Thornwell
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
AS A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY, OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE SAFE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENTS WHERE WE EDUCATE, EQUIP, AND SUPPORT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO THRIVE.
- Income
- $13.8 million
- Spending
- $13.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 78%
- Reserves
- 26.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 51%
- Employees
- 198
- Volunteers
- 386
- Highest pay
- $283,344, president/ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 26.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1578% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 21 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2530 of 30 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $3.4 million spent. RESIDENTIAL:IN 2024, 49 CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 AND 18 WERE SERVED THROUGH THE ATTACHMENT-BASED RESIDENTIAL CARE (A.R.C) PROGRAM, AND 13 YOUNG ADULTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 22 WERE SERVED IN THE TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM. FOR 149 YEARS, THORNWELL HAS BEEN A SAFE AND WELCOMING PLACE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN SHATTERED. THORNWELL'S A.R.C PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR YOUTH AGES 12-18 WHO HAVE EARLY EXPERIENCES OF TRAUMA, ABUSE, NEGLECT, DISPLACEMENT, AND ABANDONMENT. SOME ARE PLACED HERE BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. OTHERS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY FAMILIES BUT HAVE STRUGGLED TO OVERCOME THEIR TRAUMA AND/OR HAVE ATTACHMENT-RELATED ISSUES IN THE HOME. THE TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOUNG ADULTS AGES 18-23 LEARN INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS NECESSARY TO BALANCE LIFE'S RESPONSIBILITIES THROUGH VOCATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, AND SUPERVISION. A TOTAL OF 8 INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS CLASSES SUPPORTED THE HEALTHY AND POSITIVE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD FOR THESE YOUNG ADULTS. THE TRANSITIONAL LIVING COORDINATOR MEETS WITH EACH RESIDENT TO CHECK IN ON THEIR EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT SUCCESSES OR NEEDS.CHILDREN LIVING ON THE THORNWELL CAMPUS ARE PROVIDED WITH LOVING CHRISTIAN HOMES, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, CLOTHING, EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT, MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE, AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. 53 A.R.C AND TRANSITIONAL LIVING PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED COUNSELING SERVICES THROUGH 827 SESSIONS AND ASSESSMENTS IN 2024 TO HELP THEM HEAL FROM THE TRAUMAS THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED. THORNWELL HAS A PARTNERSHIP WITH AN EQUINE THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM AND AN ART THERAPIST TO GIVE CHILDREN OTHER WAYS IN WHICH THEY CAN MANAGE FEELINGS AND PROCESS PAST TRAUMA. AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSESSES SENSORY NEEDS. IN ADDITION, THORNWELL USES THE EVIDENCE-BASED TRUST-BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTIONS (TBRI) MODEL TO CREATE A THERAPEUTIC MILIEU THAT CAN HELP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE HEAL ATTACHMENT WOUNDS AND DEVELOP AN ABILITY TO FORM STRONG, SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS. FOR CHILDREN THAT NEED PSYCHIATRIC CARE, THERE IS A CLINICALLY TRAINED PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT WHO SEES CHILDREN ON OUR CAMPUS TWICE A MONTH. IN 2024, HE PROVIDED 20 PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS AND 93 MEDICATION MONITORING SESSIONS. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT IS OFFERED TO THE A.R.C. RESIDENTS IN THE FORM OF A READING RECOVERY PROGRAM AND TUTORING SERVICES. IN ADDITION, CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN A WIDE VARIETY OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT SCHOOL INCLUDING SPORTS, MUSIC, AND FIELD TRIPS. ALL A.R.C. RESIDENTS ATTEND SCHOOL AT THORNWELL CHARTER SCHOOL, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS OF THORNWELL BUT OPERATES AS A SEPARATE LEGAL ENTITY.
