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Our History
The Living Hope Foundation began as an idea and vision of Rev. Claude H. Tolbert in the early2000s. His vision was to expand community outreach through New Enoree Baptist Church andaddress the needs of individuals and families throughout Newberry County and the surrounding communities.
The inspiration for this vision came from Project Turnaround, now known as The Turnaround Agenda, a community-impact initiative started by Dr. Tony Evans.After approximately a year of brainstorming, planning, and gathering ideas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established. In April 2003, the Living Hope Foundation was officially created. Recognizing that hunger was a significant need in the community, Living Hope established the Daily Bread Food Pantry in 2006. The food pantry has grown to become the Foundations most popular and successful program.
Over the years, the pantry has operated from several locations. In October 2021, Living Hope Foundation purchased the property at 1830 Nance Street, Newberry, South Carolina, which is now the permanent home of the food pantry. Through partnerships with organizations such as Harvest Hope and other community partners, Living Hope Foundation has provided food assistance to thousands of individuals and families throughout the community. The Foundations drive-through food distribution model allows it to efficiently serve individuals while providing a welcoming and dignified experience.
In 2012, Living Hope Foundation acquired the Oakland Community Center, located at 980First Street in Newberry. The building originally served as the union hall for the Oakland Millbeginning in 1959. Today, the Oakland Community Center serves as the headquarters of Living Hope Foundation. The facility is available for small gatherings and community events, with rental income helping to support the Foundations programs and services.Throughout the years, the Oakland Community Center has also served as a gathering place for the community, hosting community meetings, after-school programs, summer camps, mobile food pantry distributions, and numerous other activities and events.
For more than 20 years, Living Hope Foundation has remained committed to serving the people of Newberry County and surrounding communities. What began as a vision for expanded community outreach has grown into an organization dedicated to addressing hunger, strengthening families, supporting community needs, and providing hope and assistance to those in need.