Spartanburg, SC, October 9, 2025
News Summary
LISC Upstate South Carolina plans to establish Financial Opportunity Centers in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville counties by November 2025. These centers aim to support low and moderate-income residents with essential counseling, coaching, and resources to achieve their career and financial goals. Funded by Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation and Truist Foundation, with a total of $115,000, LISC is committed to empowering the local communities through these initiatives.
Spartanburg, SC – The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Upstate South Carolina is set to launch Financial Opportunity Centers in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville counties by November 2025. These centers are designed to assist low and moderate-income residents by providing them with essential counseling, coaching, and resources to help achieve their career and financial goals.
LISC is a national community development organization that has already established Financial Opportunity Centers in over 120 communities across the United States. By bringing this initiative to Upstate South Carolina, the organization aims to foster healthy communities through economic empowerment. Michael Pugh, the CEO of LISC, highlighted the importance of these centers in equipping individuals with skills and access to critical information, which is vital for community growth.
In 2025, planning for the Financial Opportunity Centers began early in the year, indicating a commitment to launching the initiative as soon as feasible. Financial support for establishing these centers has been provided by the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation and Truist Foundation, totaling $115,000, which will be crucial in getting the centers off the ground.
To ensure effective service delivery, LISC Upstate SC has identified two nonprofit organizations in Spartanburg and Anderson counties as partners for the project. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with two other potential partners in Greenville County, showcasing an intention to collaborate with local organizations for a robust implementation.
The aim is to have the Financial Opportunity Centers operational by November 2025, contingent upon the readiness and capacity of the partner organizations involved. LISC Upstate SC is focused on providing these centers with a sturdy framework that will allow for growth and scalability of the program once established.
These centers will offer a broad range of free services tailored for the community, including career counseling, financial coaching, and education on accessing public benefits programs. Such offerings are expected to contribute significantly to workforce development in the region while also empowering individuals to make better financial decisions.
Beyond the financial services provided through the Financial Opportunity Centers, LISC Upstate SC is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving affordable housing, promoting safety and justice, and enhancing capacity-building efforts within the Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson communities. Since 2019, LISC has channeled over $765 million in grants, loans, and equity throughout South Carolina, making a substantial impact on the lives of many residents.
For more information about LISC Upstate SC and its initiatives, individuals can visit lisc.org/upstate-south-carolina.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Financial Opportunity Centers?
The Financial Opportunity Centers will provide low and moderate-income residents with counseling, coaching, and resources to help achieve their career and financial goals.
When are the Financial Opportunity Centers expected to launch?
The target launch date for the Financial Opportunity Centers is set for November 2025, dependent on the readiness of partner organizations.
How much financial support has been received for the initiative?
The establishment of the Upstate centers received financial support totaling $115,000 from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation and Truist Foundation.
What services will be offered at the Financial Opportunity Centers?
The centers will offer a range of free services, including career counseling, financial coaching, and education on public benefits programs.
What other initiatives does LISC Upstate SC engage in?
Beyond economic development, LISC Upstate SC is involved in affordable housing development, safety and justice initiatives, and capacity building in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson communities.
Key Features of Financial Opportunity Centers
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | November 2025 |
| Financial Support | $115,000 from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation and Truist Foundation |
| Locations | Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville counties |
| Services Offered | Career counseling, financial coaching, education on public benefits programs |
| Support for Low and Moderate-Income Residents | Counseling and coaching aimed at career and financial goals |
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Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: LISC Upstate SC to Launch Financial Opportunity Centers
- Wikipedia: Financial Opportunity Centers
- Greenville Business Magazine: Goodwill Welcomes Derek Stapleton as Vice President of Finance
- Google Search: Financial Opportunity Centers Greenville
- CU Insight: Family Trust Federal Credit Union Expands to Greenville
- Google Scholar: Financial Empowerment Initiatives
- Upstate Business Journal: Could Greenville Be the Next Hub for Financial Technology Innovation?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Technology
- GoUpstate: After Opportunity Hub Closure, What Shelter Options in Spartanburg?
- Google News: Homeless Shelter Options Spartanburg
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