Edisto Council

In Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, volunteers of the Edisto Council certify agencies and fund programs that address the issues of those counties.  These local volunteers identify needs, determine priorities and allocate funds to programs in Orangeburg and Calhoun that meet the health and human service needs of the community.  All funds raised through workplace campaigns in these counties support that area's issues.  
 
Statistics from the Edisto counties reveal the need for strong community support for programs that address basic needs in that area.  
  • Orangeburg County ranks 36 among 46 counties in the percentage of children who live in poverty.  (S.C. Kids Count 2005)
  • In Calhoun County, 44.5 percent of students drop out by twelfth grade.  (S.C. Kids Count 2005)
  • In Orangeburg County, almost 52% of students tested below basic in math in the PACT in eighth grade.  (S.C. Kids Count 2005)
  • Approximately 20% of adults ages 25-34 in these counties do not have a high school diploma or GED.  (S.C. Young Adults Count 2002)
  • As many as 1,500 people including adults and children are homeless in the Edisto area.  (S.C. Council on Homelessness)
  • Orangeburg has one of the highest crime rates in the state, and it exceeds the state average in domestic violence victim rate.
The 2000 U.S. Census and the 2005 American Community Survey reported this about the Edisto counties:  
  • 23,023 households live on less than $10,000 a year.
  • There are 22,590 people who are below poverty level. 
  • 13,790 people are 65 years old and over, and 3,951 of those live alone. 
  • 15,034 people are 25 years old and over and don't have a high school diploma or a higher degree.
  • 24,961 people have one or more disabilities; 6,419 of those are 65 years old and over.
  • More than 4,824 people are unemployed.
The Edisto Council partners with agencies that provide vital human service needs and meet high standards you should expect from any nonprofit.  Regular assessments ensure these agencies meet not only all legal requirements, but also specific quality performance measures.  Certified partner agencies of the Edisto Council include:
  • American Red Cross-Orangeburg County
  • Boy Scouts, Indian Waters Council
  • Calhoun County First Steps
  • Edisto Habitat for Humanity
  • Greater Santee Literacy Council
  • Harvest Hope Food Bank
  • Orangeburg Boys and Girls Club
  • Orangeburg County Adult Literacy Council 
  • Orangeburg County Council on Aging
  • Orangeburg County Disabilities & Special Needs Board
  • Project Life - Claflin University
  • Salvation Army-Orangeburg
  • Samaritan House
  • The Sunlight Club

For more information on the United Way of the Midlands Edisto Council and its programs, contact Debra Smith, United Way's Edisto account manager, at 803-531-9990 or by email at debra.smith1@yahoo.com.