New Vision CDC receives grant

Administrators at New Vision Community Development Corporation, a center run by New Hopewell Baptist Church,  will be making much-needed improvements to the center thanks to two grants from the State of South Carolina.

State Sen. Gerald Malloy spoke to members of the church and employees of the center on Tuesday, Oct. 7. “This grant is to help the center develop the type of programs they want to support and expand,“ Malloy told those in attendance. “I hope God continues to bless you so you can bless others.“

The grant came from the state-funded Competitive Grant Committee.

Malloy said the church’s pastor, Calvin Daniels, is in constant communication with him in attempts to fund some of the church’s many programs. “These funds will be used to expand our ministries and programs (at the outreach center),“ Daniels told the audience. “ We do want to thank our Senator Malloy for his effort.“ Daniels also thanked State Rep. Denny Neilson, who was unable to attend because of business at the capital.

Daniels said the center has two programs the money will specifically help, an aquatic farm for raising tilapia fish and organic garden, which is a pilot program. The money, Daniels said, will allow the center to hire some of the area’s youth to work for both projects. This will allow the center to contribute to the community, as well as help the youth in the area foster their entrepreneurial spirit, said the pastor.

Daniels said the grant comes as a result of working with elected officials in the area and other organizations in the county. He also encouraged residents to call on elected officials as well.

The grant will also help the center renovate its kitchen area and continue to fund its Kid’s Cafe.

“Basically,“ Daniels said, “(the grant) is designed to enhance programs in the rural area of the county where kids who may not have access to some of the programs can have access.“