South Carolina Mission

The South Carolina coast is known for its beaches and resorts that attract millions of tourists each year. But tucked away from the vacation destinations lie James, John and Wadmalaw Islands or the “Low Country”, three sea islands that line the South Carolina oceanfront.

Life on these islands is in stark contrast to the nearby resort towns. Utilities like water, sewer and electricity for the coastal resorts are laid right past the homes of longtime residents who are too poor to tap into them. Crops of indigo, rice and cotton once brought immense wealth to these islands, but now about half the residents live below the poverty line.

An area gone unnoticed to many has not been overlooked by the Our Lady of Mercy Community, which in 1989 began outreach to improve life on these sea islands. Catholic Extension, over the years, has helped support this important ministry.