EDGEFIELD – Essie Nicholson believes in the power of prayer.

Time and again over the last eight years spent leading her nonprofit organization, Women In Unity, she says God has intervened when no one else could.

There were times when she wanted to step away, but she has stayed the course.

Scores of area young people are the better for it. The organization offers a free afternoon after school program where students work on school work and improving computer skills. They are fed a snack and mentored by former teachers and others in the community.

Started in 2002 after Nicholson says she received a word from God directing her to start the organization.

“He even gave me the name,” she said of that memorable Sunday. “It was at New Bethel FBH Church and it was like it was just the two of us (she and God) there, so yes, I was in church when the Lord gave it to me. Sometimes I’ve wondered (about the future) and several times I’ve said it’s just not me and tried to give to someone else. But every time I try to give it to someone and I got discouraged God sent me an encouragement. He’s led me this far and I know that he’s not going to close it down now.”

After receiving her calling, Nicholson set about speaking with close friends she trusted.

“When I started making some plans the Lord gave me the names of who to call like Pastor Patricia Stokes from Johnston, Dorothy Smith and Daphne Cooks and Linda Turner,” she said. “I called them and talked with them about what the Lord had laid on my heart to do and asked them if they would do different things. They all agreed and said they would do what they could to help. We started having meetings from there and having activities and telling people what we were trying to do out in the community.”
 
Such concerns are legitimate when running such a robust local nonprofit on no grant money and just the donations that come in from a small, but loyal core of supporters and volunteers.

“We started in my house with three kids,” she said of the early days. “And now we have 26 in the summer program and around 22 in the after school program.”

Women In Unity is a 501c3 charity that is eligible to receive tax deductable donations, and the organization is in need of additional support as it looks toward a larger facility that is located closer to town. The current location is as cozy as can be expected, but with so many youngsters and volunteers the building’s single bathroom could use some help.

Nicholson said they have had to turn away around 20 children simply due to a lack of additional space.

“Oh Lord, yes, we’d love to have some more space and we’d love to have another bathroom,” Nicholson said. “We’ve done real well with what we’ve had but we’re ready (for another building). I’ve always been very open with people as far as looking at the books and all that. When you’re trying to help people in the community you can’t go around working behind closed doors. We don’t work like that here. You have to be ready to show anyone anything at anytime.

“The need out there is great. Last year we turned away about 20 people. The parents see a difference in the kids that are here. Some of them that weren’t on A or B honor roll are now on the A or B honor roll. And when they get ready to get out (of school for the summer) some of them had picked up and gotten better. The goal is to have everyone on A and B honor roll.”

And it’s real work that takes place on Glover Street.

“They have to know that we’re not here to play with them,” she added. “It’s like an old-school after school program because they know we love them and we’re trying to do it for their benefit.”

The organization is also involved in other area works such as a food bank, work with senior citizens and hosting Department of Social Services workers as interns.

But right now the focus in on a new home.

“The goal now is a new building,” she confirmed. “A new facility is where we’re going next. I’ve been out looking, but nothing has come through for us yet. Maybe someone will donate us a building that we can use, who knows how God will work. We’d love to have three to four classrooms with an eating area and some office space. And please, two bathrooms, in something a little closer to town so it’s convenient for dropping the children off.”

The after school program is open Monday through Thursday from 2:45 p.m.- 5:45 p.m. or 6 p.m. In the summer the program runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The organization will host its annual banquet fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. at Bettis Academy. Tickets are $15.

“People need to come out and see what’s going on and see what we’re doing,” Nicholson said. “We have women and men who are trying to make a difference in the lives of these children because we don’t want to see them fall through the cracks.”

For additional information on Women In Unity, contact the organization by phone at 803-637-2010 and by e-mail at (womeninunity1@bellsouth.net).