Dr. Cindye Richburg-Cotton and the Lakeview-Brookland Empowerment Center

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

March is Social Work Month, when we celebrate the contributions of dedicated social work professionals – An Editorial by Brenda Armstrong Clark

Social Work Is a ProfessionAn Editorial by Brenda Armstrong Clark, LMSW March is Social Work Month — a time to celebrate the heart, strength, and dedication behind the profession. We are proud to be social workers. We are proud of the difference we make, the resilience we witness, and the compassion we bring into every […]

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center Awarded African American Museums Grant to Document Lakeview School Oral Testimonies

The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (former site of Lakeview School) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a grant award from the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) through the AAAM x AACRN Grant Program. The $25,000 grant, made possible through a cooperative agreement between the Association of African American […]

Community Health Workers work to reduce Health Disparities – Editorial by Dr. Jacqueline Betancourt, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center

The Role of Community Health Workers in Reducing Health Disparities – An Editorial by Dr. Jacqueline Betancourt, Senior Community Health Worker, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in reducing health disparities and advancing health equity in underserved communities. As trusted members of the neighborhoods they serve, CHWs bridge the gap […]

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center Receives Workforce Development Grant from United Way and Women in Philanthropy

United Way of the Midlands is pleased to announce a 2025–2026 Impact Grant award of $31,745 to Brookland Center for Community Economic Change, doing business as Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC). This investment was made through United Way of the Midlands in partnership with the Women in Philanthropy (WIP) organization, whose purpose is to award grants […]