Our blog will share stories and updates about relationships fostered as we build trust, understanding and positive change across our state. We believe that when police and communities work together, we can collectively create a new pathway for a better tomorrow. We hope you will stay connected and follow along.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of State Farm® in 2022, State Farm Neighborhood Assist® is awarding more grant dollars than ever before. Serve & Connect is in the running for $25,000! Help us by voting today! You get 10 votes per day. Voting ends May 6, 2022.
Read MoreOfficer Drew Barr with the Cayce Police Department was a true hero. We are heartbroken to share that on Sunday, April 24, 2022, Officer Barr gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance. We join alongside those who mourn this tragic loss, and uplift his legacy and life of service to others.
Read MoreThanks to the voices of North Columbian citizens, this year’s North Columbia Empowerment for Peace Walk: Restore the Village event was an undeniable success, moving us one step closer to a safer, more cooperative community for all.
Read MoreOn March 10, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation CEO Lou Kennedy and Serve & Connect CEO and founder Kassy Alia Ray, and law enforcement partners from around the region, including City of Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook, made a major announcement about the launch of a web portal and app to support community policing.
Read MoreServe & Connect will host its annual fundraiser, the Illuminight Gala, on March 18 at 800 Junction in downtown Columbia. The nonprofit’s signature fundraising event celebrates the organization's mission, including the presentation of the Greg Alia Award and the Changemaker Award. This year’s event is presented by The City of Forest Acres.
Read MoreThe North Columbia Youth Empowerment Initiative (NCYEI) is partnering with the City of Columbia, Columbia Police Department, Richland County and Richland County Sheriff’s Department to host the upcoming 2022 Empowerment for Peace Walk. The walk has a theme centered around “Restore the Village.” The multi-community awareness event will highlight local youth leadership and encourage community support in promoting peace over violence.
Read MoreOver the holidays, Claressa, a member of our team, was able to assist six families in Columbia through the Community Closet. Read more about this experience in her letter to Greg Alia below.
Read MoreOn November 30, over 30 Lexington-based organizations, including law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare and mental health service providers came together to launch a new initiative, UPLIFT Lexington County-Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit. This movement is focused on diverting people away from reliance on emergency services and the criminal justice system and into resources that promote healing and healthy outcomes.
Read MoreOn September 30th, law enforcement from more than three dozen agencies across South Carolina gathered at our annual Greg’s Groceries Statewide Annual Event to pack more than 1,600 food boxes for their communities. During the event, AT&T and FirstNet presented the Serve & Connect with a $125,000 contribution to further expand the reach and impact of Greg’s Groceries.
Read More“How meaningful it is that The Duke Endowment is rallying behind this partnership to ensure that we can change lives of individuals and their families!” shared Lexington Medical Center Foundation Executive Director Amy Lanier.
Read MoreThis is an unprecedented and crucial time in our state, country and across the world. In the middle of what may seem like such division, there is opportunity; there is change happening; and there is space for collaboration and the amplification of voices and communities to be heard. In short, there is hope.
Read More“Lt. Stewart dedicated his life to service, first as a marine and then followed by two decades in law enforcement,” said Kassy Alia Ray, CEO of Serve & Connect. “We are honored to do what we can to support his family following this terrible loss of a great man.”
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