August 10, 2021 | 7:30 am to 9:00 am
BeMi’s Wedding & Event Space | 905 North Main Street – Greer
On Tuesday, August 10th 120 neighbors joined us for breakfast and a discussion about Greer Relief.
The event began with the sweet sounds of jazz from The Quatrophonics.
The invocation was given by Rev. Tom Capps, Mission Ministries Director at Three Rivers Baptist Association.
The program opened with a welcome from Scott Harke, Greer Relief Board President, to say “thank you,” and to share his appreciation for the services Greer Relief has provided the community he now calls home. He also thanked Engenius and the City of Greer for continuing to support Greer Relief, and BeMi’s for hosting the Neighborhood Breakfast this year, and the following event donors:
- Bojangles on Buncombe Rd.
- The Clock on Poinsett
- Dogwood Café at Pelham Medical Center
- D&G Services, Inc.
- Food Lion Wade Hampton Blvd.
- Starbucks
- Wild Ace Pizza & Pub
Because of their help and donations we were able to have this free event. Please let them know their support is appreciated.
Caroline Robertson, Executive Director, spoke about the programs and services at Greer Relief. She spoke of the organization’s commitment to increasing financial stability, building a vibrant & equitable community, where a zip code doesn’t limit the success of our neighbors. She shared the focus on Greer Relief is not just feeding the body, but also the mind and the spirit.
Robertson shared the struggles of 2020, knowing they were a struggle for everyone in the room. She reflected on March 13th, 2020 Greer Relief made a decision to step up at a higher capacity, to lean in. Services went virtual overnight, and they continued to serve not closing during this time, assisting 5,748 neighbor in need. As a result Greer Relief received exceptional funding to help neighbors in need with the COVID crisis, and assisted with $527,707 in financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility bills. But the dilemma was how to serve, staff only or including volunteers. The decision was to include volunteers, but to keep them and the staff safe, safety protocols had to be top of mind. Greer Relief continued to meet neighbors where they are. The additional challenge came because the Greer Relief team knew how to help neighbors in need through their crisis, but the team was going through the same crisis, COVID.
Caroline presented the 2021 Neighborhood Testimonial Joyce Cross, Rewards Program.
Following the Neighborhood Testimonial, Caroline shared the good news that Joyce’s Rewards program is continuing with the recent hiring of Bryce Safrit as Community Engagement Coordinator in charge of the RENEW program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Caroline also shared the 2020 Annual Report statistics:
- In 2020, 5,748 neighbors in need received assistance
- 5 COVID Mobile Food Pantries throughout the community TO the neighbors in need
- 1,471 neighbors received $527,707 prevented homelessness by paying 564 rent/mortgage/utilities bills
- 584,879 tax refunds to 306 homes were prepared for FREE,
- Caroline presented Guy Cloer with a VITA Appreciation plaque for 10 years of service
- Caroline presented Guy Cloer with a VITA Appreciation plaque for 10 years of service
- 1,617 RENEW Rewards earned, a 47% increase YOY
- 350 little smiles from our Christmas Morning Shoppe
- 680 donors
- 219 volunteers donated 8,596 hours
Mark Hopper, City Council – District 3 at City of Greer & Co-owner at Abbott’s & Hopper Financial, gave a call to action and presented ways the community could help. He shared how special Greer Relief has been to him and his wife, Amanda, since they moved to Greer 12 years ago. “Greer is just special” He shared their love for Greer. “Greer is a generous place… It’s a caring place…” He shared why he supports Greer Relief.
- 85 years of service
- The emphasis Caroline & her team put on “HOW” they serve
- They not only meet them in real time, but they also give them tools to move forward with dignity, be empowered.
- Helping OUR neighbors.
The challenge was given to take action. Guests were encouraged to volunteer, to get involved, to do more.
Thank you to all our neighbors and friends of Greer Relief!