The Urban League of the Upstate, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing equity and creating opportunities for underserved communities in Upstate South Carolina, has received a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greenville. The funding will support the development of the McClaren Institute for Health and Quality of Life, a new wellness, education, and outreach center the Urban League is establishing in downtown Greenville.
According to Gail Wilson Awan, president and CEO of the Urban League of the Upstate, half of the grant will go directly towards the McClaren Institute project. The nonprofit is currently transforming the historic McClaren Medical Shelter into a multi-purpose facility that will address community health disparities.
The ground floor of the institute will feature a Cultural and Historical Literacy Center, showcasing the contributions of Black citizens in the Upstate to educate and inspire the local community. The second floor will offer on-site programming, including a medical simulation lab, examination room, and advocacy/meeting spaces to serve as a resource hub.
The Urban League still needs to raise an additional $1 million to reach its $3.5 million fundraising goal for the McClaren Institute renovations. The nonprofit expects the new center to open in spring 2025, providing critical services and educational opportunities to help reduce health disparities in the region.
See “Urban League receives $25K grant from The Community Foundation of Greenville” (October 19, 2024)
