A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO congratulate THE WILEY KENNEDY FOUNDATION FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO DECLARE FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025, AS "WILEY KENNEDY FOUNDATION DAY" THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to acknowledge organizations that are dedicated to improving quality of life for citizens across the Palmetto State; and

 

Whereas, the Wiley Kennedy Foundation, established in 1999 and based in Columbia, has provided steadfast service to one of the most under-resourced areas in downtown Columbia, specifically the north side of the city in the 29203 zip code, and has expanded its impact across Richland County and beyond; and

 

Whereas, the foundation's mission is actively to strengthen and grow the economic and educational base of community residents in 29203, Richland County, the City of Columbia, and throughout South Carolina, focusing on economic empowerment, business development, workforce training for underserved groups, affordable housing, and lifelong learning; and

 

Whereas, the Wiley Kennedy Foundation exemplifies the spirit of "Building Capacity to Build Community," and its success is made possible through strong partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and government entities; and

 

Whereas, since its inception, the foundation has made significant contributions to economic development, education, and housing through launching transformative programs such as:

 

• HIM sessions to address men's health challenges through education and open dialogue

 

• An initiative for safer communities to combat youth violence with actionable solutions

 

• Teacher appreciation in support of more than two hundred teachers in six local schools

 

• CommUNITY festival uniting over two thousand residents in celebration and advocacy

 

• Coalition of community fellows to prepare young leaders with essential skills for future success; and

 

Whereas, the achievements of the Wiley Kennedy Foundation underscore the vital role that nonprofit organizations play in building stronger, safer, and more equitable communities, and their work inspires hope, partnership, and progress throughout South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate recognizes the invaluable impact of organizations like the Wiley Kennedy Foundation, whose dedication and innovation continue to better the lives of countless South Carolinians. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the Wiley Kennedy Foundation for its outstanding service to the citizens of Richland County and the State of South Carolina and declare Friday, June 27, 2025, as "Wiley Kennedy Foundation Day" throughout South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Wiley Kennedy Foundation.

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