Waccamaw Youth Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive residential services for up to 20 abused, abandoned, and grossly neglected youth, ages 10-21. It is the first and only low management group home in Horry County. The center’s only fundraiser this year is the 8th Annual Starfish Gala. The Gala is an evening of great food, music and dancing with a prize raffle and silent auction – and for added fun, a complimentary photo booth for lasting mementos! The Gala is May 1st at Pine Lakes Country Club from 7pm-11pm.
Our objective is to allow the adolescents in our care to remain in the community while receiving the long term therapeutic services they so desperately need. Our goal is to provide continuous opportunities for the development of positive self-esteem, academic/vocational abilities, and the life skills necessary to become productive, contributing members of society. In addition, we strive to help the adolescents in our care grow past their painful experiences and discover the happiness and security that can be reached through healthy, nurturing relationships.
Our success is largely measured by our residents’ ability to surround themselves with a caring network of community supporters, reinforcing that the community does not hold them responsible for their own child abuse and neglect. It is only then that they will acquire a sense of belonging and value within the community.
The Waccamaw Youth Center strives to reflect a spirit of equality and acceptance by providing quality services to children regardless of race, creed, or religion.
Since opening in February 2001, we have cared for 200+ young men and assisted in their recovery through personal, social and academic development and prepared them for reunification with families whenever possible or for transitioning successfully to independent living in the community.
We are equipped to house up to 20 boys, age 10-21. Unfortunately, the reality is our resident numbers are controlled by budget and our capacity is carefully managed based on maximum staff to resident ratios to ensure best care scenarios for our kids. We are also trying to complete a new building that will increase our dining space to better accommodate our group and visitors, allow us to initiate a culinary training program onsite and to set up four additional independent living spaces for older kids to help them work towards transitioning out.
For more information call Laura von Herrman at 843-369-0200. You may also visit http://waccamawyouthcenter.org/home10.aspx to learn more about the center.