Join us as we explore the complex process of strategic planning for Greenville County Schools with Teri Brinkman, who is leading the effort. Teri highlights the importance of strategic planning in maintaining focus on student achievement and success. She walks us through the data collection phase, community input sessions, and the role of stakeholders in shaping the district's future. This episode is a valuable resource for parents, students, and community members interested in the future of edu...
Jun 13, 2023•16 min
Explore the world of local agriculture as we talk to Mary Hipp, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Feed & Seed, about the challenges faced by local farmers and how Feed & Seed serves as a game-changing food innovation hub. Discover the ins and outs of getting farm-fresh, local produce onto your plate, and learn about Feed & Seed's unique initiatives, from their crop box program to their community outreach efforts. If you love locally grown food, this episode will have you craving a visit to Feed & Se...
Jun 06, 2023•13 min
New parents, prepare yourself for a transformational support system! On this episode, Derek Lewis sits down with Jane Yates from the Family Connects Greenville program. Together, they share how this groundbreaking initiative is not only reshaping the newborn homecoming experience in Greenville County, but it's also linking families with a wealth of community resources. Tune in as Jane details how this program provides a visiting nurse to new parents and even extends its support to offer things l...
May 30, 2023•11 min
Meet Joe Farmer and Mayor Knox White, Republican candidates for Mayor of Greenville. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters before the Republican primary on June 13th. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Joe Farmer Website Mayor Knox White Bio _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company . Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville . Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Email u...
May 23, 2023•21 min
Step into South Carolina's alarming eviction crisis with expert Michelle Mapp, an Equal Justice Works Fellow with the ACLU of South Carolina. Explore the factors driving one of the highest eviction rates in the nation and learn about the consequences for vulnerable communities. We unpack innovative policy proposals, from eviction ceilings to the right to counsel, that could reshape the future of housing in the state. Discover how you can join the fight for housing justice and help create lasting...
May 16, 2023•24 min
Step into the vibrant world of Artisphere, Greenville's premier arts festival, presented by TD Bank, with Kerry Murphy, the festival's Executive Director. Learn about the festival's history, growth, and the dedicated year-round effort that goes into organizing this artistic celebration. Discover the importance of community support and philanthropy in sustaining this free event, and how Artisphere continues to enrich Greenville's thriving arts and culture scene. Whether you're an art aficionado o...
May 09, 2023•20 min
Dive into summer fun and the world of Greenville County Rec as we interview Ted Lambrecht, Assistant County Administrator for Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Discover the amazing facilities and programs offered throughout the county, including water parks, summer camps, and job opportunities and learn about the growing popularity of pickleball and how Greenville County Rec is adapting to meet community needs. Whether you're a parent, a sports enthusiast, or just looking to get outdoors, this epi...
May 02, 2023•14 min
Discover the major upgrade to South Carolina's emotional crisis helpline, now featuring the easy-to-remember 988 number, on this episode of the Simple Civics. We speak with Jennifer Piver, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Greenville County, about the importance of this change and the benefit for those seeking support. Jennifer describes the origins of the new number, the funding needs faced by the helpline, such as funding and local resources, and how listeners can get involved in ...
Apr 25, 2023•12 min
Today we uncover the story of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a transformative 25-mile multi-use trail in Greenville County, with special guests Frank Mansbach, Volunteer Executive Director of Bike Walk Greenville, and Ty Houck, Director of Greenways, Natural and Historic Resources for Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Discover how this cherished trail has impacted recreation, transportation, and the local economy, attracting millions of users and breathing new life into once-...
Apr 18, 2023•24 min
Committed to fostering inclusivity for people with disabilities in your organization? This episode features Kimberly Tissot of Able South Carolina, who shares essential steps for enhancing accessibility and equity in workplaces. Learn how to optimize your website for visually impaired users, include disability representation in marketing, and comply with disability rights laws. Listen now for a valuable guide to implementing inclusivity and accessibility best practices in your organization. Kimb...
