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Each year at SC Thrive’s Annual Training, we take time to recognize the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their service to South Carolina communities. These awards are more than accolades—they’re a celebration of compassion, innovation, and the power of partnership.
From counselors who walk alongside clients through life’s toughest moments, to partner sites that deliver measurable impact, to visionary leaders who shape systems of support—this year’s award winners embody the heart of SC Thrive’s mission.
Recipient: Hugh Latimer, Foothills Community Health Care
Hugh Latimer was honored with the Heart of the Region Award for the Upstate region, recognized for his unwavering dedication to serving his community with empathy, humility, and a fierce commitment to equity.
In communities where accessing essential resources can feel overwhelming, Hugh has been a guiding light. Whether helping families secure housing, connecting individuals to healthcare, or simply offering a listening ear in times of crisis, Hugh consistently goes above and beyond.
“Hugh, your work has helped countless individuals not only survive but thrive. On behalf of SC Thrive, I am proud to present you with the Heart of the Region Award.”
His impact is a testament to the power of compassionate service, and we are proud to celebrate his contributions to the Upstate community.
Recipient: Tee Joseph, Transgender Awareness Alliance
At SC Thrive, our core values—Trusted Partner, Excellence in Service, Collaborative Communication, and Honor People—are more than words. They are lived out through the work of individuals like Tee Joseph, this year’s Heart of the Region Award recipient for the Midlands.
Tee is a remarkable individual whose benevolence, enthusiasm, and commitment shine through in everything they do. Known as a problem-solver and solutionist, Tee works tirelessly to remove barriers for clients and ensure everyone they encounter has a chance to thrive.
One powerful example of Tee’s impact is their role as a trusted assistant to a senior client whose family lives out of state. Tee has become like family to her—advocating for her access to essential South Carolina benefits so she can undergo open heart surgery, visiting her regularly, and helping her feel at home in a new state.
“Tee radiates warmth and resilience, consistently lifting others up with kindness and unwavering strength—even during challenging times.”
Tee truly is the heart of the Midlands region, and we are honored to recognize their incredible service and compassion.
Recipient: Brenda Dozier Perkins, Brown’s Ferry Community Outreach
The Heart of the Region Award honors individuals who incorporate the features of Thrive Hub into the extraordinary ways they serve their communities. This year’s Coastal Region recipient, Brenda Dozier Perkins, exemplifies care, compassion, and community through her work with Brown’s Ferry Community Outreach in Georgetown County.
Brenda serves a rural, high-need, and often overlooked community with unwavering dedication. Her passion for helping others is evident in everything she does—from assisting with benefits applications and leading senior exercise programs to organizing enrichment activities for children and implementing the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program).
“Brenda’s commitment to tracking her clients through Thrive Hub’s case management features and accepting and making referrals is remarkable,” shared SC Thrive Chief Development Officer Heather Love.
Brenda’s work promotes personal growth, inclusivity, and creative collaboration. Her ability to leverage SC Thrive’s tools to meet real needs in her community makes her a true agent of change—and a deserving recipient of the Heart of the Region Award for the Coastal Region.
Recipient: South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC)
SC Thrive is proud to recognize the South Carolina Department of Corrections as the Midlands Regional Partner of the Year for their long-standing and impactful partnership.
For over a decade, SCDC has worked alongside SC Thrive to ensure that incarcerated individuals—soon to be returning citizens—have access to the benefits and resources they need to successfully reenter their communities. With trained benefits counselors on site and the use of Thrive Hub, this partnership has created measurable change.
To date, SCDC staff have helped complete over 39,000 benefits applications, unlocking more than $67 million in resources for individuals preparing to transition back into society.
“This partnership is a model for others across the country. It shows what’s possible when a nonprofit and a state agency work together with purpose and compassion.”
We are honored to celebrate SCDC’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to empowering lives through access and opportunity.
Recipient: United Way of Horry County
SC Thrive is proud to recognize United Way of Horry County as the Coastal Regional Partner of the Year for their compassionate leadership and outstanding community impact.
This award honors more than just numbers—it celebrates the heart and dedication behind the work. United Way of Horry County’s Community Resource Coordinators are known for their tireless energy, deep empathy, and unwavering commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.
Whether supporting a neighbor in crisis or guiding someone new to available resources, their team consistently asks, “How can I help?” and “What else is available that can make a difference?” Their eagerness to learn, grow, and serve has made them a trusted resource in the region.
