CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER OPENS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 IN ORANGEBURG, S.C.

The center, fourth in South Carolina, is a partnership between HOPE worldwide SC, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, South Carolina Department of Commerce and Freddie Mac

Orangeburg, SC – U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC) joined community partners including HOPE worldwide South Carolina, Freddie Mac, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 and the South Carolina Department of Commerce to formally open the James E. Clyburn Community Empowerment Center in Orangeburg, on Friday, September 21, 2007.

Freddie Mac's EVP of Community Relations Ralph F.
Boyd (left) joins Congressman James E. Clyburn
(center) and Orangeburg Consolidated School
District 5 Superintendent Melvin Smoak (right) in the
inauguration of the James E. Clyburn Community
Empowerment Center.

The James E. Clyburn Community Empowerment Center will serve as a comprehensive one-stop facility providing area youth and adults access to technology and educational resources, improving their academic performance and preparing them for transitioning into the job market.

"I am honored to have my name associated with this facility dedicated to empowering young people," Congressman James Clyburn said. "From my first career as a high school teacher to my current position in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have always dedicated myself to providing youth the best opportunities to succeed in life. I know this center will be an important tool in helping achieve that mission."

"A skilled workforce is one of the most important factors companies consider when making new investment decisions. This facility will further the state’s economic development initiatives by giving adults and young people the training necessary for new employment. Commerce is pleased to have worked in partnership with the local community, HOPE worldwide SC, and Freddie Mac. We look forward to the future growth of this facility and the opportunities it will bring its citizens in the years to come," said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.

"The South Carolina Community Empowerment Center program is the perfect vehicle to build the core job and life skills that our citizens need so that our state can compete in the 21st Century. This is an idea whose time has come! I am proud to have worked with the Department of Commerce, companies like Freddie Mac and community leaders from across the state to make this program a reality," said Antonio B. Boyd, Vice President of US Programs, HOPE worldwide Ltd.

"Freddie Mac works to make home possible for more families. We recognize that there are many steps on the path to homeownership. That’s why we are proud to work with the State of South Carolina and HOPE worldwide to ensure that more young people are prepared for the journey," said Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., Executive Vice President of Community Relations, Freddie Mac. "By investing in youth early, we are empowering them to realize their dreams."

"I welcome the opening of the James E. Clyburn Community Empowerment Center in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five. It will expand opportunities for our students as well as our community and prepare them for success in the workforce of tomorrow. With the opening of the center, it certainly enables us to go beyond the regular scope of a school day and extend learning opportunities not only for our students, but the community as well," said Melvin Smoak, Superintendent of Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5.

The James E. Clyburn Community Empowerment Center, aimed at advancing rural communities, will offer a wide variety of opportunities and services including: adult education, basic skills training, English as a second language education, entrepreneurial programs, literacy training, web-based interactive learning and leadership development. In addition, the center will strongly focus on helping citizens prepare for future employment opportunities through resume preparation, technology training, internships, job-shadowing and career counseling. It will be the fourth of its kind in South Carolina.

The Center is being funded by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the state’s lead agency for the growth and development of business and industry, along with a $600,000 investment from Freddie Mac. HOPE worldwide SC, a non-profit whose vision is to bring hope and change lives through its programs in education, healthcare, senior care and community development, is the lead organizer for all the state’s empowerment centers. Day-to-day operations of the Orangeburg location will be handled in partnership with the Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5.

###