ECCO's One-Stop Shop: The Future of Community Outreach in East Cooper

In this important conversation, host Brian Cleary sits down with Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), to discuss ECCO's mission and the incredible expansion of their main facility in Mount Pleasant, SC.

ECCO is a vital human services organization serving everyone who lives or works East of the Cooper River, a mission that started 36 years ago after Hurricane Hugo. Today, they continue to help the community navigate the "storms blowing through their lives every day."

The New One-Stop Shop: Simplified Help, Maximized Dignity

Stephanie Kelley explains the vision behind the newly renovated facility on Six Mile Road. Instead of opting for a costly new building, ECCO expanded the current main facility by almost 3,000 sq ft to achieve a crucial goal: bringing all core services together in one place.

• Consolidated Services: The Clothing Closet was moved back into the main building, and the medical and dental clinics were placed on the same side with a shared reception area.

• Grace and Dignity: The renovation creates a welcoming and streamlined environment, ensuring that neighbors in need only have one entrance to navigate to access services like food, clothing, financial assistance, and the medical/dental clinic.

• Improved Efficiency: This one-stop approach has significantly improved how ECCO provides help, making it easier for clients to access everything they need in a single, focused visit.

3 Ways to Engage with East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO)

While everything ECCO provides to its neighbors is free, the cost of services is real. Stephanie shares three powerful ways individuals and local businesses can partner with ECCO to give back:

1. Volunteer: Give your time to support the clinics, clothing closet, or other services.

2. Partnerships: Local businesses can form partnerships to support ECCO's ongoing mission.

3. Giving Back: Financial contributions are essential to ensure services remain available to all in the community.

Find Help or Provide Help Today:

To find out if you qualify for assistance, or to learn more about volunteering and giving opportunities, please visit:

https://ECCOCharleston.org (Look for the "Get Help" or "Provide Help" sections on the homepage.)

Join host Brian Cleary for a crucial conversation with Meaghan Silsby, Executive Director of the Lowcountry SC American Red Cross. They dive into the profound importance of giving blood and offering a lifeline of hope to those in critical need.

Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? Donating your blood truly IS the gift of life! Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can make a tangible difference.

The Red Cross makes it fast and easy to donate! Here's what you need to know:

• Find a Location: Visit https://RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find a nearby fixed site or mobile blood drive.

• RapidPass App: Download the Red Cross RapidPass app to schedule an appointment and complete your pre-donation health history ahead of time—it speeds up your visit!

• The Visit: The entire process—from greeting to getting back on your way—takes only 30 to 45 minutes.

• Steps: You'll have a confidential health screening with a phlebotomist, be seated comfortably for the actual donation (about 10-15 minutes), and then enjoy a well-deserved snack and drink before happily leaving!

Meaghan and Brian share some eye-opening facts about the critical work the Red Cross does in the Lowcountry and beyond:

• Local Impact: Last year alone, the Mount Pleasant location (Houston Northcutt Blvd near Harris Teeter) collected over 4,000 units of blood—thank you, Mount Pleasant!

• Hospitals Served: The Red Cross supplies blood to 34 local hospitals, including providing over 50,000 units to MUSC last year.

• Lifesaving Potential: Just one pint of blood can help save up to 3 people!

• Donor Frequency: Eligible donors can give as often as every 56 days, up to six times a year.

• MYTH BUSTED: You do not need to know your blood type before donating. If you don't know, you'll find out after you donate!

• Universal Need: While Type O (the universal donor) is most needed, all blood types are valuable.

You can walk-in or pre-register at the Houston Northcutt Blvd location (near Harris Teeter) when you have 30 to 45 minutes:

• Mondays/Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Fridays/Saturdays: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Host a Blood Drive: Local businesses and organizations can volunteer to host a drive! Contact your local Red Cross representative online at https://RedCrossBlood.org.

• Volunteer: Find diverse volunteer opportunities that match your interests by visiting .

Tune in as Host Zach Giroux sits down with Mount Pleasant Town Council candidate and lifelong resident, Perry Rourk. The 2025 General Election is approaching, and your vote will shape the future of Mount Pleasant—get the facts you need to make the best decision for you and your community.

Why is Perry running? After a lifetime in Mount Pleasant, Perry felt a calling to give back, leading him to immerse himself in Town Council and committee meetings to understand how local government truly works for its citizens.

As a seasoned business operator, Perry brings a proven leadership style focused on:

• Building and managing effective teams.
• Prioritizing preparation and listening.
• Taking input from all sides of an issue before taking action.

Perry Rourk is focusing on the issues that matter most:

• Strengthening Core Services (Police, Fire, Sanitation, etc.)
• Aligning Zoning Decisions with Infrastructure to ensure livability.
• Protecting what makes Mount Pleasant special.

Hear his specific stances on critical infrastructure and traffic challenges, including:

• The Billy Swails Parkway Extension.
• Crucial intersection and traffic light enhancements.
• Revisiting contentious issues on Highway 41 with Charleston County.

Don't miss this essential conversation! Find out where Perry Rourk stands and how he plans to move Mount Pleasant forward.

Connect with Perry Rourk and learn more about his platform at: www.VotePerryRourk.com