Awendaw Regional Outreach Center
Left to right: Ashley Pennington, Roberta Whiteside, Patricia Clarkin, Samuel Robinson, Cathy Livingston, Mrs. Oree, Ellame Washington, Diane Pyatt, Bettye Simmons-Weeks
~Grant Award Announcement~
“In rural South Carolina, too many students struggle—not because they lack potential, but because they can’t see clearly. At AROC, we believe vision and literacy go hand in hand. That’s why our new initiative, ‘Seeing and Reading the Future,’ is providing free eye exams and faith-rooted reading support for uninsured youth in Charleston and Berkeley Counties. Over 40% of students screened needed glasses. Now, we’re restoring sight—and rewriting futures. Join us. Because every child deserves to see, read, and thrive.”
Big News! AROC’s “Seeing and Reading the Future” initiative has received a grant to provide free eye exams and faith-rooted literacy support for rural - Low- income students & the vulnerable population in Charleston and Berkeley Counties.
Over 40% of screened youth needed glasses—now we’re making sure they get them.
Because every child deserves to see clearly and read boldly.
This initiative provides:
Free eye exams for low-income, uninsured in-school youth
After School Home work help in reading, writing, mentorship
Culturally responsive reading curriculum rooted in faith and emotional wellness
Community workshops for families and educators
Legacy-building resources to empower future generations.
Free Eye Exams + Faith-Based Literacy Support for Rural Youth
📅 Schedule a Free Eye Exam
Please include your Faith-based Entity name & Pastor's name in the comment section.
Seeing and Reading The Future A Community Initiative
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and TCE stands for Tax Counseling for the Elderly, both IRS programs offering free tax help to eligible individuals.
What VITA Means
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services to people who generally have low to moderate incomes, persons with disabilities, and individuals with limited English proficiency. VITA sites are operated by IRS partner organizations and staffed by trained volunteers who help taxpayers prepare and electronically file their federal and state tax returns. Volunteers must pass IRS tax law training and follow strict privacy and quality review standards.
What TCE Means
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program focuses on taxpayers aged 60 and older, offering free assistance with federal income tax returns, particularly addressing pension and retirement-related questions. Like VITA, TCE sites are run by IRS partners and staffed by trained volunteers, often retired individuals, and may receive IRS grants to support operations.
Key Features of Both Programs
Eligibility: VITA generally serves those earning below a certain income threshold (e.g., $64,000–$73,000), persons with disabilities, and limited English speakers; TCE serves seniors 60+ regardless of income.
Free Services: Both programs provide free tax preparation and electronic filing.
Volunteer-Based: IRS-certified volunteers prepare returns and ensure accuracy through quality reviews.
Community Access: Sites are located in convenient community locations, including libraries, community centers, and senior centers.
Support and Grants: Organizations operating VITA/TCE sites may receive IRS grants to cover volunteer training, administrative costs, and operational expenses.
Schedule Your Appointment Below Today.