Some of the most high profile non-profit organizations in the area are based in West Columbia. These compassion-based institutions serve children and elderly adults, and many other people in-between. 

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center offers a range of programs from after-school, recreational sports, and educational  tutoring, to senior wellness, entrepreneurial training and more. Dr. Cindye Richburg-Cotton is the Executive Director. Click here to find out more

The ATT Connected Learning Center opened at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center in June. The CLC is a space where youth, families, and seniors can access free high-speed internet, computers, and digital learning tools.

West Columbia Mayor Pro-Tem Mickey Pringle spoke at the CLC ribbon-cutting at 1218 Batchelor Street, West Columbia.

“The ATT Connected Learning Center  provides access to technology,” Pringle said. “The computer lab provides computers and high-speed internet for community use.”

He said the Connected Learning Center also provides digital literacy training for people aged 50 and older. After-school programs are also offered for students of Northside middle School and East Point Academy. 

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center serves over 15,000 individuals  a year from various backgrounds, focusing on residents of the local community, especially those who are low-to-moderate income earners. programs are designed to be accessible to everyone, addressing specific needs of both adults and youth.

Pringle said other programs at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center help feed seniors and struggling families. Other initiatives address healthcare needs and employment. If you have questions, contact the center at (803) 744-7943.

Another West Columbia nonprofit is Midlands Orphan Relief

At Midlands Orphan Relief they believe that all children have intrinsic value and deserve to be nurtured, loved, and protected. They are entitled to have caring adults who help them develop to their full potential.

Christie Young of Midlands Orphan Relief said “together we have an opportunity to contribute to our children’s future and be part of an enduring effort that promotes safety and the well-being of our children, providing them with the necessities of life and a welcoming, safe environment”

Midlands Orphan Relief is at 1332 D Avenue in West Columbia. It opened  in January of 2023. The vision of Midlands Orphan Relief holds that no child should be without the basic necessities in life, regardless of their life circumstances.

Midlands Orphan Relief works to provide support services and aid to meet the needs of South Carolina children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse, and/or neglect.
The organization’s service area is Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Fairfield Counties.

Christie also said donations are always welcome and needed. Items needed that may be new or gently used are: shirts, pants, dresses, stuffed toys, uniforms, shoes, backpacks, pajamas, coats and books. New items accepted are new underwear; socks; toothpaste, soap, other toiletries and school supplies. Donations can be dropped-off at their location Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Click here to find out more

There are many opportunities to help in West Columbia. Choose a non-profit and offer assistance if you can.

Below is a list of some other West Columbia Nonprofits:

• Thrifty Paws Boutique 1230 C Ave.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore 2814 Augusta Rd.
• 4 Paws Thrift Store 304 12th St.
• His House Thrift Store 765 Meeting St.
• Goodwill 2119 Sunset Blvd.
• Keep the Midlands Beautiful – 1305 Augusta Rd