- $2.7 million spent. COMMUNITY-BASED:BUILDING FAMILIESTHORNWELL'S COMMUNITY-BASED FAMILY INTERVENTION OPERATES PROGRAM SITES IN: - SOUTH CAROLINA O 2 FULL-TIME SUPERVISORS: - MID/LOW SC - UPSTATE SC O OPERATING SITES: - GREENVILLE (1 SITE WITH 2 STAFF AND 1 VACANT POSITION) - CLINTON (3 SITES WITH 2 STAFF AND 1 VACANT POSITION) - COLUMBIA (1 SITE WITH 1 STAFF) - MYRTLE BEACH (1 SITE WITH 1 STAFF) - CHARLESTON (VACANT) - GEORGIA AND FLORIDA O 1 FULL-TIME SUPERVISOR O OPERATING SITES: - DUNWOODY, GA (1 SITE WITH 1 STAFF) - LILBURN, GA (1 SITE WITH 1 VACANT POSITION) - TAMPA, FL (2 SITES WITH 2 STAFF)THE BUILDING FAMILIES PROGRAM PROVIDES IN-HOME COUNSELING TO CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES, WITH THE MISSION OF PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY, TRAUMA INFORMED, ATTACHMENT FOCUSED CLINICAL INTERVENTION, ALONG WITH SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELING SERVICES. BUILDING FAMILIES ALSO OFFERS PARENTING CLASSES AND GROUP WORKSHOPS (BOTH IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY) WHICH ARE OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY. DURING 2024, IN-HOME SERVICES AND VIRTUAL SERVICE OPTIONS WERE PROVIDED TO SERVE FAMILIES WHO WERE OUT OF OUR SERVICE AREA. IN 2024, OUR PROGRAM SERVED A TOTAL OF 962 CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS. THIS WAS A 22% DECREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. IN 2024, BUILDING FAMILIES SERVED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: - 161 FAMILIES IMPACTED BY PARENTING CLASSES AND/OR PARTICIPATED IN WORKSHOPS - 1,210 IN-HOME THERAPY SESSIONS - 300 VIRTUAL THERAPY SESSIONS - 97% OF FAMILIES ATTAINED STABILITY IN THEIR HOMES AT CONCLUSION OF SERVICES - 81% OF FAMILIES SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE CLINICAL PROGRAM - 81% OF CAREGIVERS REPORTED IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS - 83% OF THOSE SERVED REPORTED AN INCREASE IN SKILLS TO HANDLE FUTURE PROBLEMSTHE BUILDING FAMILIES PROGRAM IS AN INTENSIVE THERAPY PROGRAM, ASSISTING FAMILIES TO INCREASE OVERALL FUNCTIONING AND TO IMPROVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS. ADDITIONALLY, THE TREATMENT SERVICES FOCUS ON DECREASING INTERFERING BEHAVIORS, SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS, AND PROCESSING SIGNIFICANT TRANSITIONS. FAMILIES ARE SUPPORTED IN ACHIEVING THEIR PERSONALIZED GOALS CONCENTRATING ON FAMILY CONNECTEDNESS, DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS, AND REDUCING STRESS FOR CAREGIVERS. BUILDING FAMILIES STRIVES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AND HEALTHY FAMILY FUNCTIONING THROUGH THE USE OF CLINICALLY SUPPORTED PRACTICES, USING A TRAUMA-INFORMED PERSPECTIVE, BASED ON TRUST-BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTIONS (TBRI). ALL THERAPISTS ARE MASTER LEVEL EDUCATED WITH FULL OR PROVISIONAL LICENSURE IN THEIR FIELD. FOSTER CARETHORNWELL'S FOSTER CARE PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH 2016 AS A CHILD PLACING AGENCY (CPA) LICENSED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES. THORNWELL'S FOSTER CARE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO EQUIP, TRAIN, SUPPORT AND RETAIN WELL-TRAINED FOSTER PARENTS TO ENSURE STABLE FOSTER PLACEMENTS FOR CHILDREN IN SOUTH CAROLINA. PROVIDING CHILDREN IN NEED WITH SAFE HOMES TO SUPPORT TRAUMA RECOVERY AND HEALING WHILE THEIR FAMILIES COPE WITH CRISIS IS A PRIORITY FOR THE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM. THORNWELL FOSTER CARE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE UPSTATE, MIDLANDS, AND PEE DEE AREAS OF SOUTH CAROLINA. THE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM