Community Service Network Provides True Community Partnership
Topic: Community Service Network
Those involved in opening Middle Tyger Community Center (MTCC) in August 1998 probably never envisioned the impact this center would have on some many in Lyman, SC, and the Spartanburg 5 school district family. Twenty-five years later, it continues to operate in excellence to ensure all the children and families have the tools and resources to thrive.
What is the Middle Tyger Community Center?
Middle Tyger Community Center is a 501© 3 resource center focused on providing programs and services to promote overall family wellness. A more expansive community network, MTCC’s services include:
- Counseling (mental health services for children, individuals, and families)
- Childcare (high-quality care & early education for children 6 weeks – 4K)
- Adult education (GED, adult literacy, WIN/WorkKeys classes, and testing)
- Senior center (Activities and learning opportunities for seniors 50+)
- Kinship care (Support services for those caring for children through kinship care)
- Children and family services (Support services for families in crisis and those needing help meeting their basic needs)
Sustained Engagement
How have they maintained their presence and impact so long? Organizational sustainability of Middle Tyger Community Center is tied to three main components:
1. Maintained buy- in from the local school district. From the Spartanburg 5 superintendent that helped create MTCC 25 years ago to its current superintendent, Dr. Randall Gary, district leadership has been committed to the success of the Center. The school district offered an older elementary school property rent free and pays the utility expenses, which allows MTCC to use raised funds to support their ongoing programs and services. D5 also allows MTCC program access to all its students, families, and staff, which has helped the district meet its needs in a comprehensive and convenient way.
2. Proven results – Trackable outcomes show local business owners and community stakeholders the return on investment (worth and value) and significant impact of its presence and support for the community.
3. Access and involvement – MTCC uses creative ways for stakeholders – businesses, faith organizations, and individuals to be involved. Connect people to the work and function of the Center. Set up tours, invite volunteers to pack and/or hand out bags during a food drive, donate items for a particular event. People need to see the need to share the mission.
Lessons Learned and Minefields to Avoid:
1. Listen to community stakeholders and people in need. Do not invest time and energy in a program that your community does not need, even if the funding is there.
2. Collaborate with those making the efforts work well – with high quality and results.
3. Make sure you put forth a service culture. Do not exploit clients by putting their poverty or need on display. Treat clients with dignity and respect. Make sure to be transparent with donors and honest with community stakeholders.
The “Secret Sauce”
1. Make the work visible. Anyone stepping inside the MTCC will immediately see donations at work.
2. Be accountable and connected to the community. Utilize every communication and social media platform to tell the story and share outcomes, challenges, needs – and results.
3. Keep our word. Do not over promise and under deliver.
More Resources
Learn more about Middle Tyger Community Center | Family Services in Upstate SC
Going Deeper
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Toolkit
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