Get help with SNAP, Medicaid, and healthcare access. Learn how Community Health Workers connect you to benefits, care, and local support.
By
You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone: How Community Health Workers Help Families Thrive
You get a letter in the mail and are not sure what it means.
You have been meaning to see a doctor, but do not know where to start.
You tried to apply for benefits, but the process feels overwhelming.
For many people, the hardest part isn’t finding the information. It is figuring out what to do next.
That is where a Community Health Worker can make all the difference.
What Is a Community Health Worker?
A Community Health Worker, often called a CHW, is someone who understands the community they serve and helps people connect to care, benefits, and support.
The American Public Health Association defines a CHW as a trusted community member who helps bridge the gap between people and the services they need.
In simple terms, a CHW is a guide. Someone who helps you take the next step, and the one after that.
What a CHW Can Help With
At SC Thrive, Community Health Workers help people move from confusion to clarity.
They can:
- Help you apply for benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or TANF.
- Connect you to a doctor or ongoing medical care.
- Can help you stay on track with your medications and connect you to the resources you need to get them.
- Refer you to local resources like food, housing, or transportation support.
- Explain what your benefits cover and how to use them.
- Stay with you through the process with follow-up support.
- They are not just handing you information. They are walking alongside you.
What It Is Like to Work with a CHW
Every situation is different, but working with a CHW usually looks something like this:
- You meet a CHW at a partner site or community location.
- They take time to understand your situation.
- Together, you create a plan based on your needs.
- They help with applications, referrals, or appointments.
- They follow up and support you along the way.
This kind of one-on-one support can make complex systems feel manageable.
Get to Know Our Community Health Workers
At the heart of this work are people who care deeply about the communities they serve. Our Community Health Workers are more than resource connectors. They are trusted guides, advocates, and problem-solvers who meet people where they are and help them move forward.
Each CHW brings their own experiences, strengths, and passion to the work, but they all share one goal: helping individuals and families feel supported, informed, and empowered.
Jasmine Perry, Community Health Worker
Jasmine Perry is a bilingual Community Health Worker driven by a strong belief in the power of compassion, connection, and community. With more than 10 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services, she has spent her career helping people through critical moments with care, strength, and understanding.
Today, Jasmine works with FoodShare South Carolina to help address food insecurity while also connecting individuals to additional resources that support long-term health and stability. She works alongside individuals and families as they navigate challenges, access support, and take meaningful steps toward healthier lives.
My goal is to inspire hope, promote wellness, and celebrate the resilience that helps communities grow and thrive. Beyond my work, I am always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive difference wherever I can.”
Carol Ann Stephens, Community Health Worker
For Carol Ann Stephens, being a Community Health Worker is deeply personal. With a background in healthcare and hands-on experience assisting individuals with Medicaid and other benefit applications, she is committed to helping people access the support they need.
She focuses on building meaningful connections, listening closely to each person’s story, and providing guidance that is both compassionate and practical. Her approach is rooted in understanding and trust, helping people feel supported every step of the way.
For me, being a Community Health Worker is more than just a role. It is an opportunity to meet people where they are and serve my community in ways that truly make a difference. Whether it is being a listening ear during a difficult time or helping someone connect to the resources they need, this work holds value because I have been on the other side of needing help. I am excited to use my knowledge and personal experience to help people build more stable, healthy lives.”
Evelyn Santana, Community Health Worker
In Spartanburg County, Evelyn Santana works to make systems feel more accessible, especially for individuals and families who may face language barriers or unfamiliar processes. As a bilingual Community Health Worker, she is passionate about ensuring people feel understood, respected, and supported when seeking help.
Through community outreach and one-on-one support, Evelyn helps individuals connect to healthcare, benefits, and local resources while building trust and confidence along the way.
Sometimes the most important thing we can offer is guidance, compassion, and the reminder that people do not have to navigate challenges alone.”
Real Impact, Real Change
The work of Community Health Workers leads to meaningful, real-life changes.
People are able to:
- Get connected to a primary care doctor.
- Access benefits that help with food and healthcare.
- Feel more confident navigating services.
- Follow through on appointments and medications.
- These are not small changes. They are the building blocks of health and stability.
Across South Carolina, SC Thrive has helped hundreds of thousands of residents access benefits and resources that support their health and wellbeing. But behind those numbers, there are real people whose lives feel less stressful because they had someone they could trust to help.
What Our Partners See
Community Health Workers are often based at partner sites like clinics, community organizations, and resource centers. This means support is available in places people already know and trust, making it easier to take that first step toward getting help.
At FoodShare South Carolina, that connection is already making a difference. By combining access to food with on-site support, individuals are not only receiving meals but also getting connected to benefits and other essential resources in one place.
Here’s what one of our partners shared about the impact of the CHW program:
Jasmine has been an incredibly valuable addition to our team since joining us two months ago. Integrating a Community Health Worker into our work has been a smart and impactful approach. Not only are we helping individuals access food, but we are also using those interactions as an opportunity to connect participants with additional support and services all in one place.
Jasmine has already helped many participants apply for SNAP and other assistance programs. She approaches every interaction with attentiveness, compassion, and genuine care for our FoodShare participants, which is essential to the work we do and the mission we strive to uphold every day.”
– Omme-Salma Rahemtullah, Executive Director, FoodShare South Carolina
Why This Work Matters
When people have someone to guide them, they are more likely to get the care they need, access the benefits they qualify for, and feel confident navigating systems that once felt overwhelming.
That is the impact of Community Health Workers.
Support is available If you or someone you know needs help with benefits, healthcare access, or finding local resources, SC Thrive is here to help.
📞 Call our Contact Center: 800-726-8774
🌐 Visit our website: www.scthrive.org