SEGMENT #1: Dorchester Paws
GUEST: Preston Hayden, Director of Marketing and Development
ISSUE: Pets/Animal Control
Formerly known as the Francis R. Willis SPCA, Dorchester Paws has been serving the Lowcountry for 51 years, all of it in the same Summerville building. In 2025, the non-profit hopes to break ground on a new facility. Preston Hayden, the organization’s Director of Marketing and Development explained Dorchester Paws need for the new shelter and the capitol campaign that started during the holiday season to raise money to fund it. Hayden shared the shelters commitment to being a No Kill facility and the challenges that has created. He also discussed the organization’s other needs including fostering animals and volunteering and their next major fundraising event, an oyster roast on Feb. 1.

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SEGMENT #2: James Island Outreach
GUEST: Jeff Gordon, Executive Director
ISSUE: Community Service
Helping Neighbors, Uniting Community is the motto of James Island Outreach, a non-profit formed in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo. Jeff Gordon, the executive director of the organization, explained the main service they provide is a food pantry, open multiple days each week. James Island Outreach does provide other services, including their newest addition, assisting with home roofing repairs, which is also their biggest current need, looking for funding and expertise. Golden spoke about being one of the few non-profits operating on James Island and the Outreach’s connection with 27 local churches. He also provided information on their other needs and shared that the Outreach serves more than just residents of James Island.