Your Gift. Their Future. Our Midlands.

BLEC Needs Our Help:

While the BLEC is blessed to receive grants from various private and government sources, these grants often do not cover the organization’s general operating expenses, which include property and liability insurance, electricity, gas, water, and sewer services, security alarm services, and financial and auditing services. The BLEC pays $225,161 in general operating expenses annually, and the nonprofit relies heavily on donations from individuals and businesses to raise these necessary funds. 

The BLEC's goal is to raise $30,000 during Midlands Gives 2026. 

Our donation can help the BLEC continue to bring light to every community across Richland and Lexington Counties:

- Over 325 youth participating in afterschool, summer camp and tutoring services per year.

-Over 300 individuals completed the Diabetes Intervention Program.

-Over 1,500 individuals completed Mental Health First Aid Training.

-Over 150 families receive case management services.

- 1,800 senior supplemental food boxes distributed to senior citizens.

- $24,000 in farmers' market vouchers distributed to seniors per year.

The BLEC is making a huge impact through its signature programs: 

- Siemer Institute: Two-Generation Approach for Families Facing Homelessness

- Workforce Development Training for Certified Nursing Assistants 

- The SHIELD Program (a diabetes prevention and management program)

- Diabetic Food Pantry

- Mental Health First Aid Training to Teens and Adults

- Personal Responsibility Education Program for Youth

- AARP Computer classes for Senior Citizens

- Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program

- We Care 2: Clothing and More Bank

- Diaper Dash Program

- 21st Century Afterschool and Summer Camp Programs and Summer Break Café

- Community Gardens, Roadside Produce Stands, and Farmers’ Markets