Sharing Blessing from the Heart

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located on Johns Island. The outreach serves individuals in need who live on James, Johns and Wadmalaw Islands.

The mission of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. is to provide educational, health, housing and outreach services to people in the community, while encouraging and supporting self-esteem and self-sufficiency.

In 1989, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy committed themselves to starting a center to serve the poor in the Charleston area. The target service areas of James, Johns and Wadmalaw Islands were chosen because of the poverty, lack of educational opportunities and poor housing conditions that existed there. When the outreach opened its doors, it provided individuals with food, clothing, and financial support.

In the midst of this ministry, Sr. Mary Joseph, the Director of the Outreach, realized that what the service population needed was to be educated so they could learn to help themselves. This step into the field of education created a need for a larger facility. They bought land off of Brownswood Road in 1991, and with the help of generous donations from both individuals and grants, in addition to the main building, an education building and a wellness house were constructed.

The outreach currently provides English as a Second Language classes, GED classes, "Yes, I Can" after-school homework assistance, summer enrichment program, parenting classes, quilting classes and budgeting sessions. In addition, the outreach provides emergency help with food, clothing and utilities. The dental services, prenatal care and women's services, home visits and health and wellness education programs are all available through the Wellness House.

For more information, please contact Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. at 843.559.4109 or visit their website at www.olmoutreach.org.

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