Building a Legacy of Community Impact: The Power of Collaboration and Resilience in Rural South Carolina

Despite my adversity as a child growing up in rural South Carolina, I did not let my environment limit me. Instead, I welcomed it as an integral part of my journey.

Looking back, I realize the adversities I faced were not mere obstacles, but sculptors of my experiences, shaping opportunities for myself and the community I now serve. 

Public education was my lifeline. Learning the art of advocating for resources inside the system was vital. Though my parents had only an elementary education, they instilled in me the profound value of prioritizing education, often encouraging me with phrases like, “Ponte las pilas,” a common Spanish expression that literally translates to “Put on the batteries!” This idiom was used to motivate me to get energized, focused, and take action. Ultimately, my parents’ seemingly simple saying became the power source of my journey and determination. As a former multi-language learner student, I developed resilience and grit. My love of learning was sparked by passionate, loving, and resilient public educators, to whom I am forever grateful. 

Empowerment Through Family and Community-Centered Engagement

Having witnessed firsthand the struggles families face in accessing quality education and resources, the mission of the Carolina Family Engagement Center (CFEC) resonated deeply with my own experiences. Though each family’s journey is unique, when families actively participate in their children’s education, they lay the groundwork for future success. According to the CFEC, over 40 years of research show that increased family engagement correlates with significant improvements in student achievement, behavior, attendance, and graduation rates.

Consequently, partnerships between families, schools, and communities are essential for fostering our future workforce.

An example of a successful bilingual partnership with a community-centered approach was driven by the city of Walhalla’s Depot and Cultural Center which partnered with bilingual community leaders and local civic leaders, Dr. Swanson from the CFEC, and the Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) executive leadership team. This community-led partnership focused on real and everyday needs. The team designed and created outreach activities and educational events that resonated deeply with the community, ensuring that the college was not only accessible but also reflective of the people it serves. This straightforward, hands-on collaboration led to a historic and substantial increase in Hispanic/Latino student enrollment, with a 40% rise from the summer of 2021 to the summer of 2022, and continued growth into 2023.

Becoming a Community Scientist and Strategic Planning for Rural Advancement

As a science major, I once aimed for a career in the medical field. Instead, my experiences redirected my path to become a catalyst for community change, mirroring how scientists use catalysts to drive breakthroughs. In 2023, I founded the Community Impact Advocacy Network, assembling a multidisciplinary team with diverse socioeconomic and educational backgrounds to launch an effective community impact strategy. 

The formation of the Community Impact Advocacy Network sparked the exchange of thought-provoking ideas among expert community members. We secured a time and location for monthly “lab” meetings, where we became increasingly aware of the challenges our rural community faces. Listening directly to medical experts, small business owners, public educators, faith-based organizations, family engagement leaders, and social workers highlighted the need to invest in creative and innovative workforce development partnerships within rural infrastructure. By aligning efforts with key stakeholders, we are developing targeted, actionable strategies that address critical gaps in rural workforce development, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized for maximum impact.

The solution lies in investing and fostering economic and community advancement in the bilingual community health worker pipeline. 

Strategic and comprehensive planning is critical, and in some cases, mandated by law. Investing in rural communities to bridge the gap in resources where needs continue to grow is crucial. Current actions and decisions shape future generations’ health and educational landscape. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential public health professionals recognized by the US Department of Labor. A significant part of building this infrastructure involves raising awareness, tackling issues with innovative and creative ideas, and understanding that there is a return on investment (ROI) for the business community, which results in a social return on investment (SROI) for all.

Building Bridges, Shaping Futures: Act Now for Rural Health and Education

To support rural families and improve early childhood education, we must prioritize infrastructure investment now. The growing need to connect resources in rural communities demands sustainable financial support that balances healthcare with broader community development. By integrating Bilingual Community Health Workers into our systems, we can effectively address critical gaps in healthcare and education, ensuring families receive culturally sensitive and comprehensive care. Despite their pivotal role, BCHWs remain underrecognized; investing in their work is essential for promoting health and education equity, enhancing workforce capacity, and strengthening our communities. 

We need education advocates and community leaders to lend their voices through letters of support and financial contributions to bridge the gap and create a lasting impact. To learn more about how you can partner with us in these efforts, please contact me at: Sarai@communitycatalystshub.com, Sarai@thenolanetwork.org, or via phone at (864) 482-1980.