FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2009

Contact: James T. Morton
President, J. Marion Sims Foundation
(803) 286-8772

The J. Marion Sims Foundation has made awards to nine different community organizations in its Responsive Grants program totaling $873,580.

"In the midst of a deepening recession, our communities face high unemployment and a number of related challenges," Foundation President Jim Morton said. "We applaud the staff and volunteers of the many organizations that are working diligently to help people through these difficult times and are pleased to make these grants to assist them in their efforts."

Grant funding will support the following projects and programs in Lancaster County, Fort Lawn and Great Falls:

American National Red Cross, Lancaster Chapter - $15,000 for one year to provide emergency assistance to families who are victims of fires and other natural disasters.

Family Promise of Lancaster County - $184,662 over three years for seed money to enable an interfaith network of 13 local churches to serve homeless families.

Good Samaritan Medical Clinic - $51,300 for one year to provide free healthcare services to indigent patients from Lancaster County, Fort Lawn and Great Falls and to open a new satellite office in Great Falls.

HOPE - $20,250 for one year for capacity-building assistance to improve the agency's crisis assistance work.

KARE - $110,123 for 18 months for operations and crisis assistance funding.

Lancaster County and Lancaster County Council on Aging (joint applicants) - $444,495 over three years to start-up the Lancaster Health Ride program, which will provide transportation for Lancaster County residents in need of healthcare services.

Lancaster County Council on Aging - $12,000 in matching grant funds for one year to enable the agency to purchase a van for the Indian Land senior center.

Mt. Calvary Outreach Center - $10,000 for one year to support a summer program for high-risk youth in Kershaw.

Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault - $25,750 for one year to purchase medical examination equipment to use with pediatric victims of sexual assault.

The J. Marion Sims Foundation supports programs of prevention and education that enhance health and wellness in Lancaster County, Great Falls and Fort Lawn, SC.