Today is Midlands Gives, and it could not come at a better time. On April 25th, DOGE canceled 90% of South Carolina's AmeriCorps programs, including Able South Carolinas. This resulted in over 600 members statewide losing their positions and over 5 million in funding to support service in our State. From 2022 to 2025, AmeriCorps members were at the heart of many of Able South Carolina’s most impactful programs. They delivered over 17,900 service hours, supported more than 750 individuals, and brought lived experience, leadership, and empathy to every peer connection. Our goal was not just to serve but to elevate the disability community. Too often, disabled individuals are seen only as recipients of service. Through this program, we shifted the narrative: disabled people are service leaders. This is why Able South Carolina needs support to continue our important work.

We are an organization of people with disabilities leading the charge to: Equip people with disabilities with tools to foster pride and to direct their own lives; Educate the community to challenge stereotypes and eliminate barriers; and Advocate for access, equity, and inclusion at the individual, local, state, and national level.