeelynchescog.org.
Santee-Lynches COG is a member of the South Carolina Councils of Government (SC COGs). The SC COGs are a network of the 10 regional councils of governments working to positively affect quality of life and economic development in South Carolina. SC COGs serve as an extension of local and county governments to provide technical assistance, secure state and federal dollars to address critical issues, and advocate at a state and national level for economic and quality of life improvements for South Carolina. To learn more, visit sccogs.org or visit santeelynchescog.org.