Community Innovations outlines literacy, mentoring and youth programs; names 2025 Colleton’s Voice winner

Sheila Pierce, founder of the nonprofit Community Innovations, presented the organization’s programs at the Colleton County Council meeting on Aug. 12 and introduced the 2025 winner of Colleton’s Voice, 12-year-old Jasmine Sherrill.

Pierce said Community Innovations focuses on four pillars — help, mentoring, education and caring — and described several of the group’s programs: a parenting program that trains facilitators and teaches 40 developmental skills for children; an annual literary tea that invites Palmetto State authors and features a youth writing contest; a young-authors program that trains youth ages 10–22 to publish; a family fun zone tied to the Rice Festival; seniors outreach that provides visits and small gifts; and one-on-one and group mentoring.

Pierce told council the nonprofit has graduated about 30 parents from its initial parenting program and trained 20 facilitators. She said the young-authors initiative partners with the Colleton County School District and named Jessica Williams as a district contact who is working with the program. Pierce introduced Jasmine Sherrill, a 12-year-old Coll eton County Middle School student who was chosen as the 2025 Colleton’s Voice winner and performed during the presentation.

Pierce also announced the CI Citizenship Awards (CI NewsShip Awards) that will honor community members; she named Lauren Clark and Serena Nimager as two of the honorees and said awards will be presented on Nov. 1. She encouraged the public to spread the word about CI events and programs.

Ending: The council received the presentation and members and audience applauded the organization’s local youth and literacy efforts. Staff and council did not take any formal action; interested residents were invited to follow up with CI for volunteer and participation opportunities.