Seeing Success…
March 20, 2025 | Newsletters
For Latasha Walker and her children, Tuesdays are all about two things: Fortnite and tacos. It’s a night filled with friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of cheese-one of the kids’ favorite taco toppings. But while their fun traditions have brought joy and connection this year, the Walkers have also faced a number of challenges. In…
A Moment To Celebrate!
February 27, 2025 | Awards
Our Upstate team was honored to receive the Champions for Public Education Award from the South Carolina School Boards Association during the Greenwood School District 50 School Board of Trustees meeting. This award recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have profoundly impacted their public schools. The team is grateful to be recognized for its work in…
Vision Restored…
December 17, 2024 | Story
What can seem like a simple issue, like struggling to see the smart board, could actually be a warning sign of something much more serious affecting a child’s health. Aaron sat at his desk, his eyes squinting in frustration as the smart board seemed to blur before him. The numbers and letters twisted into an…
Bridging the Gaps…
December 17, 2024 | Story
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, especially for individuals facing language barriers and lacking a local support system. After moving from Guatemala to Columbia, South Carolina, Maya was excited to settle into her new life with her young son, Juan, while preparing for the arrival of her second baby. However, navigating the healthcare…
Reclaiming Her Smile
June 21, 2024 | General News
Sharon Pridgen, a hard-working Special Education teacher and single mother of six, navigates a constant balancing act between her career and her children’s needs. Her children are deeply involved in various extracurricular activities (music, dance and educational programs) requiring her constant attention and transportation. Sharon has stress from financial strain, the logistical challenges of taking…
Healthy Learners Welcomes New Community Manager Charline Dickerson
June 11, 2024 | Press Releases
Healthy Learners is pleased to announce the appointment of Charline Dickerson as the new Community Manager for the Midlands region. Charline has a wealth of experience in social work and community engagement, making her a valuable addition to the organization. Before joining Healthy Learners, Charline served as an Early Intervention Specialist at Aiken Pediatric Therapy,…
Joining Forces to Support Healthy Learners’ Signature Fundraising Event, Nashville Songwriters in the Round
May 16, 2024 | Events
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners is proud to announce and recognize the newest members of its 2024 Nashville Songwriters in the Round Promotions Committee. This talented group of community advocates have joined forces across industries to support Healthy Learners’ mission by promoting their signature fundraising event, Nashville Songwriters in the Round. This event will take place on Friday, September 20th in downtown Columbia at Central…
Healthy Learners Annual Report 2023
February 21, 2024 | General News
When I became the Executive Director of Healthy Learners in 2019, I envisioned a canvas filled with vibrant possibilities. My aspirations were not merely administrative goals but strokes of color, blending to create a masterpiece that would touch the lives of countless children in South Carolina. In my dreams, I saw each county and community…
Healthy Learners | Winter Newsletter 2023
December 12, 2023 | Newsletters
In a world where determination meets support, Zack’s dream of aiding homeless veterans, Sara’s curiosity sparked through a simple eye doctor visit, and Amy’s passion to empower every child’s future take center stage. These stories highlight the incredible impact of community support, mentorship, and access to resources on shaping young dreams. From Zack’s unwavering dedication…
How to talk to children about war and conflict
October 30, 2023 | Newsletters
Having heart-to-heart discussions with our children about the complexities of war and conflict can be challenging, but it’s crucial in our ever-changing world. As parents, let’s not shy away from these tough conversations. Instead, let’s cultivate empathy, peace, and a deeper understanding of the global landscape within our kids’ hearts and minds. It’s an opportunity…
Healthy Learners Fall Newsletter 2023
October 17, 2023 | Newsletters
Check out our latest newsletter to discover the heart of our mission, a student’s origin story to become a superhero, and more heartwarming stories. Link: Healthy Learners Fall Newsletter
Strengthening Youth Mental Health
August 29, 2023 | General News
