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January 2023 Newsletter

Your County. Your News.

This past month, Mr. George Bailey was honored for his life of service to Dorchester County and to the State of South Carolina. While he is moving towards retirement, his legacy will live on through a lifetime of work in public service. It is with heartfelt thanks that we wish him well as he begins this new chapter. 

Please click the link below to view a short tribute in honor of his work in making Dorchester County a better place for us all. 

Do More Christmas Food and Toy Distribution

Thank you to all who donated towards the Do More Christmas Food and Toy Drive! On December 23, we celebrated the culmination of our county collection by assisting the Community Resource Center with distributing over a thousand bags of food, diapers, and toys to those in need. 

This was our first year to support a county Christmas distribution event, and it exceeded our expectations. With County Auditor JJ Messervy's help, over $16,000 was raised and thousands of new toys were donated by community members and employees. We'd like to thank all who so graciously donated money, time, and toys so that we wouldn't run out of presents! The goal was accomplished thanks to so many of you! 

We at Dorchester County along with the families and children who were recipients both in Summerville and St. George thank you! 

Tri-County Warming Centers
Now through March 15, 2023

Individuals who reside outside, in cars, or in unheated houses need somewhere safe and warm to sleep during cold weather. Warming Centers are available to fill this need by providing a bed, meals, clothing, and other basic needs. Men, women, and children are welcome; no pets are accepted. 

Centers open when temperatures reach 35°F or below. The decision to open is made 48 hours in advance. Admission is from 7pm-9pm, and guests must leave the shelter each morning at 7am. 

Dorchester County Warming Center
Seacoast Church in Summerville
301 E. N. 5th Street
Summerville, SC 29483
843-461-2389

Looking for a New Career?

Dorchester County is hiring! Come chat with our recruitment staff at the Palmetto Goodwill Hiring Event on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at 2150 Eagle Drive in North Charleston. Businesses and organizations will be present to answer any questions you may have. 

If you are unable to make it but still interested in learning about working at Dorchester County, please visit our recruitment page to learn about employment opportunities. 

Save the Date!

Family Day is coming to Davis-Bailey Park (5190 E. Jim Bilton, Blvd) on Saturday, January 28! Enjoy free activities at our park in St. George! Make sure to connect to Dorchester County's Park and Recreation Facebook page to stay up to date on park events, activities, and more! 

Dorchester EMS Delivers Gifts through "Santa in an Ambulance" Annual Program

Each year, Dorchester County EMS employees collect donations and toys from staff and the community for their favorite program of the year..."Santa in an Ambulance."

DCEMS staff transports numerous pediatric patients every year, and this program provides an opportunity for paramedics and EMTs to give back to some of the children they have cared for.

This year, "Santa in an Ambulance" took place on December 23, and employees delivered gifts to 7 special children along with their siblings! Some of these patients had a very traumatic event in their life, and this program helps give a positive experience so those stressful memories are turned into joyous memories.

Calling all Local Mural Artists 

Dorchester County is looking for a local artist to design a mural on the exterior of the Dorchester County Office Annex Building located in St. George. We hope that the mural will visually represent the beauty and uniqueness of St. George and ask that you help share this information with any artists you know!

County Council Presents First Responder of the Quarter Award

The First Responder of the Quarter was presented to Ms. Casey Samuelsen, EMS Paramedic Crew Chief by County Council at their December meeting. Ms. Samuelsen has worked with Dorchester EMS for the past five years. Due to her dedication to the department, she was sponsored to attend Paramedic School in 2021. This past May, she graduated as Valedictorian of her Paramedic class and was quickly moved into the position of Paramedic Crew Chief within the department. Since promotion, Casey has continued to show dedication to the career, department, and the community of Dorchester County by delivering excellent patient care and customer service to everyone she encounters. She volunteers to work extra shifts to ensure the citizens of Dorchester County have adequate  access to Emergency Services, and she is always willing to help in whatever role is needed. The county is proud of the way she represented DCEMS while in school and more proud to have her serving our community!

If you've had a positive interaction with a county employee who has gone above and beyond by providing superior performance or customer service, please nominate them so that they receive the recognition that they deserve. 

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class: In-Person Class for Family Caregivers

This free educational program is offered at the St. George Dorchester County Library (506 N. Parler Avenue, St. George) and is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend who has a chronic illness. Participants will benefit from these classes whether helping a parent, spouse, or friend who lives at home, in a long-term care facility, or across the country. 

This six week course meets weekly on Thursday, beginning January 12, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Please register with the ARK at 843-471-1360. Please click this link for more information. 

As the only open-admission shelter in Dorchester County, Dorchester Paws rescues thousands of animals every year.

Volunteers and donations are critical for the shelter to operate, so if your New Year's resolution is to give to/serve your community, Dorchester Paws can use your help.

Don't have time to volunteer? They accept donations too. Click this link for more information. 

Dorchester County Government 
201 Johnston Street | St. George | SC | 29477
843.563.0100 | DorchesterCountySC.gov