Council proclaims Fathers and Families month; local nonprofits detail services in Hampton County

Hampton County Council issued a proclamation recognizing fathers and families during its June 8 meeting and invited several partner organizations to outline community support services.

Kareem Edwards, president of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, said the center and local partners are committed to supporting fathers and families in Hampton County and introduced representatives from partner organizations. ‘‘There’s no doubt in my mind that by issuing this proclamation, you’re just confirming that you already understand the value of fatherhood,’’ Edwards said.

SK Catalano of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina described the foundation’s grant-making and advocacy work aimed at reducing poverty and removing barriers to health care in Hampton County. Derek Cromwell, executive director of Healthy Learners, described the nonprofit’s school-based health support: he said Healthy Learners served just under 200 children in 2025 and had served about 129 children so far this year, providing transportation, case management and assistance with medical bills for underinsured families.

‘‘We currently serve Hampton County School District. In 2025, we served just short of 200 kids and we are already pushing 129 this year,’’ Cromwell said.

Curtis Hopkins (Father’s Place) said the organization recently hired a full-time staff member for Hampton County and emphasized the group’s commitment to "inspire responsible fatherhood." Several speakers noted the organizations’ local work and thanked the council for the proclamation.

Why it matters: The proclamation formalizes the county’s recognition of local programs that provide family and youth services and highlights growing partnerships between nonprofits and the school district.

What’s next: The proclamation is a symbolic recognition; organizations said they will continue program expansion and outreach in partnership with schools and local agencies.