HAS 7 STAFF MEMBERS INCLUDING A FOSTER CARE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PROGRAM SUPERVISOR, PROGRAM COORDINATOR, 1 FOSTER CARE LEAD FAMILY SPECIALIST, 2 FOSTER CARE FAMILY SPECIALISTS, AND 1 FOSTER CARE LICENSING SPECIALIST.THORNWELL'S RECRUITMENT EFFORTS ARE LED BY THE PROGRAM MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST. THIS ROLE SERVES AS THE POINT OF ENTRY FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS INQUIRING ABOUT FOSTERING AND PROVIDES INFORMATION, CLARITY, AND SUPPORT UNTIL THE DECISION TO APPLY TO FOSTER IS MADE. THIS POSITION IS INTEGRAL TO TARGETED RECRUITMENT EFFORTS AND PLANS. THE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM HAS ADOPTED TRUST-BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTION (TBRI), AN EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPEUTIC APPROACH, TO TRAIN FOSTER CARE STAFF TO WORK WITH FOSTER PARENTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN FROM HARD PLACES. THORNWELL ORGANIZES A QUARTERLY FAMILY FUN DAY FOR FOSTER PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN SO FAMILIES CAN MEET AND NETWORK WITH EACH OTHER, OFFERING A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT. THORNWELL OFFERS ONLINE TRAININGS AND PARTNERS WITH THE FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION, FLOURISHING FAMILIES, AND THE HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY CONFERENCES TO DIVERSIFY THE TYPE OF TRAINING FOSTER PARENTS RECEIVE. IN 2024, WE PROVIDED SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND RESOURCES TO 44 LICENSED FAMILIES. THE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM PLACED 74 CHILDREN IN SAFE AND LOVING FOSTER HOMES IN 2024.THE FOSTER CARE VILLAGE, WHICH ARE HOUSES ON THE THORNWELL CAMPUS THAT ARE LEASED TO FOSTER FAMILIES, HAD TWO FOSTER FAMILIES OCCUPYING THESE HOMES IN 2024. THESE FAMILIES ACCOMMODATE 4-5 CHILDREN IN EACH HOME AND CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON THE THORNWELL CAMPUS SUCH AS FREE ACCESS TO GYM, POOL, AND EVENTS.STRENGTHENING FAMILIESTHORNWELL PARTNERS WITH CHILDREN'S TRUST OF SC AND GATEWAY COUNSELING CENTER (LAURENS COUNTY ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COMMISSION) TO BRING THE STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM TO LAURENS COUNTY. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES IS CONSIDERED AN EARLY INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM AND AN EVIDENCE-BASED FAMILY SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM THAT WORKS WITH PARENTS/CAREGIVERS AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR 14 WEEKS. THE PARENTS/CAREGIVERS MUST HAVE A CHILD BETWEEN THE AGES OF 6-11 TO PARTICIPATE, PER GRANT REQUIREMENTS. THE FAMILIES ARE INCENTIVIZED TO ATTEND BY THORNWELL PROVIDING A FAMILY MEAL DURING SESSIONS, GAS/GIFT CARDS TO HELP WITH TRANSPORTATION COSTS, TAKE-HOME FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND MEALS TO ENCOURAGE AND REINFORCE FAMILY BONDING AND RELATIONSHIP SKILLS, AND MILESTONE GIFTS TO FURTHER INCENTIVIZE GRADUATING FROM THE PROGRAM. GRADUATION IS A CELEBRATION OF THESE FAMILIES AND THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN COMPLETING THE PROGRAM. THIS MILESTONE INCLUDES A MEAL WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITY AND THORNWELL GUESTS, GIFT CARDS AND BASKETS, FAMILY PORTRAITS, AND FRAMED CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION FOR GRADUATES. IN 2024, THORNWELL PROVIDED 2 CYCLES OF STRENGTHENING FAMILIES, SERVING A TOTAL OF 73 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH AN 84% GRADUATION RATE FOR BOTH CYCLES. ADDITIONA
