A History of The SC Eden Alternative Coalition

The South Carolina Eden Alternative Coalition was begun and continues due to the determination and efforts of many people. The core strength of the Coalition lies in the fact that it is well balanced in its membership and leaders. People from varying roles in long-term care, such as the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Department of Health and Human Services, and family members and facility staff from around the state make up the Coalition. Professors from Universities around the state are participating in projects to assist the Coalition with monitoring and assessment of Eden facilities and the Coalition itself. We currently have a Coalition Coordinator and Program coordinator on staff to provide support to Edenizing facilities.

The manner in which the South Carolina Coalition developed seems to some to be a matter of fate. At the time the Coalition was formed, there were two active associates in the state. While neither of them knew it one was approached by DHHS to help educate the Director and staff and the other approached the Commissioner of DHEC. Both agencies provide vital support and regulation to all long-term care facilities in the state. These two groups of influential people brought the first meeting of the Coalition together and undertook the enormous task of organizing and hosting the 1st annual Eden Alternative Conference in a matter of four months. Shortly after the conference, facilities applied for and received grants to help them on their Eden journey. The maximum grant that could be received was up to $25,000. Twenty-five facilities applied for and received various amounts of funding.

The Coalition is now a non-profit organization that meets four to five times a year, with a Board of Directors that meets monthly. The Coalition publishes a quarterly newsletter and sends out “Eden Email” to keep its members informed of ideas, events, or informational tidbits. We have hosted eight annual conferences including one international Eden Conference. We had representation from 38 States and 14 Countries at this conference. Additionally, a second round of grants were given to encourage other facilities to undertake the journey and encourage existing Eden facilities to reach for bigger and more inspiring goals.

We are proud of the people of South Carolina who have undertaken the hard work of pursuing Eden and have done well. We are proud of our Coalition and the bonds and friendships that have brought us together. We are committed to a future in which the Coalition will be reaching for bigger and better goals in an effort to continually improve the lives of Elders in South Carolina.