Spring is around the corner! MARCH signifies that we are well into tax season. If you have not filed yet, have no worries. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE tax preparation to individuals and families with incomes under $57k, non-English speaking taxpayers, individuals with disabilities, and persons 60 years old or older. Click the link to see participating locations in Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper counties. For residents in Hampton County, Southeastern Housing and Community Development will prepare your taxes for FREE. Contact Kelsey Cheek at 803-259-4600 to make an appointment.

In this lucky edition of the Lowcountry COG newsletter, we will highlight a generous award from the Port Royal Sound Foundation and what's coming soon in Workforce Business Services. If you keep reading, you can find out how become a Volunteer LTC Ombudsman and what local surveys that need your participation.

Happy Reading!
$9K Awarded to Lowcountry COG from the Port Royal Sound Foundation
Pictured Above: Sabrena Graham, Dean Moss, and Stephanie Rossi
Lowcountry COG, partnered with Keil Schmid of Geoscience, were awarded a grant for $9,000 from the Port Royal Sound Foundation to conduct a research project. The project will help to fill knowledge gaps for the Port Royal Sound area by defining a method to categorize different marsh typologies and their level of accretion, elevation, and health for use in restoration techniques. The research supports the PRSF's mission to preserve the Port Royal Sound for the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of our area. The overall focus of the study is research into the conservation of marshland health.

Kudos to Geoscience and The LCOG Planning Department!
Read All About It: Workforce Weekly!
The LCOG Business Services Team is diligently working to bring crafty solutions to employers in the region! The team recently participated in Community Benefit Day at the Hampton County Recreation Center in Varnville. Sponsored by Southeast Housing and Community Development, the event offered an opportunity to promote our services to the Hampton County community and recruit WIOA participants at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Ten service-oriented groups attended which helps local citizens access the various resources available in the Lowcountry.
 
Business services will soon be releasing the first episode of Workforce Weekly. That’s right, you’ve heard it here first! The Business Services Team will film the first episode next week. Workforce Weekly will highlight assorted workforce services and hiring events and provide tips for creating a resume and delivering a dynamic interview.  â€śWe want to take it directly to the people in our area,” said Tony Pollen, Business Services Manager.  â€śTo change lives, we need to meet them where they are,” he added.  The goal is to produce the first "test" episode and then "go live" with a weekly taping. During the live event, we will offer participants an avenue to communicate with the team to share their thoughts and needs. Business Services is on the move, so stand by for more!
Become A Volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsman Today!
In South Carolina, over 60% of residents in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities have no family or friends to spend time with them. The lack of social contact and support system often results in depression and decline in life expectancy for those residents. This void presents an opportunity for our community to aid our friends and neighbors in LTC facilities. Anyone interested can become a Volunteer LTC Ombudsman with the South Carolina Volunteer Ombudsman Program sponsored by the South Carolina Department on Aging, Office of the State LTC Ombudsman. Volunteer LTC Ombudsman advocate for the rights of residents, diminish the sense of isolation that residents may experience, and foster a sense of self-determination in residents.

With the completion of a short training certification, a commitment of one year, and only four hours of your time per month, you can make a difference. Help us celebrate and acknowledge the rights of LTC residents by participating in the Lowcountry LTC Ombudsman Volunteer program! For more information or to report the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident at a facility in this region, contact Zoe Perpall at 843-473-3980.
South Carolina Association of Area Agencies on Aging Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete a Senior Community Needs Assessment survey. The assessment is conducted state-wide by the regional Area Agencies on Aging to determine the needs of seniors throughout South Carolina. The purpose of this survey is to plan for future services for our senior population. Enhance the quality of life for seniors in the Palmetto State by clicking the link or scanning the QR Code on the flyer to participate in the study.
Town of Edisto Comprehensive Plan Survey
Calling all residents of Edisto Beach!

The town is updating their Comprehensive Plan, a blueprint for the Town’s future vision for the next 10 years. Please take 5 minutes to complete the community survey. The survey is open until March 15, 2022.
If you have questions concerning any of the information contained in the newsletter, please feel free to contact Kira Fuller at 843.473.3956 or by email at rfuller@lowcountrycog.org.