Lily Pad #41: March 2025

Beaufort County DSS Office

Beaufort County, SC

• Beaufort County is located in the Lowcountry Region of South Carolina, along the Atlantic coast, between Charleston and Savannah, Georgia. It is known for its scenic coastal landscapes, historic charm and popular destinations like Hilton Head Island and Huntington State Park.

• Beaufort County is a special place for Lily Pad since Ashlyn has been attending college there, and seeing the community through her eyes has made us fall in love with the area long before this project began. She and one of her friends have been working behind the scenes to bring it all to life. This is something we’ve been looking forward to since her journey here first started.

• The Lily Pad room itself has a unique footprint with three distinct zones, including two dedicated sleep spaces requested by the office director. We installed a curtain to give privacy and divide the two sleep areas. To fit the rooms narrow dimensions, we used two sleeper sofas, added a sturdy steel table, and broke up the long wall with an arch and activity wall - always a favorite for both kids and staff! We were grateful to be able to use several items already in the room, generously left by a previous donating group - a meaningful reminder of the impact of people investing in their local offices.

• We also updated the visitation room in the office. The director requested a sleep space in that room as well, so we added a sofa bed that fits that room. We enhanced the functionality by adding a changing table and installing a mirror above the sink, helping caregivers - whether parents or family members - more easily tend to children’s needs during visits. Our heart is to create a space that families can use to connect with each other during scheduled visits. The room also has toys, books, ambient lighting and a chalkboard for kids to use while using the room.

• This Lily Pad was designed to ensure every child that enters it feels safe and supported. These rooms now house a washable rug, fold out sofa bed, and all the standard Lily Pad comforts - sensory toys, books, blankets, electronics, art supplies, and soft lighting - to create a space where children can feel loved and not further traumatized during their time in the office.

• These refreshed spaces provide dignity, comfort, and calm for children experiencing one of the most uncertain moments of their lives.