Through the efforts of the Whitten Center Parents’ Club, the mission of Whitten Center Friends is to promote and encourage excellence in the care of our loved ones—through developing relationships with staff, advocating for quality services, and raising funds for special activities and equipment to enrich the lives of our residents.

How you can help

Whitten Center is a Medicaid funded facility operated by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN). While federal and state funding supply necessities, charitable donations and volunteers provide many “extras” which allow our residents to enjoy pleasures that most of us take for granted. Whitten Center Friends seeks to provide funds for parties, outings, Special Olympics trips, and other events. Volunteers are also vital in helping to raise funds, in assisting at special events, and in working directly with our residents.


Spring Formal - Chrissy.jpg

Spring Dance

One of our very favorite events of the year is the Spring Dance! Every year there is a different theme, and this year it was Mardis Gras. Everyone had a wonderful time dressing up and listening to the
live music!


The involvement of loved ones is a valued integral part of our activities. Our residents thoroughly enjoy having family members and friends join us for special events!

We always look forward to our friends, the Woodlawn Ramblers Riding Club, providing excitement for us with their “parade” through our campus every fall and spring with the Bub Lollis Ride. We deeply appreciate the commitment they have shown to our residents and their generous ongoing support!


Everybody can be great because anybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

Would you like to Adopt-a-Building?

  • You could read to the residents or lead them in music or dance time.

  • You could let them explore finger painting with shaving cream!

  • You could provide cookies, donuts, or other snacks as a special treat.

  • You could bring in or mail cards of encouragement to the staff and/or residents. They love getting cards for holidays, too!

  • You could be a “Push Buddy” and take the residents for a walk or assist them with getting to special events on campus.

  • You could provide “your building” with a pretty plant at their front door.

  • You could spiff up their entrance with a cheerful garden flag!

  • Use your imagination…the sky’s the limit in providing encouragement and helping out in practical ways!

If you are interested, please contact Stella Akoto, Director of Volunteer Services and Staff Development here.