What truly sets them apart is their ability to meet people exactly where they are—without judgment, only understanding. Individuals leave their office not only with resources and a plan, but with a renewed sense of hope and a lifelong connection.
“If there is ever anyone in need in their region, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can refer them to United Way of Horry County, and they will be cared for with the highest level of dedication.”
We are honored to celebrate United Way of Horry County’s spirit, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of community and connection.
Recipient: Community Initiatives
SC Thrive is proud to recognize Community Initiatives as the Upstate Regional Partner of the Year for their outstanding commitment to service, innovation, and community empowerment.
This award honors the partner site in each region that has transmitted the most benefits applications—but Community Initiatives’ impact goes far beyond the numbers. Their hands-on approach, deep community roots, and unwavering compassion have made them a vital force in the Upstate.
From expanding access to essential resources to meeting individuals and families exactly where they are, Community Initiatives has consistently demonstrated excellence and empathy in every interaction. Their work uplifts communities, strengthens families, and helps South Carolinians move toward stability and opportunity.
“Community Initiatives, your impact has rippled far beyond the numbers. You’ve touched lives, strengthened families, and uplifted entire communities.”
We are honored to celebrate Community Initiatives for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to building healthier, more connected communities across South Carolina.
Recipient: Friendship Place
The New Partner of the Year Award celebrates an organization that has demonstrated SC Thrive’s core values—Trusted Partner, Excellence in Service, Collaborative Communication, and Honor People—in their first year of partnership. This year’s recipient, Friendship Place, may be new to SC Thrive, but they’ve been a cornerstone of the Georgetown community for over 25 years.
Through programs like Georgetown EATS, they’ve served hundreds of thousands of hot, restaurant-quality meals. Their Georgetown LIVES initiative connects neighbors with vital resources including housing and rental assistance, transportation support, utility aid, application help, and much more.
They’ve partnered with Freedom Readers to provide one-on-one tutoring for young readers and offer books and family meals through Georgetown LEARNS. And through Georgetown PRAYS, they’ve provided spiritual guidance and restored hope for those facing hardship.
One story that exemplifies their impact involves a neighbor whose only form of transportation—a bicycle—was stolen. By the time he left Friendship Place that day, he had a brand-new bike and a security lock, thanks to their quick action and compassion.
“This story is only one of countless examples of how this agency has become a trusted fixture and collaborative partner, and the excellence they show in serving and honoring the people of Georgetown.”
We are proud to recognize Friendship Place as SC Thrive’s 2025 New Partner of the Year.
Recipient: Tricia Richardson, Former CEO of SC Thrive
The Excellence in Service Award honors an individual who has been an agent of change through the implementation of SC Thrive services and trainings—someone whose impact reaches far beyond the organization. This year, we are proud to present the award to Tricia Richardson, SC Thrive’s former CEO, whose legacy continues to shape lives across South Carolina.
For 15 years, Tricia led SC Thrive with vision, compassion, and a relentless commitment to transformation. She didn’t just lead—she reimagined what service could look like. Her ability to connect organizations like puzzle pieces created a statewide network of support that empowered individuals and families to thrive.
When The Benefit Bank outgrew its initial scope, Tricia founded SC Thrive—a bold initiative that revolutionized how South Carolinians access healthcare, financial assistance, and other vital services. Her leadership helped return over $1 billion in resources to communities across the state, including tax refunds, SNAP, Medicaid, long-term care, housing assistance, and more.
Tricia’s excellence in service isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement—that lives on in all of us.”
Tricia’s legacy is not only defined by what she accomplished, but by how she made people feel. She led with heart, encouraged growth, and cultivated a culture where excellence was both expected and personal. Her impact continues to ripple through SC Thrive and the communities we serve.
Congratulations, Tricia—and thank you for your visionary leadership.
We are deeply grateful to each of our award winners for their dedication, leadership, and impact. Their stories inspire us to continue building a stronger, more connected South Carolina.
As we look forward to our next Annual Training, we remain committed to honoring those who make a difference and to carrying forward our mission: Leading South Carolinians to stability by providing innovative and efficient access to quality of life resources.
If you’re inspired by the work of our partners and award winners, we invite you to:
🔗 Learn More About Partnering with SC Thrive: Partners | SC Thrive: Stabilized, Healthy Communities