Wateree Community Actions, Inc. - Richland County Community Service Center (C.R. Neal Dream Center)

Wateree Community Actions, Inc. was officially formed in July 1970 when the community actions agencies of Sumter County and Kershaw County merged. Subsequently the newly formed agency grew with the merging of three other existing community actions agencies: Lee County (Williamsburg-Lee), Clarendon County (Clarendon County Commission) and Richland County (Midlands Human Resource Commission). The merging process spanned from July 1970 until April 1988. The largest of five, Sumter County Economic Opportunity Corporation which was formed in 1967 was the lead corporation. Upon establishment the corporation was chartered by the State non-profit with an eleemosynary status and its board structure was formed in accordance with guidelines and directives stipulated in the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended. “Maximum feasible participation of the poor” or their representatives whom they elected was a fundamental requirement of the corporation throughout its organizational structure. Wateree Community Actions, Inc. continues to adhere to the objectives of the Community Action's focus, helping poor and disadvantaged people to achieve self-sufficiency and providing them with the tools and resources necessary to achieve that goal.

General Emergency Assistance Program (GEAP); Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)