Our Programs

Afterschool & Summer Meals Program

In Greenville County, South Carolina, approximately 15,320 children face food insecurity, representing about 25% of the county's child population.

District 25, includes the Gantt area of Greenville County, southwest of the city of Greenville, is among the most food-insecure regions in the county.

In District 25, nearly 8,200 individuals live in areas with both low income and limited access to grocery stores, qualifying as food deserts.

2020 Census data: 59% increase in Hispanic and Latino residents in Greenville County

These statistics highlight the critical need for targeted interventions to address food insecurity among children in District 25.

Filling Plates, Fueling Futures

Since 2009, Upstate Circle of Friends (UCF), funded by the USDA through the SC Department of Social Services, has been a vital resource in combating hunger for children in Greenville County. With a focus on children who are at risk of food insecurity, UCF’s Summer and After-School Feeding Program has provided tens of thousands of hot, nutritious meals to children in need.

Our mission is simple: to ensure that every child has access to healthy meals that fuel their futures—whether during the school season or summer break.

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Black Girl Art Social

Mission Statement: The Black Girls Art Social is dedicated to providing young women in middle and high school with artistic and personal development experiences. Through hands-on arts and crafts activities, diverse mentorship, and collaborative opportunities, we create a supportive and socially safe environment where these young women can explore their creativity, build lasting friendships, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in life.

Our Approach

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Circle of Success

The Leaders, Learners, and Earners program, initiated in 2021 as a summer camp for underserved and under-resourced youth, is now part of Upstate Circle of Friends' overarching Circle of Success program. This program was developed by Ms. Toya Moore of Nprogress Consulting, LLC, in response to the needs identified through collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Justice and justice-involved youth. Focused on holistic personal and professional development, the program aims to provide comprehensive support to help youth thrive in all areas of life.

Our Leaders, Learners and Earners Program incorporates several tenants into the activities, but the focus is on middle and high school grade advancement, career and college readiness and entrepreneurship.

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Senior Meal Program

At Upstate Circle of Friends, we recognize the importance of supporting seniors in maintaining their independence and overall well-being. Our Senior Meal Assistance Program provides year-round, home-delivered meals to seniors who are homebound and unable to shop, prepare meals, or attend congregate nutrition sites. By delivering nutritious meals directly to their doorsteps, we strive to help seniors live independently and thrive in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, we offer a short-term meal service (up to 12 weeks) for seniors recovering from hospitalization or rehabilitation, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for home-delivered meals.

Who Qualifies for This Service?

This service is available to seniors in the following counties: Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Union. To qualify, individuals must meet the criteria.

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Upstate Circle Career Café

The Upstate Circle Career Café empowers individuals by providing essential tools, resources, and support for career readiness and lifelong success. Through personalized guidance and innovative training, we aim to build confidence, enhance skills, and foster growth in various professional and personal development areas.

The Career Café is led by LaToya Evans, Career Readiness Manager, who brings over 10 years of workforce development experience. As a Certified Workforce Development Professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Non-Profit from the University of South Carolina Upstate, LaToya has extensive experience working with diverse populations including at-risk youth, justice-involved individuals, veterans, migrant farmworkers, and other marginalized communities.

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Urban Teaching Farm

At UCF Urban Teaching Farm we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food regardless of their socioeconomic status. Our mission is to educate, empower, engage, and enrich individuals and communities by providing resources and support through our teaching farm. By cultivating a deep connection to the earth and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to build a more equitable and resilient food system where no one goes hungry.

At UCF Urban Teaching Farm we are committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on our community through education and hands-on experiences. By teaching sustainable urban agriculture practices and fostering a deeper connection to the environment, we are inspiring a community to live healthier, more sustainable lives. Together, we are cultivating a greener, more resilient future for our community and beyond.

Our Urban Teaching Farm is more than just a place to learn about urban agriculture - it is a catalyst for empowerment and community building. By providing access to fresh, healthy food, promoting environmental sustainability, fostering community engagement, and supporting economic empowerment, we are helping individuals and families to take control of their own food production and build stronger, more resilient communities. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for our communities and the planet.

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Vet Forward

VetForward, a flagship program of Upstate Circle of Friends (UCF), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of veterans and their families. With more than a decade of experience in supporting youth and families through recreational, educational, and social initiatives, UCF is now expanding its mission to address the unique needs of veterans in the Greenville and Upstate regions. Through VetForward, we create impactful opportunities that empower veterans to thrive, fostering stronger, more resilient communities in the process.

What We Do

At VetForward, we are dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families as they face life’s changes. Our mission-driven initiatives provide comprehensive support in key areas such as Veteran benefits, housing, wellness, mental health, professional development, and financial literacy. We accomplish our goals through partnerships with the help and involvement of other veteran focused organizations.

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