As we keep discussing the teen mental health crisis, it’s important to both look at contributing factors and provide concrete steps we can take to help our young people. In May of this year, the Surgeon General issued an advisory. Read the full article here…Strengthening Youth Mental Health by Aixa Rodriguez-Mariani, MD Links…
Healthy Learners provided dental & vision screenings in Florence
July 7, 2023 | General News
Yesterday, Healthy Learners conducted dental and vision screenings at the Boys & Girls Club in Florence to identify any potential oral and visual health issues that may be barriers to children’s learning. Read More Article & Photo Credit – Christian Smith, Morning News
Quarterly Newsletter: Summer 2023
June 29, 2023 | General News
School is out for summer! Check out this newsletter to learn how Healthy Learners is inspiring hope in order to transform futures, how the staff are busy throughout the school break engaging our communities and so much more. Click to read the full newsletter below:
Five Reasons to Sponsor Nashville Songwriters in the Round
June 9, 2023 | General News
Does your business value improving the health and well-being of children in need in your Community? If that is a yes, I will give you five reasons why you should Sponsor Healthy Learners’ Nashville Songwriters in the Round Fundraiser. 1. We’re a great cause: Healthy Learners is dedicated to providing access to healthcare services for…
Healthy Learners leads SC’s first Youth Mental Health First Aid Course for Spanish-speaking Communities
May 27, 2023 | Press Releases
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners, a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating health barriers to learning for striving students, achieved a significant milestone by delivering South Carolina’s inaugural Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for Spanish speaking communities. This groundbreaking evidence-based program equips participants with the necessary skills to identify signs and symptoms…
Talking to Children After a School Shooting
March 30, 2023 | General News
As the news of yet another school shooting fills the media cycle, we can’t say “the unthinkable” happened because it’s happening often enough for us not to be surprised anymore. As different narratives develop around the “why,” the “how,” and what actions need to be taken to prevent such events, it’s important to also keep…
Quarterly Newsletter: Spring 2023
March 20, 2023 | Newsletters
It’s spring and we’re growing! Check out this newsletter to learn how we are going further for children. You’ll get the chance to meet Melody, a very special healthy learner, remember Al Pollard, and explore of our spring events. Click to read the full newsletter below:
Ja’Shawn’s Story
March 16, 2023 | Newsletters
Meet Ja’Shawn! He is a nine-year old boy who loves playing football, wrestling with his two older brothers, and going fishing with his dad. He loves special evenings going to KFC to get a Macaroni bowl after his mom finishes her shift of work there. Ja’Shawn lives with his father, two brothers, aunt and grandmother…
Going Further for Melody
March 16, 2023 | Newsletters
“I’m feeling sad, lonely, and scared” Melody confided to her teacher, Ms. Smith. “I’ve felt this way since elementary school.” Melody is a shy, observant, and straight A sixth grader at Rosemary Middle School in Georgetown County. While very smart and talented, under the surface, she was suffering. She struggled with confidence, making friends,…
Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age
February 2, 2023 | Newsletters
Our community partner and provider, Riverside Behavior and Learning Collaborative (RBLC), is hosting a FREE virtual movie screening on February 9 at 6:30 p.m. The movie is titled: Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age, by filmmaker Delaney Ruston. Delaney Ruston saw the amount of time her children spent on screens, and wondered about the…
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr’s Legacy: How We Honor His Dream
January 13, 2023 | General News
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said this to his audience in Montgomery, Alabama in 1957. Like many of his most memorable quotes, King’s words are just as significant today as they were 60 years ago. His words not only opened the nation’s…
Happy Holidays: Merry & Bright Future
December 20, 2022 | Newsletters
Happy Holidays! We love sharing all of the great things that happen at Healthy Learners. So, take a moment and flip through our Holiday newsletter to learn more about our year! You’ll get the chance to meet Ja’Shawn, a very special healthy learner, learn about the THRIVE Network, and explore some of our 2022 events.…
Healthy Learners Welcomes Christian Markle as New Director of Development
July 25, 2022 | Press Releases
