History
A Pillar of Support
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach has been an anchor in the Sea Island community since 1989 and in the Eastside community of Charleston at the Neighborhood House for over 100 years.
The History of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
The Neighborhood House
The Neighborhood House, originally an outreach of St. Francis Xavier Hospital, opens its doors at 90 ½ Columbus St.
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services (OLMCOS), established by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, opens only two weeks before Hurricane Hugo devastates the Charleston area.
N.A.I.L.S. Program
The N.A.I.L.S. Program (Neighborly Assistance in Living Safely) becomes a service offering after Hurricane Hugo to assist with home rebuilds on the island.
New Johns Island Location
Groundbreaking ceremonies commence for the new location on Brownswood Rd in Johns Island.
Expanded Educational Services
Educational services experience a significant expansion and have since grown to include parenting programs, after-school tutoring, summer camp, cooking/nutrition classes, budgeting classes, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, and a variety of other enrichment programs.
Duke Foundation Grant
A partnership between Bon Secours St. Francis and the Outreach secures a grant from the Duke Foundation for an Outreach Nurse Educator.
Bon Secours Partnership
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach partners with Bon Secours St. Francis to prioritize wellness as a primary community need.
Dental Program Launch
The dental program launches to serve the uninsured population.
Free Dental Program
The first free dental program for uninsured residents is initiated.
The Bon Secours-St. Francis Wellness Center Opens
The Bon Secours-St. Francis Wellness Center (a 1,500-square-foot trailer) opens its doors at the Outreach location in Johns Island, focusing on community health needs.
MUSC, DHEC of Charleston, and CareAlliance Health Systems Partnerships
Partnerships are established with MUSC, DHEC of Charleston County, and CareAlliance Health Systems for various services.
New Education Building
The new Education Building opens.
The Neighborhood House Joins OLMCOS
The Neighborhood House is incorporated into the mission of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach.
New Wellness Center Opens
Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the new Wellness Center at Brownswood Rd.
Wellness Center Update
The new Wellness Center is dedicated.
20th Anniversary
OLMCOS celebrates its 20th Anniversary.
New Logo and Tagline
A new logo and tagline "Sharing Blessings – Changing Lives…" are created. Sister Mary Joseph steps down as executive director, and the first layperson to assume the role.
New Strategy and Planning
A yearlong strategic planning process leads to the first full strategic plan since 2008 and an updated mission and values statement.
25th Anniversary
The 25th Anniversary is celebrated.
Neighborhood House - 100th Anniversary
Neighborhood House marks its 100th Anniversary, and the Workforce Development Program is launched.
Our Services Expanded
Services are expanded to 11 zip codes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Home repairs are added in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, and the Neighborhood House dental clinic opens.
New Core Service
Career Services, previously called workforce development, is added as a core pillar of the mission, and a new mission is created: To build equitable communities and empower individuals to reach their full potential by providing basic and emergency needs, education, employment, and health services.