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History of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina

In the early 1950s, the leaders of the Presbyterian Church of South Carolina (PCSC) had a vision that has impacted thousands of families ever since. The needs of the aging seniors in their community lay heavy on their hearts. With strong leadership and inspiring ministry, the South Carolina church began to make plans to sponsor a retirement home for seniors.

Reverend Dr. Charles Robert Tapp, pastor of the Summerville Presbyterian Church, and Reverend Dr. William McLeod Frampton, Jr., started a committee dedicated to the idea of such an endeavor. In 1953, a generous gift of 26 acres of land in Summerville made the dream of a retirement home a reality. The cornerstone of the Summerville Home (now the Village at Summerville) was laid in 1956, and two years later, the first residents entered the community.

Over the next 50 years, the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina grew into the ministry it is today, with Life Plan Communities in Clinton, Florence, Lexington, and Easley as well as Summerville. As the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina continues to fulfill its mission of serving seniors of all faiths, its vision-driven heritage of commitment to its ministry influences PCSC’s present and future as a community dedicated to the service of others.

Living the Legacy

As President and CEO of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, Kathy Ligon holds the historic legacy of PCSC at the heart of their mission. “The history of our community is rich in layers of faith, patience, sacrifice and services,” says Ligon. “Today, we uphold the dedication of those first church leaders who envisioned a place where our seniors could live fully with the support and care they deserved.

“Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina’s legacy inspires our current mission to enrich the quality of life for seniors of all faiths and backgrounds. What our predecessors desired for their congregation, we now extend to entire communities throughout our region, serving seniors and families with high standards in senior living and services.”

Ligon has been a part of PCSC since 1987. Before her election as president, she served as the Director of Development and Vice President. She is also well known for serving in positions on the national Board of Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (PAHSA), serving as the national convener for the Chief Executive Officers of Multi-site Organizations (CEMO) for LeadingAge National and as a board member of the not-for-profit state association, LeadingAge South Carolina.

Setting the Standard

Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina’s current leadership ensures a constant focus on the priorities of their mission. PCSC sets the standard of providing the highest quality and most compassionate care to those they serve. In order to create a community of holistic senior living in South Carolina, the following qualities serve as fundamental pillars of their continued success and service:

  • Established, Experienced Leadership – PCSC believes that experienced leadership can allow the organization to provide the professional knowledge that builds confidence and the paths to meaningful programming and financial strength.
  • Proven Innovation – Expanded services and outreach create new pathways for adventure and effectiveness. As the needs of today’s seniors and families change, so does PCSC’s approach to innovation and care.
  • Documented Accountability – Guided by a belief in responsibility and compliance, PCSC holds a high standard for fulfilling their mission.

For the Sake of the Mission

Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina is a not-for-profit organization, meaning they exist to fulfill their mission of enriching the lives of seniors while exercising good stewardship to support a sound enterprise for years to come. Free from the expectations of owners and shareholders, PCSC focuses all energy and resources on its residents’ needs. All revenue goes directly to benefit programs and services, as well as enhancement of the facilities at each community.

PCSC is overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees who are committed to making sure PCSC remains true to the mission, responds to local needs, plans effectively for the future and manages financial resources effectively. The long-standing values incorporated into PCSC from the start are reflected in our governance and management today.

“In all we do at PCSC, we look to the past to create the future,” says Ligon. “The faith our founders had in our mission drives us forward, and the selfless way they persevered encourages our approach to care. Most of all, we carry on the vision of excellence and compassionate service to those in our communities who are most deserving of fulfillment, comfort, and love.”

If you would like to know more about Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, contact us today or explore our website for more information.

Enriching Senior Living in South Carolina

Welcome to Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors for 60 years. Our strong tradition of mission-driven service and care is reflected throughout each of our communities across the state of South Carolina.

Longevity & Innovation Through Life Plan Communities

Each PCSC community is a Life Plan Community, offering a wide range of senior lifestyles and services including independent living, assisted living and residential care, memory support, skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation.

We believe a Life Plan Community should allow future planning and living to merge. Having a plan in place – and the security of access to a continuum of health care services – grants residents the freedom to live life to the fullest.

A Legacy of Service

Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina is a compassionate Christian ministry committed to enriching the quality of life for seniors of all faiths. Built on the values of relationships, service, teamwork and excellence, we ensure our mission and faith are honored daily. While striving to create the highest quality of retirement lifestyles for our residents, we work each day to enrich the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of seniors and their families, with our deep heritage leading the way.

Learn more about Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. Contact us today!

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