Brookland – Lakeview Empowerment Center

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center distributing food boxes to senior citizens, healthy boxes to families in need on Friday, July 10

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – BLEC is distributing food boxes to senior citizens & healthy boxes to families in need. Eligible Lexington County residents aged 60 or older can receive a 25 lb. box of nonperishable food items. To learn more, call (803) 744-7943 or visit the distribution each month from 9 AM to 12 PM […]

Men’s Mental Health Matters – An Editorial by Mr. Mark Sellers, Mental Health First Aid Trainer, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center 

Men’s Mental Health Matters – An Editorial by Mr. Mark Sellers, MSW, Mental Health First Aid Trainer  – Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – June 2026 June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital time dedicated to reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and highlighting the unique mental health challenges that men often face. Bringing awareness […]

$50 vouchers for the SC Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program at Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – BLEC

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – BLEC is offering $50 vouchers for the South Carolina Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Vouchers will be given out to Richland County Citizens aged 60 and older who meet income guidelines. Dates below June 3,4,5, 2026 9 AM – 2 PM For more information, please contact Rev. Mardell Whyte or Ms. […]

In Observance of Mental Health Month: Prioritizing Our Well-Being, Why Mental Health Matters

An Editorial by Joan McFadden-Harris, Project Coordinator of the Mental Health Awareness Training Initiative (MHFA) Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center Every May, Mental Health Month serves as a powerful reminder that caring for our mental well-being is just as important as caring for our physical health. Yet for far too many individuals and families in our communities, […]

Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, of Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, West Columbia is 2026 SC Women in Business Award Winner

West Columbia’s own Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton has been recognized as one of the distinguished honorees of the 2026 SC Women in Business Awards, a prestigious statewide celebration recognizing exceptional women leaders who are making a lasting impact across South Carolina. Hosted by Integrated Media Publishing, the annual awards luncheon will take place on Wednesday, […]

New pedestrian crosswalk installed at N. 12th St. and Monticello St. in West Columbia

A crosswalk and RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) signal has been installed at the intersection of N. 12th St. and Monticello St. The 21st Century Afterschool Program at the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – BLEC, with support from the South Carolina Department of Public Health, created an educational video so that everyone (drivers and pedestrians) can […]

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – distributing food boxes to eligible Lexington County senior citizens and healthy boxes to families in need -Next Distribution is May 8

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center – BLEC is distributing food boxes to senior citizens and healthy boxes to families in need. Eligible Lexington County residents aged 60 or older can receive a 25 lb. box of nonperishable food items. Next Distribution Date | May 8, 2026 Location | 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia, SC 9 AM – […]

In Observance of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week – An Editorial by Tori Seymour, Project Director, 21st Century Program, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026) is a time to recognize those of us who extend learning beyond the classroom. I am proud to be part of this important work. As an educator, program director, and leader, my work does not end when the school bell rings. Through my leadership with the 21st Century […]