Summary of Services
- Provides backpacks filled with essential school supplies for Spuds, Elkton, and Armstrong students
- Offers all-ages rides in partnership with local cycling clubs to promote fitness
- Guides residents through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program application process
- Distributes gently used and new clothing for all ages, including work, school, and everyday attire
- Supplies nutritious food options to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity
Acknowledging and Addressing Community Challenges
Since its founding in 2013, the SEA Community Help Resource Center has been dedicated to assisting residents from Spuds, Elkton, and Armstrong communities. Recognizing that individuals and families often face unique challenges, the center provides programs and resources that meet those needs. Efforts focus on youth and their families, creating opportunities that foster growth, stability, and a stronger sense of community.
Programs and Events for Youth and Families
Each August, the Back-to-School Initiative helps students start the year with confidence. Backpacks filled with school supplies are distributed, and community events are held to encourage educational engagement. These gatherings bring students, parents, and neighbors together, reinforcing the belief that learning is a community-wide effort.
In partnership with local cycling clubs, the SEA Community Help Resource Center hosts monthly bike rides for all ages and skill levels. These outings take participants through scenic neighborhoods and coastal paths, promoting fitness and outdoor enjoyment.
Trained staff and volunteers guide residents through every step of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process, which assists with paperwork, answering questions, and ensuring eligible households can quickly access healthy food.
Clothing and Food Pantries
The clothing closet provides gently used and new garments for all ages, ensuring families have appropriate attire for work, school, and daily life. The food pantry offers healthy options, helping to reduce hunger and provide stability.
Holiday Meals and Gift Baskets
The SEA Community Help Resource Center ensures that the holiday season is a time of joy for every family. A hearty, homemade Thanksgiving dinner is served for the community, and complete turkey dinners are distributed for families to enjoy at home. During Christmas, volunteers prepare baskets filled with pantry staples and holiday treats. For many, these gestures transform what could be a difficult season into one filled with warmth and connection.
Celebrating Community and Culture
The “Celebration of a Giant” parade honors the extraordinary leadership of President Murray, whose vision and service have shaped the SEA Community Help Resource Center and touched countless lives. Streets come alive with marching bands, decorated floats, and the spirit of a community.
Held on the first Saturday in December, the Gullah Geechee Festival celebrates the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans who settled in the Lowcountry. Through music, storytelling, art, and cuisine, the festival honors the resilience and traditions of this vibrant culture.
Building Relationships, Strengthening Community
Through collaborations with local organizations, schools, and volunteers, the center expands its reach and strengthens its programs, ensuring they remain practical, relevant, and impactful for the communities served.