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The
Lowcountry Food Bank and the Center
for Women were recognized recently as statewide examples of Excellence in Nonprofit Management
by the S.C. Association
of Nonprofit Organizations. The 2005 awards
program was sponsored by Michelin North America, Inc.
“These
organizations were honored because of their innovative leadership
and management of their nonprofit organization while effectively
serving their missions,” said association director Erin
Hardwick. “With the
increased public emphasis on accountability, especially at the
federal level, it is more important now than ever that we as a
sector strive for excellence in all aspects – with sound
management, strong programs, and ethical and effective governance
structures. That’s
why it is not only important to recognize excellence, but promote
it.”
Serving
as the community's primary resource organization for women since
1990, The Center for Women’s mission is to foster personal and
professional success for women in the tri-country. It has provided women with practical help through providing
counseling, peer support groups, and referrals. The center has a full-time staff of three and more than 100
volunteers providing over 1500 hours of expertise for 65 programs
and eight support groups in 2004. More than 2000 individuals received
referrals and more than 5000 women were reached through the
center's services last year.
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“The
Center for Women has been serving the community for 15 years and the
responsible stewardship of our resources is critical to our
success in delivering programs and services," said Jennet
Robinson Alterman, executive director of the center. "Our
management systems and strategic
planning process allow the organization to respond to defined
community needs in a timely and effective manner. This award
affirms our ability to continue our commitment to helping women build
successful lives.”
Founded
in 1983, the Lowcountry Food Bank is a clearinghouse for donated
food. It collects,
inspects, maintains and distributes food products from
manufacturers, food distributors, the government, supermarkets,
wholesalers, and farmers to a grassroots network of 416 agencies
that provide hunger-relief services. During the past five years, the annual distribution has
grown from less than one million pounds of food annually to ten
million pounds. During this time, the organization has remained
the second fastest growing food bank in the nation.
“This
particular award is very important to us. SCANPO represents
the very best in helping nonprofits fulfill their mission and
trying to encourage all of us be the best we can be,"
said Archie D. McRee, executive director of the Lowcountry Food
Bank. "To be recognized by SCANPO is a high honor and a
humbling experience. This award will challenge us to try to
continue to be worthy of all it implies in excellent management."
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