By Dr. Cindye Richburg-Cotton
As the nation observes the Thanksgiving holiday, we at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) have ample reasons to be thankful for as we strive to make a positive and meaningful difference for the residents of Lexington and Richland counties and neighboring communities throughout the Midlands of South Carolina.
We are particularly thankful for a supportive Board of Directors that ensures BLEC remains true to its mission to engage and serve people of all ages and backgrounds while promoting
advancements in health, education, economic empowerment and improving the lives of residents in the aforementioned areas. It often has been said that an organization survives on the strength and commitment of its governing body. In the case of BLEC, it can be said unequivocally that its Board of Directors is the straw that stirs its success.
We are also thankful for a devoted and dedicated staff. Each member of the staff has proven ability and expertise that drive the success of the plethora of programs that are offered at BLEC. Their commitment has surely sustained the efforts of BLEC not only to survive but thrive in an environment that requires all hands on deck to achieve success.
BLEC is very thankful to our generous and compassionate donors whose donations supported our programs and services which resulted in over 22,000 individuals being served over the past year.
On a similar level, we are thankful for the partnerships BLEC has been able to establish. These partnerships enable BLEC to expand its reach into neighborhoods where BLEC’s services are needed most to improve the quality of life for our target residents.
Not to be understated, we are thankful for the many volunteers who give their time and energy in providing invaluable support, which is vitally necessary to aid the delivery of the many programs offered at BLEC.
BLEC is equally thankful for all participants who are taking advantage of the opportunity to better their lives. BLEC is further thankful and appreciates that participants for the most part believe in its ability to deliver on its mission.
Finally, BLEC is thankful for its ability to promote a culture of self-reliance for those who need it most. It is the character and essence of what BLEC is all about and most important there is no exception in its commitment to put people first.
For more information about the BLEC, please contact Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, executive
director, by phone at (803) 747-3519 or via email at [email protected]
