Fort Mill Nonprofit Receives Grant to Promote Social Justice
The Duke Energy Foundation announced earlier this month that they would donate money to 18 South Carolina charities. A Fort Mill nonprofit, the Historic Paradise Foundation, will receive $5,000 of $200,000 in grant money, Ryan Mosier, a representative for Duke Energy, said in a press release.
The nonprofits were selected based on their commitment to social justice and racial equity, Mosier said.
The Duke Energy Foundation utilized Advocates for African Americans, “a company employee-led resource group,” and “other diversity and inclusion councils” to chose the grant recipients.
The $200,000 in grants follows the Duke Energy Foundation’s pledge to spend $1 million overall.
The Historic Paradise Foundation was formed to answer the question “Who’s going to take on the role of helping everybody?” said Danielle Remond, the nonprofit’s president.
The organization’s goal is to provide the surrounding area with a hub of resources to be self-sufficient, Remond said.
The Historic Paradise Foundation has been involved in projects in almost every aspect of daily life. To name a few: They distribute refurbished Chromebooks to community members, provide gifts to children during Christmas, and help the people get necessary furniture and clothing.
The foundation provides meals for the community every Monday and works with local Community Cafe and Topper’s Pizza to provide meals Thursday and Friday.
Teenagers can volunteer with HPF -- receiving a meal themselves -- while delivering food to seniors. The volunteers also receive a stipend, Remond said.
The organization also is provides tutoring, electrical services, and job training for anyone who needs help.
Remond said HPF plans to use the grant money to provide training on how to use computers and apply for jobs. The funds also will go to a program with Blue Cross Blue Shield, providing virtual training, designed to help attendees “leave with skills the same day.”
Remond said the grant came at just the right time.
“So far, everything we’ve needed has been provided,” she said. “We want that to continue.”
The Historic Paradise Foundation can be contacted on Facebook, by email at historicparadisefoundation@gmail.com or by phone (803) 455-2299.