Healthy Learners is excited to announce the appointment of Christian Markle as their new Director of Development. Christian is a native of South Carolina and has been a champion of fundraising for human services in the midlands since 2016. He most recently served as Director of Development for Oliver Gospel Mission. “Christian has had an…
2021 Annual Report Released
February 9, 2022 | General News
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We are hiring! Bilingual Student Services Coordinator
January 18, 2022 | General News
This Student Services Coordinator position will be exclusively focused to serve the students in Lexington School District Two, where 78% of students Healthy Learners service are Hispanic. The Student Services Coordinator will assist the Midlands Community Manager with programmatic and administrative responsibilities and serve as a link between the student client, health care providers, parents, school…
Hampton County Partners with Healthy Learners
November 24, 2021 | Press Releases
Hampton County School District November 17, 2021 Ronald Wilcox, Superintendent FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hampton County School District is excited to partner with Healthy Learners, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System. Healthy Learners is devoted to removing children’s health barriers to learning with love and compassion. In order for our communities to thrive,…
Kimberly Isaac-House Joins Healthy Learners Midlands as Community Manager
August 27, 2021 | Press Releases
Kimberly Isaac-House has joined Healthy Learners Midlands as the community manager, where she provides oversight and management of the Healthy Learners program in the Midlands region. Healthy Learners is a faith-based non-profit that works collaboratively with communities, schools, healthcare providers and families to remove health barriers to learning through screening, referral and access to medical…
Healthy Learners Delivers Thousands of Summer Meals
August 16, 2021 | General News
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthy Learners has been using the tagline, “Love is in our Mission.” We say this because the word “love” is quite literally written into our mission statement and because our love for children and the communities we serve is at the core of what we do. We let this principle guide…
Two New Members Join Healthy Learners Board of Trustees
August 3, 2021 | Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners announces the addition of Shenequa Coles and Shawn Suber, Ph.D., to the Healthy Learners Board of Trustees. Healthy Learners is a faith-based non-profit that works collaboratively with communities, schools, healthcare providers and families to remove health barriers to learning through screening, referral and access to medical services.…
Tennia Walker joins Healthy Learners as AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
May 28, 2021 | Press Releases
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners has named Tennia Walker as the AmeriCorps program coordinator. Healthy Learners is a faith-based non-profit that works collaboratively with communities, schools, healthcare providers and families to remove health barriers to learning through screening, referral and access to medical services. In her role as AmeriCorps program coordinator, Walker provides program…
Brad Martin Joins Healthy Learners as Director of Development and Marketing
April 12, 2021 | Press Releases
BRAD MARTIN JOINS HEALTHY LEARNERS AS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners, a faith-based non-profit that provides students with access to essential medical, dental and vision care so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, has named Brad Martin as director of development and marketing. In this…
HEALTHY LEARNERS WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
March 11, 2021 | Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners, a faith-based non-profit that connects school-aged children to health care providers to help remove barriers to school success, announces two new members to the Healthy Learners Board of Trustees. They are: Jocelyn A. Clarkson and Dillon Chewning. “As we guide Healthy Learners into the future, it is…
2020 Annual Report Released
February 12, 2021 | General News
We are happy to share with you the 2020 Healthy Learners Annual Report. As we look back on last year, it is easy to focus on all that was negative. Yet through the challenges there were definitely bright spots. For Healthy Learners these bright spots were plentiful! We saw communities coming together to care for…
Aimee Clark Joins Healthy Learners As Community Manager for Upstate Region
January 28, 2021 | Press Releases
Healthy Learners has named Aimee Clark as community manager for its Healthy Learners Upstate program, which currently covers students in Greenwood County. Healthy Learners is devoted to removing children’s Health Barriers to Learning with love and compassion. As community manager, Clark provides oversight and management of the Healthy Learners Upstate…
