Hope Center is a teaching/training center to serve the citizens of Graniteville and surrounding areas. Its facilities include fourteen classrooms, a library, commercial kitchen for training and a computer center. Hope Center also offers a large conference center which seats up to 300 people or serves as a banquet facility for 225 people. Please call 803-393-4575 for more information about any of Hope Center’s resources described below.
History
On January 6, 2005 a terrible train accident happened in Graniteville. Nine men lost their lives and many suffered injuries. There was a great chlorine spill that damaged the surrounding area including the large building of the Avondale Mills Office and Data Processing. Many lost their jobs as this resulted in the closing of the Graniteville Company.
The building sat empty for five years until two women of great faith saw it’s potential. After much prayer, the building was purchased by Christ Central Ministries as a center of hope and help to the community and to be a place of education and job creation. The clean-up process began and 38,000 lbs. of trash and debris were removed by volunteers. Renovations began soon after and 2000+ volunteer hours and over $750,000 were invested to rebuild walls and make rooms for teaching others. A state of the art kitchen was added. Finally in February 2014, the Hope Center had its grand opening. Governor Nikki Haley came to speak to the crowded conference center, encouraging volunteers and the community to look after and care for our neighbors.
Please view videos sharing more of Hope Center’s story:
WRDW News 12: Hope Center Report 2010
Education
Kids Klub is a ministry for at-risk children and youth ages 5-17. Our goal is to create a safe, wholesome environment for these young children. In doing this, we build relationships of love and a sense of community in the body of Christ through worship, prayer, fun and fellowship. Activities include crafts, field trips, music and lunch. Kids Klub meets every Saturday morning from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon.
The After School Mentoring Center provides one-on-one mentoring of school children in order to encourage them to stay in school and graduate. Our goal is to match one adult with one child to build a relationship of love and trust. This helps children stay in school at the appropriate grade level for their age. These ministries also strive to help each child develop fully in spirit, soul and body according to God’s plan. The After School Mentoring Program at Hope Center accommodates 5 – 12 year olds. They meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm during the school year.
Job Skills Training
The Free Fast Track GED Program provides a second chance for people who have dropped out of school to complete their high school education requirements. Our goal is to help people get better jobs, pursue higher education or meet the entrance requirements of the military. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 am – noon.
A WorkKeys Program is offered on an “as needed” basis. Please contact Linda Coffin at 803-393-4575 for more information.
ServSafe Food Manager Certification® classes are offered bimonthly as scheduled and meet on Mondays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. A fee is required.
The Hope Center School received its certification in February 2018 and offers 24-credit certificate programs in three areas of study: culinary arts (baking and pastry), culinary arts (specialty cook) and paralegal principles. These three trimester programs will prepare students for lifetime job opportunities. Plans are in the making to offer Computer Science and Pre-Engineering classes in the near future.
Visit the Hope Center School web site for more information: https://www.hopecenterschool.org/
Health
An Eye Clinic opened in 2015 and offers low cost exams and glasses to people who qualify. The Lions Club has partnered with Christ Central to help collect and count used eye glasses for Dr. Antley, an optometrist who volunteers at the clinic. Glasses not used in the clinic are sent to mission fields in other countries. The Eye Clinic operates monthly as scheduled.
Community
Hope Center’s facilities are available for meetings or special events. Church groups and local businesses have rented the facility for both one-time and ongoing events with great success.
To reserve a room for a special events, please contact Natika at 706-691-8950
Contact: For more information on any of Hope Center’s resources, please call 803-393-4575.