Apr 11, 2023•10 min
On this episode, we are joined by Mark Fessler, Deputy Director of Litigation and Training at South Carolina Legal Services. We delve into the complex world of evictions in South Carolina, the legal process, and the challenges faced by low-income renters. Discover the crucial steps to take when facing eviction, the importance of documentation, and how to protect your rights as a tenant. Plus, learn about the resources provided by South Carolina Legal Services to empower renters in their fight fo...
Apr 04, 2023•24 min
Today we sit down with ADA expert and advocate Kimberly Tissot to explore the far-reaching implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act on our local communities and the ongoing fight for true inclusion. We discuss the role local and state governments play in ensuring accessibility and the work of Kimberly's organization, Able SC, in breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. Learn about the importance of normalizing disability, inspiring legislative victories in South Carolina, ...
Mar 28, 2023•23 min
Learn how Greenville County is preserving its natural and historical gems in today's conversation with Alex Reynolds, a board member of the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust. We dive into the trust's mission, formation, and triumphs, exploring how the trust has successfully attracted $7.20 for every county dollar invested. Discover inspiring projects like the Paris Mountain Project and the preservation of a historic YWCA building, while learning about the trust's commitment ...
Mar 21, 2023•20 min
In this episode, we sit down with Councilman Butch Kirven, the Finance Committee Chairman for Greenville County Council, to discuss the county's budget process. Learn how the budget is developed, what priorities will likely be seen in the final budget, and how residents can get involved. With a two-year budget of just under $650 million, Greenville County has a lot of moving parts. Discover how the county allocates its resources, insights on economic development strategy, and how the county is i...
Mar 14, 2023•27 min
Today we sit down with affordable housing leaders Monroe Free with Habitat for Humanity and Don Oglesby with Homes of Hope to discuss the state of affordable housing in Greenville County. From defining affordable housing to addressing rising costs and challenges in development, these leaders discuss how they are innovatively tackling the issue and providing life-changing opportunities for families to achieve affordable homeownership and economic mobility. Don't miss this conversation on the impo...
Mar 07, 2023•28 min
Are you a parent in Greenville County struggling to find quality, affordable childcare for your little ones? You're not alone. The shortage of available childcare is at an all-time high, and it's not just impacting parents but the whole community as well. In this episode, we sit down with Derek Lewis, Executive Director of Greenville First Steps, to discuss the statistics and issues behind the childcare crisis in Greenville County. With most childcare providers struggling to find staff, parents ...
Feb 28, 2023•13 min
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Urban, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Greenville County Schools. Learn about the revolutionary food service program at Greenville County Schools, serving an astonishing 85,000 meals a day to students. We explore the challenges and triumphs of implementing a healthier and more nutritious menu, breaking down the regulations and costs associated with serving students from different financial backgrounds. Joe shares how they achieved this feat, f...
Feb 21, 2023•30 min
Join Sherry Barrett, land policy director with Upstate Forever, and Shannon Lavrin, Assistant City Manager for the City of Greenville, as they delve into the new Greenville Development Code. This vital document describes how the city will develop in the coming years, affecting every resident and business owner. Find out what the code contains, why it's important, and how you can get involved. There will be open houses on February 28th and March 1, so be sure to submit your comments and questions...
Feb 14, 2023•26 min
On this episode, we sit down with Paris Hill, a single mom of two whose story demonstrates the power of government programs like Head Start in giving families a stepping stone to prosperity. Paris is a 4.0 student, a cook, an entrepreneur, and serves on the Head Start Policy Council, all thanks to her hard work and determination but also to SHARE Headstart. This federal program provides comprehensive child development services to young children and their families. Listen to Paris's remarkable jo...
Feb 07, 2023•14 min
Are you curious about the services and programs offered by the City of Greenville? Look no further than Greenville Cares, the city's one-stop customer service center. Today we sit down with Renei Suarez, customer service supervisor with the City of Greenville, to learn all about how Greenville Cares can help you report an issue, submit a service request, or get information about city programs, services, and events. From pothole repairs to business permits and more, Greenville Cares is here to he...
