The Leadership Columbia Class of 2023 (LC23) has announced its partnership with Homeless No More.
As part of the Leadership Columbia program, each class chooses a project that makes an impact in the community. This year’s class project is a comprehensive undertaking that includes physical enhancements to St. Lawrence Place, Homeless No More’s transitional shelter offering support services, life skills training and up to two years of housing for families experiencing homelessness.
“We are thrilled to have Leadership Columbia join Homeless No More in supporting the families we serve achieve true independence,” said Lila Anna Sauls, EdD, HDFP, CEO of Homeless No More. “The class has innovative ideas on how we can make St. Lawrence Place an even more engaging community where families in crisis or risk can gain stability. This is an example of the Columbia community coming together and doing good for all.”
The project scope includes the creation of an indoor and outdoor communal space for residents to learn how to create community — a skill critical in supporting families once they complete the program. LC23 will furnish the indoor space, build a shade structure outside, refurbish a playground and paint a mural on the outside of the building, among other tasks.
“This project reflects the legacy of 50 years of Leadership Columbia and there is no better way to reflect that legacy than to create spaces for growth at St. Lawrence Place,” LC23 Project Lead, Sean Battle said.
LC23 Project Chair Kenneth Givens is confident that this year’s project will be a success.
“Homeless No More and St. Lawrence Place are an important part of our community and the work that they do to serve families is something we saw LC23 connect deeply with. This class has hit the ground running and has generated great excitement around this project and I believe the community will see just how much they want to leave a lasting legacy,” Givens said.
Leadership Columbia is an educational program offered through the Columbia Chamber. The 10-month program provides emerging and existing leaders in the Midlands area with an opportunity to enhance their civic knowledge and network. For 50 years, Leadership Columbia has helped participants better understand the local community, while building relationships with the region’s current and future leaders.
For more information on Leadership Columbia, visit www.columbiachamber.com/leadership or contact Leah Kelly, Director of Leadership Development, at 803-733-1146.
