In South Carolina, 1 in 3 children lack access to essential mental health support, a crisis exacerbated by the state's alarming counselor-to-student ratio of 1:1,300. Charleston Hope is on a mission to change this. As a leading advocate for mental and behavioral health in Title 1 schools, they are dedicated to providing critical resources and support to the students who need it most.
To drive this mission forward, the organization announced an upcoming Match Hope Fundraiser on September 21, 2024, from 5 pm to 7 pm at a donor’s house on Daniel Island. This event is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a powerful gathering of community leaders, passionate supporters, and changemakers committed to empowering students and ensuring they have the mental health support they deserve.
Event Highlights:
- Date: September 21, 2024
- Time: 5-7 PM
- Location: The Hall's House, Daniel Island
- Tickets: $40 (early bird until September 15), $50 (after September 15)
- Purchase Tickets: Grab your tickets here
Guests will enjoy light hors d'oeuvres prepared by a private chef, drinks, and the opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for making a difference. Every dollar raised will go toward Charleston Hope's ambitious goal of raising $100,000 in just two weeks, directly funding their mental health programs and expanding their reach to more students in need.
The Urgent Need
South Carolina’s schools are under-resourced when it comes to mental health support. With 80% of students relying on school-based services, the current counselor-to-student ratio is untenable. This is where Charleston Hope makes a critical difference. Through their THRIVE program, they provide school-based counseling, giving students the tools they need to overcome the challenges of growing up in poverty.
Henrietta Gantt, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, a licensed clinician with Charleston Hope, shares a powerful story:
"YYY, a first grader, faced immense challenges early on. With his father incarcerated and exposure to violence at home, YYY grappled with deep anxiety about his family’s safety and his own worth. Through dedicated therapy and play therapy techniques, he began to process these traumas, ultimately finding a sense of security both at home and in school. His teacher noticed a remarkable transformation—YYY was finally able to start being a kid again."
About Charleston Hope
Charleston Hope is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to mental and behavioral health programs in Title 1 schools. We believe that every student deserves the chance to thrive, and our programs are designed to make that possible. Through our THRIVE program, 90% of parents report improvements in their child’s mental health, and 85% of teachers observe positive behavioral changes. Our Step-In program has also achieved significant success, with 90% of participating girls reporting increased self-efficacy.
