Forty leaders from the Lowcountry and surrounding area have completed the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI).
(Berkeley County, SC) – Each year, The Berkeley Chamber’s Leadership Berkeley graduates select a class project. The project is directly related to circumstances or wishes of the community that the class has recognized through the participation in the Leadership Program.
This year’s Leadership Berkeley Project highlighted the needs of the children that are served by The Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) by furnishing the children’s play area with new toys. As well as, the class secured a Wonder Works Toy Store donation and $1,000 donation from Home Telecom. During the Healthcare and Social Issues session, the class realized the trauma these young children experience, and the class wished to express their support to the program and services the organization provides.
DCAC was chosen as Leadership Berkeley’s class project as approximately 50% of clients served by DCAC are Berkeley County residents. As part of the 10 standards to be an accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC), set forth by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), a CAC must provide a child-focused setting. Having a play room for younger children and a teen lounge allows for DCAC to not only meet this accreditation standard, but aids in easing a family’s fears and anxieties about receiving treatment for suspected child abuse and neglect. “We cannot thank Leadership Berkeley enough for the dedication of their time, energy, and effort to improving our child and teen rooms,” said Dr. Kay Phillips, “this was a project that was definitely needed and one that so many children will benefit from.”
Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving child victims of abuse and neglect. DCAC was founded in 2003 to aid in the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse and neglect victims. Over 12,000 children have been served since its inception, providing forensic interviews, forensic medical exams, and evidence-based treatment for children affected by trauma.
About Leadership Berkeley
Leadership Berkeley is an educational program offered through the Berkeley Chamber. The 10-month program provides emerging and existing leaders in the Greater Berkeley County area with an opportunity to enhance their civic knowledge and network. For over 25 years, Leadership Berkeley has helped participants better understand the local community, while building relationships with current and future leaders. For more information on Leadership Berkeley, visit www.berkeleysc.org or contact Simone Thornton at 843.761.8238.
About Berkeley Chamber of Commerce
The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in the greater Berkeley County area. The Chamber seeks to accomplish this vision by advocating for initiatives that enable businesses to grow, thrive and remain relevant and forward-thinking in an ever-changing world. The chamber exists to create a positive impact on our community. The Berkeley Chamber strives to be the unifying force that brings together and leads those who work to improve the quality of life in the Berkeley County region through business growth.
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