The Greenville community continues to weather the pandemic’s storm as we head into 2021. With the economy thrown into crisis due to the novel coronavirus’s toll on companies large and small, nonprofit organizations assisted many in the Upstate to provided needed goods and services. Health experts continued to ring the alarm on ways the community could help decrease the spread of COVID-19 while mental health experts warned of the emotional toll the pandemic could have.
However, not all stories revolved around the pandemic. Deb Richardson-Moore retired from Triune Mercy Center after years of service to the Greenville community. And Pelzer got lit again after the Light People decided to put back on the light suits and bring some Christmas cheer to the Upstate.
Nonprofits have stepped up in a COVID-19 world
Nonprofit organizations across Greenville have come to the aid of many in need due to financial hardships caused by the pandemic. Organizations like Project Host, Miracle Hill, euphoria and so many more have gone the distance to provide meals and to work where the need exists in the community. Thanks to federal funding, groups organized programs quickly to meet the changing needs of Greenville. Foundations have also been instrumental in providing funding to keep these groups afloat in order to provide food, shelter and other necessities to vulnerable groups in the community.
Maintaining mental health
Mental health has become an important topic in a pandemic world where many have taken emotional and physical hits from the disease. Experts have warned that the isolation and stress from the pandemic could result in higher than normal rates of anxiety and depression in communities. Those who have experienced such distress could also have an increased likelihood of substance use disorder or relapsing if they are in recovery. The stress could also lead to more instances of domestic violence. If you are concerned about your mental health you can reach the Mental Health of America of Greenville County here: 864-271-8888.
Deb Richardson-Moore retires after 15 years leading Triune Mercy Center
After 15 years at the helm of the nondenominational mission church Triune Mercy Center, Deb Richardson-Moore stepped away from the pulpit at the end of July. The reason behind her retirement is a combination of age and wanting to start a new chapter, she said. The retirement is a major one for the Greenville community, as Richardson-Moore’s fingerprints can be found on initiatives ranging from combating human trafficking to working to set up the Greenville Homeless Alliance. Triune offers services for those experiencing homelessness and those with substance use disorders. Jennifer Fouse Sheorn stepped into the role after Richardson-Moore retired.
Turning the Holiday Light cheer back on
Those who have been in the Upstate awhile may remember going to Pelzer to see the Light People on Adger Street. For many families, the trek to see the Pelzer lights was a decades-long family tradition at Christmastime. To bring good cheer to 2020 — a very unusual year — the family behind the Light People gathered with friends to reignite the magic this holiday season. The Light People can be seen from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 18-20 and Dec. 24. at Lebby Street in Pelzer.
Medical professionals urge community to observe COVID-19 precautions
Since the pandemic began, medical experts at local health systems have continuously urged Greenville residents to observe safety measures including wearing face masks, washing hands often and keeping 6 feet apart from other people. These health care workers emphasized the importance of stopping the spread and reiterated again and again the responsibility of the Greenville community to combat the novel coronavirus. While numbers decreased over the summer, the cases of positive COVID-19 patients have increased in the past two weeks. Doctors caution families about the holiday season and the dangers of gathering in large numbers.
