NOTE: As of Feb. 29, 2024, Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) has rebranded to Landmarks for Families. Our nonprofit, community programs and residential services remain committed to cultivating thriving youth and families in this new chapter.
For more than two centuries Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC), has been serving children and families in need by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness, in collaboration with families and community partners. For 230 years, the organization has worked to ensure all children have loving and stable families and a nurturing community that empowers them to lead successful lives.
To honor this milestone, the organization held a week-long celebration that included a virtual auction, and a ribbon-cutting and reception at the new Family Support Center, located in the George Williams Building on CYDC’s North Charleston campus.
CYDC’s Family Support Center will serve families in the Lowcountry by providing individual and family therapies and community-based prevention services.
“Over the past two centuries, our organization has withstood earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wars and now a worldwide pandemic. Through it all our doors have been open to children and families who need resources or support,” said CYDC CEO Beverly Hardin. “While over time our programs have expanded, our mission remains the same — we are the open door place for children and families.”
The South Carolina House of Representatives, the City of North Charleston and the City of Charleston honored the organization with proclamations recognizing CYDC for its contributions to the community. The House resolution H. 5563, introduced by Representative Marvin Pendarvis (D-Charleston) and Representative Sylleste Davis (R-Berkeley), was approved unanimously and commemorated the organization’s anniversary.
“CYDC has been a strong presence in the Charleston community, serving our state’s most vulnerable children and youth for more than two centuries,” said Representative Pendarvis. “This organization has worked hard to overcome struggles and challenges to ensure voices of the underserved are heard and I am honored to take part in celebrating their success.
On October 18, 1790, the City of Charleston passed an ordinance that established the Charleston Orphan House for the purpose of supporting and educating the city’s orphaned youth. The nonprofit officially changed its name to the Carolina Youth Development Center in 1978 but continued its long-practiced mission of protecting children, empowering families and preparing youth for adulthood. For nearly two and a half centuries, CYDC has served South Carolina children and families.
“Recognizing our community’s history is important and I am excited to celebrate CYDC’s impact in the Berkeley community,” said Representative Davis. “Their dedicated staff and committed volunteers help support our children and deserve recognition for their continued efforts!”
CYDC’s mission is to protect children, empower families and prepare youth for adulthood by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness in collaboration with families and community partners. The organization provides services to more than 800 children and families annually and housing for up to 48 residents across two campuses in North Charleston and Berkeley counties.
