Events Calendar

The Greenville Chamber’s Leadership Greenville Class 48 started its “Be Hope for a Hero” project at the end of 2021. This project involved partnering with Homes of Hope and Upstate Warrior Solution, two local non-profits, to identify a deserving veteran and provide them with a safe, affordable home. In order to complete a full renovation, the group originally planned to raise $65,000 but surpassed that goal, raising $85,000. The renovation included gutting the home, updating it, and putting on an addition to accommodate a larger family.

Because of the funds raised, Homes of Hope will be able to offer a custom and very affordable rental rate, based on the veteran’s income. Once the veteran and family are selected for this home through Upstate Warrior Solution, Homes of Hope will work individually with the family to provide financial wellness training and mentorship that helps them craft their own personal map to success and achieve greater economic mobility. This home won’t just benefit one family – multiple families will rent this home for many years to come.

ABOUT LEADERSHIP GREENVILLE
The Chamber’s flagship leadership program is a ten-month intensive experience where
participants work in teams on a volunteer project designed to make them more informed,
committed and equipped to be a leader for Greenville County. By taking an intensive look
into the issues affecting Greenville County, Leadership Greenville chooses projects that
prepare and motivate participants to provide quality, dynamic leadership within the area.

ABOUT HOMES OF HOPE
Founded in 1998, Homes of Hope opens doors for economic mobility through housing,
economic and workforce development. The organization’s affordable housing program
extends beyond developing affordable rental options for low-to-moderate income individuals
by connecting housing clients to economic mobility opportunities with a focus on budgeting,
banking and building assets. Its Men’s Workforce Development Program is a voluntary, one
year residential program where men overcoming addictions can pursue revolutionary change
through biblical-based discipleship, life skills and construction-related job training. Since it
began, Homes of Hope has developed over 670 homes, graduated more than 320 men and
invested over $85 million in community and economic development. For more information,
visit www.homesofhope.org

ABOUT UPSTATE WARRIOR SOLUTION
Upstate Warrior Solution is a community-based, nonprofit organization serving
warriors and their families in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their mission is to
connect warriors and their family members to resources and opportunities, lead them
through the process of self-empowerment, and inspire the community to embrace
local warriors and their family members as valued neighbors and friends. Since their
inception in 2013, Upstate Warrior Solution has helped over 8,800 unique warriors
and their families, working with them and community partners to assist with housing,
employment, healthcare, education, and family support services. Although they have
already made an impact on thousands of warriors, they hope to connect with each
one of the 100,000 veterans living in the Upstate. To learn more about Upstate
Warrior’s mission click here to view their website.

Since 1972, each U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations has encouraged a Navy-wide birthday celebration to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.

The Upper South Carolina Council of the Navy League is honored to co-host the celebration of the Navy’s 247th birthday, along with the Palmetto Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Greenville Navy Reserve Center, on October 14, 2022, at the Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington Street, Greenville, SC.

You do not have to be a member to attend, and the event is open to the public. Please plan to come and enjoy Navy tradition, fabulous Poinsett Club dining, music, dancing, and reconnect with friends and shipmates at this patriotic celebration of our country’s Navy and Naval heritage!

For details and reservation information, click on https://bit.ly/NavyBirthdayBall101422, or email us at [email protected]. Admission for active duty and active reserve members of the uniformed services is at a reduced cost.

Stop by Saturday, October 22nd to meet Author, TEDx speaker & captain, US Coast Guard (ret) Martha LaGuardia-Kotite. She’s bringing her three of her five award winning books: Changing the Rules of Engagement, So Others May Live, and My Name is Old Glory.

Using her own “sea stories” and profiles of top leaders to inspire others, Martha’s leadership and inspirational presentations and books are influenced by her 30-year career serving at sea and ashore. She believes that no matter your age or experience, you can be bold, you can achieve your daring dreams and you can enjoy the journey of life!

Come meet her, hear more about her books and life, and get a signed copy!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Captain Martha LaGuardia-Kotite’s bold leadership style empowered her to be one of the first female officers to serve aboard two Coast Guard cutters with all male crews. Patrolling the Pacific, Atlantic Oceans, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, Martha remained true to herself while changing the rules of engagement.

Martha is qualified as a USCG Master of Vessels less than 100-tons. She drives Seabourn’s Zodiac MK6’s and MK5’s in Alaska, British Columbia, Norway and soon around the globe while also sharing stories from her career and award-winning books for Seabourn cruise guests on center stage.

Martha is an experienced TEDx speaker, TEDx coach and keynote speaker, making a difference using her own “sea stories” and profiles of top leaders to inspire others, her leadership and inspirational presentations are influenced by her 30-year career serving at sea and ashore. She believes that no matter your age or experience, you can be bold, you can achieve your daring dreams and you can enjoy the journey of life!

A graduate of the Coast Guard Academy with a masters from Harvard University, Martha rose to the senior rank of captain in the US Coast Guard, earned numerous personal and team awards for her mobilizations during national disasters, missions saving lives at sea and work as a public relations spokesperson for the Service. Hand- picked to serve as the Commandant’s Press Secretary she also worked in New York City for a public relations firm as account director for IBM.

She is an award-winning author of five books including the award-winning So Others May Live – Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers Saving Lives, Defying Death which was used by Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher for their roles in the movie The Guardian.

An avid sailor, paddle boarder, mother of two sons, Martha lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with her husband.

The new Food Bank plans to open in December to provide food for the low-income community and incorporate a veteran resources kiosk to give a referral sign-up for veteran’s services. The new Vet360 portal will connect with veteran-related charities, organizations, and governmental agencies. The innovative kiosk strategy will allow the consolidation of veteran resources in one information system to join veterans and certified veterans-related organizations.

The Veteran Services Commission was founded by retired U.S. Army Major John W. Bryant, a local business owner. Spartanburg disabled veteran John Bryant knows firsthand the challenges fellow veterans face when finding needed resources and information. Bryant, a retired U.S. Army major who served from 1977 until 1995, said the difficulties could be as fundamental as knowing whom to contact to get an ID or to find resources in the community that supports veterans. “Veterans have a need that’s not being addressed at this point,” he said. “You talk to them, and they’re frustrated because they don’t know how to access their benefits from years of service and can’t find anybody to explain that to them.

The event will welcome local veterans and allow them to tell their stories about their service. The stories will be recorded and placed on the upcoming 2023 Vet360TV platform. “We must never forget the enormous sacrifice that has been made for future generations.” We welcome all veterans on Facebook to post their stories at www.facebook.com/vsccorps.

“We hope to grow this partnership with Veteran Services Commission with us and other faith-based organizations across the country.” Thomas Clark, Elder Anointed Connect Church Inc.

Anointed Connect Church Inc and Veteran Services Commission, both IRS 501 C3 organizations plan to establish a platform for faith-based organizations in local communities. VET360 Kiosk will support the new platform at their locations across the country.

VSC’s motto is “Veterans Helping Veterans.”