NEIGHBORHOOD FORUM – Phase One

Since the spring of 2021, the Felician Center has spent time organizing the 4 phases of the NEIGHBORHOOD FORUM for the residents of Thorne Avenue in Kingstree.  The project, to celebrate the 30th anniversary year of Felician Center serving in Williamsburg County, has been funded by the Sacred Heart Charitable Fund from the Sisters of St. Francis of Denver, Colorado with additional funding from the benefactors of the Felician Center.  The purpose of the grant is to improve the self-image and standard of living of the neighborhood, to invest in some safety and exterior home improvements, and to support local business.

After invitations were hand delivered door to door, a MANDATORY general meeting was held on June 7 with 21 households represented.  The households were required to do a clean-up on their properties.  Old vehicles, broken appliances and furniture, and other junk was removed. The cooperation was outstanding.  One woman commented, “I always wanted to do this but I needed the motivation”.  Neighbors helped neighbors.  Williamsburg County public works picked up all street side trash.  A site visit followed for inspections and applications for handicap ramps, stairs and railings were distributed.

As the word got around the town, some groups called to ask how they could help out, too.  The Kingstree Community Youth group led by Laura Hundley, Josette Jarrett and Al Langmo, dedicated two days to do some painting to two of the homes.  Other contractors were called in to receive their assignments for the week of July 26th to do the other constructions.  And the Franciscan efforts to “go repair my house” continue on.