The Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. (LOR) began with the Founder, Lynn Young, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem, speaking in the court system for the rights of children who were taken from their homes. An idea took shape in 2002 when she saw the tremendous needs of the abused, neglected and abandoned children in the greater metropolitan area of Charleston to receive the clothing and the basic necessities for day-to day living. The government system took weeks to process the child and during that time they had to do with whatever they had very little when they left their homes.
The initial start-up funds for the non-profit were made by a grant from the Foster and Lynn Friess Foundation in 2003. A request was made to the Charleston Leadership Foundation (CLF) for their support and they agreed that the newly named Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Inc. could be under the guidance of their Board of Directors.
The organization grew from there – our milestones include:
- In 2006 LOR provided essentials for over 532 abused children in the Charleston area.
- Designated a stand-alone 501-(c) (3) on November 6, 2007. They are supported by many local churches, companies, service groups, and by a large volunteer force.
- The purchase of storage space, the Valerie Vincent Children’s Closet, adding two paid staff members
- Built libraries at emergency shelters in the tri-county area and
- Began to conduct two events per year so that the children can leave the shelters and foster homes and enjoy new surroundings and experiences.
- By 2008, LOR is serving the Department of Social Services, all emergency shelters, Eagle Harbor, Windwood Farms, the Disabilities Board of Charleston, Callen-Lacey Home for Children and many other children in need.
- Land donated in 2008 with plans to build a girl’s home “River Oaks” one day on James Island.
- In 2010, they embarked on a venture with the Charleston County School System. Just-In-Case (JIC) Student Outfitters is an emergency clothing closet i.e. school uniforms created to alleviate the financial burden of parents/guardians and the inequality of youth in the schools. .
- In 2010, LOR served 68 different schools and agencies in the tri-county area and 90% of all expenses went to provide for the children’s closet.
- Expanded in 2011 to some Berkeley and Dorchester county schools. and have clothed over 10,000 children in need since 2008
- In 2011 plans are underway to build a 4,000 SF distribution center with a central distribution warehouse and several satellite offices throughout the Lowcountry.
When the children they serve now go to school, no one can tell by the way they dress what their background circumstance. We believe that all children deserve to be nurtured, loved and protected.