- $2.4 million spent. ACADEMIC SERVICES:THORNWELL'S ACADEMIC SERVICES INCLUDE A CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, A LEARNING CENTER, AND THE READ RIGHT PROGRAM. CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERTHORNWELL'S CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER IS LICENSED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) AND OPERATES UNDER ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS. THE CENTER PARTNERS WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA ADVOCATES FOR BETTER CARE (ABC) SOUTH CAROLINA'S QUALITY CHILDCARE RATING SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIPS' (SCACAP) EARLY HEAD START AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST STEPS 4K PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE NURTURING, RESPONSIVE, AND HIGH-QUALITY CARE AND LEARNING SERVICES TO CHILDREN, AGES 6 WEEKS THROUGH 4 YEARS OLD. THESE PARTNERSHIPS ALIGN WITH THE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES, CURRICULUM, AND ACTIVITIES GOALS OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S EARLY LEARNING STANDARDS.THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROVIDES CARE AND SERVICES TO OVER 120 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ON AVERAGE. OUR FACILITY CONSISTS OF SIX EARLY HEAD START CLASSROOMS, ONE 3K CLASSROOM, AND THREE 4K CLASSROOMS. OUR CLASSROOMS PROVIDE WARM, ENGAGING, AND SECURE SPACES THAT INSPIRE YOUNG CHILDREN TO EXPLORE AND GROW. OUR CLASSROOMS FEATURE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE FURNITURE, ENGAGING MATERIALS, A VARIETY OF TOYS, AND THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED LEARNING CENTERS. IN 2024, 191 CHILDREN AGES 6 WEEKS TO 4 YEARS OLD RECEIVED HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL CARE.OUR TEACHERS HELP TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREAS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOUNG CHILDREN BY ESTABLISHING A SENSE OF TRUST AND SAFETY, ALONG WITH AUTONOMY WITH CONNECTEDNESS, EMPOWERMENT, AND SELF-WORTH. ALL CLASSROOM TEACHERS HAVE AT MINIMUM THE ECD101 CREDENTIAL, AND ALL 4K TEACHERS ARE EDUCATED AT THE BACHELOR'S LEVEL. ALL CLASSROOM TEACHERS ARE TRAINED IN THE CREATIVE CURRICULUM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (A RESEARCH-BASED DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM WHICH PROVIDES GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR CHILDREN WITH FOUR MAIN CATEGORIES OF INTEREST: SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, AND LANGUAGE), TEACHING STRATEGIES GOLD (AN AUTHENTIC, ONGOING OBSERVATIONAL SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH KINDERGARTEN) WHICH HELPS OUR TEACHERS OBSERVE CHILDREN IN THE CONTEXT OF EVERY DAY EXPERIENCES, AND CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE (A CLASSROOM-FIRST BEHAVIORAL MODEL THAT EXTENDS INTO A WIDER LIFE MODEL BASED AROUND EMPOWERING ADULTS FIRST AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHILDREN WITH POSITIVE CONDITIONING, EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND LOVING GUIDANCE). THROUGH ADVANCED EDUCATION, ON-GOING TRAININGS, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, OUR TEACHERS ARE EQUIPPED TO MEET EACH CHILD'S ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL NEEDS USING DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES IN A STIMULATING, ENGAGING, HANDS-ON, AND SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, PREPARING OUR CHILDREN FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.LEARNING CENTERFOR 2024, THE LEARNING CENTER SERVED A TOTAL OF 32 RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS IN THE AFTERNOON TUTORING PROGRAM. 