Summerville, SC - The ARK of South Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD), has received a $20,000 grant from the Medical Society of South Carolina’s Roper St. Francis Physicians Endowment. The funding will support essential technology upgrades that will enhance the nonprofit’s ability to deliver caregiver programs, education, and community resources across the Lowcountry.
The investment will fund the replacement of outdated and unreliable computer equipment, as well as provide contracted tech support to safeguard systems from security threats and improve operational efficiency. As rates of ADRD continue to rise across the region, The ARK’s ability to deliver responsive, high-quality services to caregivers and their loved ones depends on having a strong digital infrastructure. This grant directly supports that goal, enabling The ARK to meet increasing community needs with greater speed, security, and capacity.
“For our organization to be effective and efficient, and respond to rising needs in the community, it is important to have up-to-date tools and equipment for staff to complete the jobs that advance the mission and impact the community,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK of SC. “We are so thankful for this funding as it ensures the staff have what they need to serve caregivers and their loved ones in our community.”
Founded in 1789, the Medical Society of South Carolina (MSSC) is the fourth-oldest medical society in the United States. Through its Roper St. Francis Physicians Endowment, MSSC provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations serving Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. These grants aim to improve health, wellness, and access to care, with a focus on addressing critical needs such as mental health, nutrition, substance abuse, and support for the uninsured.
For nearly 30 years, The ARK of South Carolina has delivered Alzheimer’s caregiver support throughout Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Orangeburg, and Colleton Counties. Its comprehensive programming helps families manage the daily challenges of ADRD with compassion and consistency. Respite programs are offered in Summerville (Monday through Thursday) and in Harleyville (Wednesday), providing caregivers with a much-needed break from their around-the-clock responsibilities. The ARK also hosts one virtual and four in-person support groups, along with Virtual Lunch & Learn educational workshops, memory screenings, resource referrals, caregiver workshops, and training sessions for first responders and law enforcement.
As the demand for dementia caregiver resources continues to grow across the Lowcountry, The ARK remains committed to expanding access and strengthening support networks. With the help of this grant, the organization is better equipped to serve as a vital lifeline for families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. For more information about The ARK’s Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs in South Carolina, visit thearkofsc.org or call 843-471-1360.