Staff celebrate 15 years of service
January 4, 2021 | Awards
Please join us in celebrating the following five Healthy Learners staff for reaching their 15 year milestone with our organization! Alice Balentine (Greenwood) Elaine Copeland (Greenwood) Delia Newell (Dillon) Shelley Thomas (Allendale) Gwendolyn Walker (Allendale)
Greenwood Women Care Awards $74,000 to Nonprofits
December 9, 2020 | Press Releases
Ten area nonprofits were awarded grants totaling $74,000 in late October. The grants were awarded by Greenwood Women Care (GWC), an initiative of the Greenwood County Community Foundation. This is very exciting news for an organization who has granted over $121,000 in 18 grants Greenwood County nonprofits in just two, short years. GWC Members are…
21st Annual Healthy Learners Champions for Children Golf Tournament in Memory of George Younginer Tees Off November 2
October 20, 2020 | Press Releases
21ST ANNUAL HEALTHY LEARNERS CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN GOLF TOURNAMENT IN MEMORY OF GEORGE YOUNGINER TEES OFF NOVEMBER 2 Scott and Jaimee O’Neal to receive 2020 Champions for Children Award at tournament COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Healthy Learners is holding its 21st annual Healthy Learners Champions for Children Golf Tournament in Memory of George Younginer on…
Virtual spelling bee raises funds for Healthy Learners
October 1, 2020 | Events
It didn’t take the business sense of an e-n-t-r-e-p-r-e-n-e-u-r for the staff at Healthy Learners to realize they had to reinvent their biggest fundraiser – a spelling bee. Healthy Learners is a local nonprofit dedicated to removing health barriers to learning. They work with school nurses, who identify health issues, contact with parents and connect…
Healthy Learners Launches New Website
September 1, 2020 | Press Releases
Healthy Learners launched its new website on September 1, 2020 The newly redesigned website features Healthy Learners’ new branding and tagline Love Is In Our Mission. The website can be viewed on desktop, tablets and all mobile devices at www.healthylearners.com. The new branding, tagline and website are part of the organization’s new strategic direction focusing…
Amanda Metzger Joins Healthy Learners as the New Director of Community Engagement
January 1, 2020 | General News
Healthy Learners has named Amanda Metzger as director of community engagement for the organization. In this role, Metzger is responsible for increasing community involvement of existing counties served by Healthy Learners and those targeted for program expansion, enhancing public visibility, expanding community and statewide collaborations, and cultivating relationships with current and prospective funders and contributors.…
Tom Keith Selected as the Recipient of the 2019 Healthy Learners Champion for Children Award
October 8, 2019 | Events
Healthy Learners announced Tom Keith as the recipient of the 2019 Healthy Learners Champion for Children Award. The Healthy Learners Champion for Children Award recognizes and honors an individual who has served as an advocate for children and brought attention to the needs of underserved children in the community through volunteer time, financial support and…
Healthy Learners Names New Executive Director
September 24, 2019 | Press Releases
Amy Splittgerber joins non-profit that connects children to health care The Healthy Learners Board of Trustees has selected Amy Splittgerber as the new executive director of the organization, which is a faith-based non-profit that connects school-aged children to health care providers to help remove barriers to school success. Splittgerber has more than 20 years of…
Melanie Alphin Joins Healthy Learners
August 21, 2019 | Press Releases
Just in time for back-to-school! Melanie Alphin joins Healthy Learners as the Midlands Program Manager. Healthy Learners is pleased to announce its recent hire of Melanie Alphin, who joins the Healthy Learners team as a Program Manager for Healthy Learners Midlands. Within this role, Alphin will provide oversight and management of the Healthy Learners Midlands…
Making a Difference: The Stories of Three Healthier, Happier Students and Families
May 31, 2019 | General News
Healthy Learners announces Joanne Bamberg-Jackson as new Director of Operations
April 12, 2019 | Press Releases
Healthy Learners, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, is proud to announce that Joanne Bamberg-Jackson has been named Director of Operations. In this role, Bamberg-Jackson will lead human resources for the corporate office and other offices throughout the state. She also will oversee all procurement needs and manage budgets and cost projections…