Lily Pad #35: March 2025

Lancaster County DSS

Lancaster County, SC

• Lancaster County is in the Midlands Region of South Carolina. It is bordered by North Carolina to the north and Chester, Kershaw and Chesterfield to the south. It is approximately 40 miles south of Charlotte, NC.

• During our initial site visit call, the Director of Lancaster DSS shared that Covenant Baptist Church had been a local, supportive community partner in the past. As we value collaboration with local churches and organizations, Cara reached out to them—and they responded enthusiastically. A group of volunteers from the church came to help with the installation, and one member has even committed to maintaining the rooms going forward.

• That same weekend, our co-founders Ben and Jennifer Tice were able to speak in one of the church’s Sunday School classes, where they shared more about Lily Pad’s mission. The class not only received them warmly but also prayed personally over the Tices and for the ongoing work of Lily Pad—a powerful moment of encouragement and support.

• With a sectional and an extra rollaway bed there is plenty of sleep space. In addition to all of the standard Lily Pad items: books, sensory toys, weighted blankets, TVs with a Nintendo Switch and DVD player, and coloring supplies, we also refreshed a room that is used for babies and gave them an updated visitation room.

• We want to express our deep appreciation for a generous $36,000 grant from QuikTrip Corporation (QT). Because of their generosity, children experiencing foster care in Aiken and Lancaster Counties now have access to safe, comforting spaces during some of life’s hardest transitions.

• QuikTrip chose to partner with Lily Pad for these locations because of their strong connection to stores, employees in these communities and their deep commitment to the safety of children who call them home.