Edisto Council

Edisto Council Campaign Film
In Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, volunteers of the Edisto Council certify agencies and fund programs that address the issues of those counties.  These local volunteers identify needs, determine priorities and allocate funds to programs in Orangeburg and Calhoun that meet the health and human service needs of the community.  All funds raised through workplace campaigns in these counties support that area's issues.
Click here for a list of Edisto Council Board Members.

Statistics from the Edisto counties reveal the need for strong community support for programs that address basic needs in that area.  
  • Orangeburg County ranks 38 among 46 counties in the percentage of children who live in poverty.  (S.C. Kids Count 2007)
  • In Calhoun County, 44.5 percent of students enrolled in the 8th grade are not enrolled in 12th grade four years later.  (S.C. Kids Count 2007)
  • In Orangeburg County, almost 30% of students tested below basic in math in the HSAP in 10th grade.  (S.C. Kids Count 2007)
  • Approximately 20% of adults ages 25-34 in these counties do not have a high school diploma or GED.  (S.C. Young Adults Count 2002)
  • As many as 1,500 people including adults and children are homeless in the Edisto area.  (S.C. Council on Homelessness)
  • Orangeburg has one of the highest crime rates in the state, and it exceeds the state average in domestic violence victim rate.
The 2000 U.S. Census and the 2005 American Community Survey reported this about the Edisto counties:
  • 23,023 households live on less than $10,000 a year.
  • There are 22,590 people who are below poverty level.
  • 13,790 people are 65 years old and over, and 3,951 of those live alone.
  • 15,034 people are 25 years old and over and don't have a high school diploma or a higher degree.
  • 24,961 people have one or more disabilities; 6,419 of those are 65 years old and over.
  • More than 4,824 people are unemployed.
For more information on the United Way of the Midlands Edisto Council and its programs, contact Denatra Green-Stroman, United Way's Edisto account manager, at 803-585-9164 or by email at dstroman@uway.org.