Jan 31, 2023•12 min
In this episode we talk to the newly elected Chairman of Greenville County Council, Dan Tripp. Dan discusses his role as Chairman, his hopes for County Council, and the Council's priorities for the coming year. He also talks about how Greenville County Council will be more accessible to constituents, making it easier for you than ever to plug into what's going on in your county government. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company . Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Goo...
Jan 24, 2023•17 min
If you’ve lived in Greenville, SC for even a short period of time, you know that it is changing. Beautiful amenities such as Unity Park and continued development of Main Street have only enhanced Greenville’s appeal to visitors and new residents who are moving into new apartments, condominiums, and single family homes within the city and throughout the county. There is one group that is leaving the city, though - Black residents. Recently released data compiled by the Shi Institute at Furman Uni...
Jan 17, 2023•31 min
As a Community Development Financial Institution, CommunityWorks is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of underserved communities in South Carolina. Through affordable housing development loans and small business lending, CommunityWorks helps create stability and wealth in these communities. Additionally, support services such as financial education help empower individuals to grow their financial acumen and achieve their goals. Whether you're a small business owner looking to expan...
Jan 10, 2023•14 min
The VITA program is here to make tax season a breeze! In this episode, we speak with Michelle Lyons, the director of financial stability at the United Way of Greenville County, to learn more about this amazing program that offers free tax preparation services to those who make under $60,000 a year. Find out how to qualify, schedule an appointment, and navigate tax season with ease. VITA is powered by United Way of Greenville County. _ Produced by The Greenville Podcast Company . Simple Civics: G...
Jan 03, 2023•11 min
Tax season is just around the corner, and you are needed to volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. This amazing program, powered by the United Way of Greenville County, provides free tax preparation services to anyone making 60,000 a year or under, and it is run by volunteers. We would love for you to be one of those. And today, you'll hear from Tiffany Bannister, Vita regional program manager. She'll talk about how you can volunteer for VITA, some of the rewards that you'll ...
Dec 20, 2022•12 min
As long as we’ve had neighborhoods, neighbors have been a help to each other. Neighbors used to watch each other’s children, keep an eye out for older adults, run errands for each other, and let each other know of programs and services that could be of help. But many of our neighborhoods - especially those like West Greenville - have changed dramatically as residents in rental homes have been displaced by development and increasing costs. The former residents may be disconnected from each other ...
Dec 13, 2022•28 min
Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greenville If you don't have a will when you die in South Carolina, "essentially you're letting the state legislature decide what happens to your property and who will administer it," says former Greenville County Probate Judge Diane Smock. She talks with Jessica Ferguson of Turner Padget about wills, estates, and advance directives. You'll learn: Why it's so important to have a will, health care power of attorney, and power of attorney - even if you don'...
Dec 06, 2022•34 min
More than 1.7 million voters across South Carolina cast ballots in the 2022 general election held just a few weeks ago at the time of this episode posting. In Greenville County, almost 180,000 people turned out to vote. Here at simple civics, we celebrate every vote and every voter who exercises their privilege to choose our leaders and have a say in what happens. These folks chose our governor, our State Superintendent of Education, our senator, and so much more. The bad news is just 52% of peo...
Nov 29, 2022•15 min
This episode is dropping on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving which begins a season of giving and serving. Today, I’ll talk with Ryan Duerk, president and CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, the largest organization in the Upstate of SC serving people experiencing homlessness. On any given night, over 600 men women and children call a Miracle Hill bed home. Ryan has great insights to share with you on how to best help your fellow community members who are hurting. He also has food for thought on the a...
Nov 22, 2022•21 min
Greenville County has a Veterans Affairs Service Officer to meet the needs of veterans in our community, and on today’s episode of Simple Civics: Greenville County, you’ll hear from him and how he is here to help you or your family members with veterans benefits. Alan Dabney, an Army Veteran, is interviewed by Charlie Hall, a retired Marine, and President of Upstate Warrior Solution. Navigating veterans can be challenging, and Alan and his team at County Square are a resource to you if you’re a ...
Nov 15, 2022•16 min
