Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center Awards $10,000 Grant in Support of Christ City of Refuge
HARTSVILLE, SC – Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) has awarded a $10,000 grant to Christ City of Refuge through ScionHealth Gives, an initiative of CPRMC’s parent company, ScionHealth. The grant supports a local organization helping individuals overcome homelessness, addiction and the challenges of reentering the community after incarceration.
Christ City of Refuge offers more than a safe place to stay. Its Life Transformation Residential Program provides rent-free, structured housing while helping residents find employment and address barriers such as transportation, budgeting, identification and driver’s licenses. Residents are expected to work, save a portion of their earnings each week and develop the skills and responsibility needed to live independently. Their savings are returned to them when they leave the program.
The organization also provides crisis transportation to detox and rehabilitation facilities and other safe shelters. For someone completing treatment, the opportunity to move directly into Christ City of Refuge’s residential program can provide continued structure and support during a critical transition.
“When someone is ready to rebuild their life, the practical barriers can be overwhelming,” said Dr. Brian Sponseller, CEO of CPRMC. “Jimmy and his team meet people at those moments with compassion and a clear path forward. Their work speaks to the connection between health, stability and opportunity, and we’re grateful to support it.”
CPRMC’s relationship with Christ City of Refuge began before the grant. Founder Jimmy Johnson and his team have shared their work with hospital staff through Lunch & Learn sessions, and CPRMC employees have held an internal drives to help with transportation expenses. Members of the hospital’s leadership team have also toured the organization’s campus, which includes seven residential cottages and shared spaces where residents can build community while working toward their goals.
“Our goal is to help people build a foundation they can carry with them when they leave,” said Johnson. “That takes a safe place to live, but it also takes work, accountability, support and people who believe a different future is possible. We’re thankful Carolina Pines has taken the time to learn about the program and stand alongside this work.”
Christ City of Refuge is among nonprofit organizations across the country receiving support through ScionHealth Gives. The initiative invests in grassroots organizations addressing needs such as healthcare disparities, gaps in education and access to essential social services in communities where ScionHealth team members live and work. Employees across ScionHealth’s hospital network are encouraged to nominate organizations making a meaningful difference in underserved communities.
To learn more about Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, visit www.cprmc.com. More information about the ScionHealth Gives Foundation is available at www.scionhealthgives.com.