Felician Center Inc

The clothing closet features items that are advertised in advance e.g. 200 new shoes in october, winter coats and new jackets in november, new blankets, bedding in december, new clothing in july for the back-to-school sale, baby clothing in january. Various gift items are available all year long. The closet is open most fridays. An increase in new items being donated by local businesses, churches and individuals also attracts new shoppers. New clients especially male clients have increased. Free clothing e.g. Hats, gloves, sweatshirts, sweaters are put outdoors for passersby during frigid nights. The number of clients is about 1500 for fiscal year 2024.

Francis marion university has reduced its services of free health screenings during the academic year. Conflicts with university scheduling have reduced the screenings. The annual health fair is also sponsored at felician center including services from the regional hospital, health agencies, and hope health. A $400 dental or eyecare package is available for people below poverty level that includes an interview for qualification. In addition, donations from felician center are made to local pharmacies to cover expenses for people who cannot pay. In addition, limited health items, toiletries, and over-the-counter medications are available in the clothing closet and food pantry as needed. Two semesters of nutrition programs are being offered through south carolina state university. Between 10-14 participants are attending each semester. Lessons in diet, food preparation, exercise are included. Approximately 75 people were served during the 2024 fiscal year.

The felician center sponsors learning adventures that have replaced the formal after school program since covid. The local public school has reorganized its after school program with an improved format and so more children participate in public school after school programs. Felician center numbers dropped. Felician center started offering learning adventures for children starting january 2023 once a month including summertime. These are educational themes for black history month, working with money, science, and holidays, etc. Small stipends are offered to volunteers to assist. Approximately 150 students participated. Felician center continues to respond to shifting needs in local public-school systems, arrivals of legal immigrants, and local community outreach. Monies are spent on immigrant professional teachers and their families to support basic needs. Additional monies are spent for donations to community youth group mission trips, vital aging senior citizen programs, christmas shoebox project, and residential disability toiletries.