12 PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS, FUNDED THROUGH THE FEDERAL WORK STUDY PROGRAM, WERE HIRED TO PROVIDE TUTORING ACROSS ALL GENERAL EDUCATION SUBJECTS, WITH MATH AS THE PRIMARY AREA OF FOCUS. THESE TUTORS WORKED DILIGENTLY WITH STUDENTS ON HOMEWORK, PROJECTS, FINAL EXAM PREPARATION, AND END-OF-COURSE EXAM REVIEW. BY THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN JUNE, ENROLLMENT STOOD AT 18 STUDENTS, ALL OF WHOM ACHIEVED A 100% PASSING RATE. END-OF-YEAR STAR ASSESSMENT DATA REFLECTED AN AVERAGE GROWTH OF 0.4 YEARS IN READING AND 0.5 YEARS IN MATH. IN ADDITION, 1 STUDENT GRADUATED FROM CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL AND ENROLLED AT PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE.ALONGSIDE THE TUTORING PROGRAM, THE LEARNING CENTER ALSO HOSTED THE MOMENTUM SUMMER CAMP, A DAY CAMP DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN AGES 5 TO 12. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDED A BALANCE OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND ENGAGING ACTIVITIES, GIVING STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW ACADEMICALLY WHILE ENJOYING SUMMER FUN. IN 2024, 32 CAMPERS PARTICIPATED AND DEMONSTRATED AN AVERAGE GRADE-EQUIVALENT GROWTH OF 0.5 YEARS IN BOTH READING AND MATH OVER THE TWO-MONTH PROGRAM.READ RIGHTIN ADDITION TO THESE TUTORING PROGRAMS, THE LEARNING CENTER OFFERS READ RIGHT WHICH SERVED 99 STUDENTS IN 2024. READ RIGHT IS A READING EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM THAT SEEKS TO ELIMINATE READING PROBLEMS BY REMODELING THE NEURAL NETWORK IN THE BRAIN, SPECIFICALLY FOR READING. IT DIFFERS FROM MOST READING INTERVENTION PROGRAMS IN THAT READ RIGHT FOCUSES ON DERIVING MEANING FROM THE TEXT TO READ AT A LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE. READ RIGHT IS DELIVERED IN SMALL GROUPS OR ONE-ON-ONE IN THE READ RIGHT CENTER, OR VIRTUALLY, WHEREVER A STUDENT MAY RESIDE. TUTORING SERVICES INCLUDE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOSTER CHILDREN AS WELL. THIS ALLOWS US TO SERVE BEGINNING READERS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING STUDENTS AS WELL.
- $2.1 million spent. OTHER PROGRAMS:DINING HALLIN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE USDA, THORNWELL'S DINING HALL SERVED A RECORD BREAKING 56,291 GRAB-N-GO FREE MEALS IN 2024 TO THOSE EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY ACROSS LAURENS COUNTY IN SOUTH CAROLINA. THE GRAB-N-GO MEALS PROGRAM INITIALLY STARTED AS A RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC IN 2020. THIS VITAL PROGRAM HELPS EASE CAREGIVERS' BURDENS BY PROVIDING FREE, HEALTHY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH OPTIONS AND ENSURES CHILDREN STAY NOURISHED AND HEALTHY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. THORNWELL'S CHILD NUTRITION TEAM HAS SERVED 263,105 MEALS SINCE THE PROGRAM BEGAN IN 2020.LUSHACRES FARMLOCATED ON 340 ACRES OF THORNWELL'S CAMPUS IN CLINTON, SC, LUSHACRES FARM IS A WORKING FARM THAT EXEMPLIFIES THORNWELL'S MISSION TO "PROVIDE SAFE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENTS WHERE WE EDUCATE, EQUIP, AND SUPPORT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO THRIVE". LUSHACRES FARM EXISTS TO GROW, SOURCE, AND EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTE HEALTHY FOOD PRODUCTS AS WELL AS PROVIDE FAMILY-FOCUSED ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS FOR THORNWELL AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. THE PRODUCTS GROWN AT LUSHACRES ARE SOLD AND DISTRIBUTED VIA THE YEAR-ROUND FARM MARKET THAT IS LOCATED ON-SITE AND THE NEW MOBILE MARKET WITH PROCEEDS FROM