Community Transformation

Equipping and connecting families with the resources they need to thrive is how we, along with our community partners, are making an impact.

One key partner in addressing the community needs is the Northside Development Group (NDG). Its values of transparency, integrity, responsiveness, equity and courage is what fuels this mighty team to guide community transformation alongside their residents. Through a new initiative called Thrive Spartanburg, NDG aims for residents to be engaged, educated, and empowered to create resident-led community transformation. The Northside Voyagers is a resident leadership team whose mission is to change the community one brick at a time, while remembering its rich and diverse history. They have created a sustainability plan that has a vision to ensure the longevity of their impactful work in transforming their community.

NDG’s success is supported by four pillars: mixed income housing, cradle-to- college education, community wellness and economic vitality. “Every step I take is driven by the vision of building stronger families and communities, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to succeed," says LeKesa Whitner, Director of Community Programs. Partnership and collaboration are key to sustaining communities. To learn more about Northside Development Group, visit Northside Development Group.

Heart Health Month

February is American Heart Month and is celebrated to raise awareness about heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure, known as the silent killer, is the leading cause of heart disease. Participation in chronic-disease management programs and scheduling preventive screenings is the best detection, prevention and management of heart disease. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Heart Resource Center provides cardiac education and community outreach year-round.  Within the past year, they have connected with over 6,000 individuals and screened almost 300 community members for cardiovascular disease.  

Dawn Maddux, Community Outreach Nurse and Patient Educator, piloted a new program, With Every Heartbeat is Life, created by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The program’s curriculum focuses on educating the community on cardiovascular disease and lifestyle changes to improve overall health. “The best parts of my job are connecting with individuals and helping to improve the quality of life for all community members," she says.  Being a resource and support for someone is very rewarding.” Dawn also co-chairs Live Healthy Spartanburg’s H.E.A.L. (Healthy Eating, Active Living) Committee, whose aim is for partners take action to promote healthy lifestyles and environments that prevent chronic health conditions in Spartanburg County. 

One way the Heart Resource Center ensures Spartanburg County residents have access to nutritious food options is through Produce Prescriptions, where close to 200 community members were referred to FoodShare Spartanburg to receive six months of FoodShare boxes free of cost to them. If you are looking for something healthy to cook and want to have fun learning, just ask Kerri Stewart, Registered Dietitian who coordinates the Cooking Up Confidence and Colorful Cooking at Home. Both programs showcase a vibrant culinary diversity, offering recipes and hands-on tutorials designed to be easily recreated at home. View our previous Colorful Cooking at Home events on YouTube here. The programs have touched all ages and backgrounds. With diet being one of the leading causes of death, we are here to support change and give our patients and community the tools they need for success. Kerri has been with SRHS for 12 years now, and her work has evolved to incorporate culinary medicine based on local need and national trends. “Culinary medicine helps patients understand how to prepare foods that directly improve their disease(s). It is rising to the forefront as an integral piece of healthcare, and we are excited to expand these offerings in the coming years.” Watching someone's eyes light up after preparing their own nourishing meal AND enjoying it is what keeps Kerri going. 

For more heart health events, support groups and programs, visit Events | Spartanburg Regional