Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) has been awarded a $31,745 Resiliency Grant from United Way of the Midlands
The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) has been awarded a $ 31,745 Resiliency Grant from United Way of the Midlands, supported by Women in Philanthropy, to launch its new pilot program, Economic Empowerment through Healthcare Training (EETH). This innovative initiative is designed to provide meaningful career pathways in healthcare for community members seeking financial stability and longterm growth.
Through EETH, participants will receive support to become Certified Nursing Assistants ( \mathrm { C N A s } ) – \mathbf { a } critical first step toward building careers in the healthcare industry. BLEC will leverage its strong community partnerships with Level Up Healthcare Academy LLC, First Community Bank, and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
(SCDEW) to deliver comprehensive training, financial literacy education, and job readiness services.
This investment will empower individuals with the tools and opportunities to:
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Launch or advance a career in healthcare
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Increase their earning potential
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Provide better support for their families
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Achieve sustainable, longterm economic goals
As part of the fall 2025 launch, BLEC has awarded scholarships to three students at Level Up Healthcare Academy, LLC:
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Jaylea Bolton – $1,700
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Aislynn Talbert – $1,200
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Tameka Weston – $1,500
In addition to tuition assistance, BLEC will provide transportation and childcare support to help ensure students can successfully complete their training without unnecessary barriers.
Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, Executive Director of BLEC, emphasized the longterm impact of this investment:
“This grant allows us to do more than provide training—it allows us to open doors to sustainable careers in healthcare. By addressing financial, educational, and family support needs, we are equipping individuals not just to succeed in a job, but to thrive in a career that uplifts their families and strengthens our community. We are grateful to United Way of the Midlands and Women in Philanthropy for investing in the future of the people we serve.”
The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center remains committed to driving community transformation by investing in people, building skills, and creating opportunities that last.