ALL MARKET SALES AND EVENTS GOING BACK TO SUPPORT THE THORNWELL PROGRAMS SERVING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. LUSHACRES ALSO SERVES AS AN EDUCATIONAL HUB FOR SEVERAL DIFFERENT GROUPS ACROSS THE STATE BY HOSTING LAND LAB OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CLASSES AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE LEVEL, AS WELL AS PARTNERING WITH CLEMSON EXTENSION'S RURAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION PROGRAM TO BEGIN COORDINATING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION, AND CLEMSON EXTENSION'S AGRICULTURAL SAFETY PROGRAM FOR FARM AND WORK SAFETY EDUCATION. IN 2024, 3,259 SCHOOL FIELD TRIP VISITORS LEARNED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTHY LIVING, AS WELL AS EARTH SCIENCE AND HOW GEOLOGY PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN UNDERSTANDING AGRICULTURE.IN LATE 2023, LUSHACRES PARTNERED WITH THE WHOLESPIRE CHAPTER OF LAURENS TO APPLY FOR A GRANT FOCUSED ON ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY IN LAURENS COUNTY. THE GRANT WAS AWARDED, AND THIS ALLOWED LUSHACRES TO PURCHASE THE MATERIALS NEEDED TO BUILD-OUT A MOBILE FARM MARKET WHICH ALSO ACCEPTS SNAP AND HEALTHY BUCKS. THE TRAILER THAT WAS CUSTOM ORDERED FOR THE MOBILE MARKET WAS DELIVERED, AND THE PROJECT WAS COMPLETED AT THE END OF JULY OF 2024. SEVERAL TEST RUNS WERE MADE IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER OF 2024. THE INITIAL TEST RUNS ALLOWED OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THE LAYOUT AND FUNCTION OF THE MOBILE MARKET, AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE FOLLOWING THE PRIMARY GROWING SEASON OF 2024. THESE PREPARATIONS SET UP THE MOBILE MARKET TO SEE GREAT SUCCESS DURING THE 2025 GROWING SEASON, WITH IT BEING DEPLOYED FOR SEVEN STRAIGHT WEEKS IN THE TOWN OF WHITMIRE; A LOCATION DETERMINED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AS A FOOD DESERT.IN THE FARM'S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE HEART-HEALTHY AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES, LUSHACRES HAS A PLAYGROUND AND A MILE-LONG WALKING TRAIL IN THE FARM MARKET AREA WHICH ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. IN 2024, THE FARM FURTHER EXPANDED THE STANDARD MARKET HOURS OF OPERATION, WHICH INCREASED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY TO ENGAGE IN HEALTHY LIVING BY UTILIZING THE FREE PLAYGROUND AND WALKING TRAIL.IN MAY OF 2024, LUSHACRES HELD ITS 3RD ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL, WITH JUST OVER 200 GUESTS COMING OUT DESPITE THE RAIN. IN OCTOBER OF 2024, LUSHACRES HELD ITS 4TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL, WITH NEARLY 2,000 VISITORS IN ATTENDANCE OVER FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS. THE FESTIVALS HAVE CONTINUED TO SERVE AS A GREAT PLATFORM FOR THORNWELL AMBASSADORS TO ENGAGE WITH THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE EDUCATING OTHERS ON THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY. THE FESTIVALS SAW THE PRIMARY USE OF VOLUNTEERS ON THE FARM, WITH 410 MAN-HOURS SPENT DURING BOTH THE SPRING AND FALL FESTIVAL SEASONS.LUSHACRES FARM CONTINUES TO EXPAND EFFORTS IN EDUCATION THROUGH THE INCREASED WORK IN HOSTING SCHOOLS FOR FIELD TRIPS. THE TOTAL VISITORS TO LUSHACRES, SPECIFICALLY FOR FIELD TRIPS, INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM 2023 TO 2024. INTEREST IN FIELD TRIPS CONTINUES TO GROW, WITH 2025 NUMBERS PROJECTED TO SURPASS 2024 BY NEARLY 55%.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 1984.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
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