Richland County donors fund housing for struggling families

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Newly renovated housing for struggling families has opened in Greenwood thanks to a donation from two Richland County residents.

On Thursday, May 4, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries held the grand opening and dedication service of the newly renovated Faulkenberry Family Care Homes. The home has four apartments and will house four new families in our Family Care program. Larry and Jerry Anne Faulkenberry of Eastover funded the renovation through a significant donation, according to a news release.

The Faulkenberry Family Care Home, formally Eason Cottage, was built in 1915. It is the second oldest building on the Connie Maxwell campus.

Jesse C. Eason, also from Eastover and the first settler there, bequeathed $75,000 to Connie Maxwell orphanage in Greenwood upon his death in 1914. That would have been over $2.2 million in today’s economy. He left specific instructions to build a new cottage for orphans. In October 1915, the Eason Cottage opened and was immediately filled by children in need.  

The Family Care Ministry is a two-year program that equips single parents with the support they need to focus on resolving their crises and temporary family instability. Each family care plan is personalized to the individual and what they need to achieve independence, the release said.

“The Faulkenberry family are now leaving their mark on our ministry and helping the change the lives of children and families that will live here,” said Danny Nicholson, president of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries.

Established in 1892 as a ministry of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Connie Maxwell has locations in Greenwood, Mauldin, Florence and Chesterfield, with a future site planned in Charleston.