Bluffton Self Help

06/03/2026

It gives us great pleasure to introduce you to Denise Moran — our 2026 Basic Needs Volunteer of the Year. ❤️

For the past three years, Denise has been a beloved Red Apron volunteer whose impact can be found throughout our organization. While Denise can often be found in The Market, her contributions extend far beyond a single role.

Denise was instrumental in helping shape the design, functionality, and aesthetic of The Clothing Closet when it moved from a shared space within The Market to its own dedicated spot across the parking lot. She has a gift for seeing not only what a space is, but what it could become.

She is also a trusted resource for fellow volunteers. No matter what shift she's working, others know they can turn to her for guidance, problem-solving, or simply a helping hand.

Perhaps most impressive is Denise's ability to take on just about any project and run with it. Give her an idea, a challenge, or a need, and she can be counted on to see it through with little direction.

Thanks to volunteers like Denise, our neighbors are met with welcoming spaces, thoughtful systems, and caring faces. To learn more about our volunteer program, visit us at https://blufftonselfhelp.org/get-involved/volunteer/ (also linked in our bio).

06/01/2026

A new chapter can begin at any age, in any season of life.

If earning your GED has been living quietly on your "someday" list, maybe this is the nudge you've been waiting for to encourage you to take action.

Our summer GED classes offer adults a "just right" amount of support, in addition to encouragement and instruction.

Your next chapter could begin June 15. Scan the QR code for more information or contact our education team at [email protected] or 843-757-8097.

05/31/2026

Free, Fresh Produce Available

We are continuously grateful for Lowcountry Food Bank. Thanks to their partnership, we are able to share a bounty of fresh produce each month through our Fresh Xpress pop-up markets that are free and open to all. 🥕

Join us for our next Fresh Xpress event:

📅Wednesday, June 3
⌚12 to 2 p.m.
📍USCB (Bluffton Campus)
🥕1 University Blvd.*

*in the parking lot in near the campus library

🆓Free & Open to All
♻️ Reusable bags encouraged

05/30/2026

Meet Esther.

For the past two years, Esther has poured her heart into our ESL program.

Her classroom is filled with laughter, encouragement, and meaningful learning. At the same time, Esther holds high academic standards and is deeply committed to helping her students succeed. Her attention to detail and passion for teaching shine through in the confidence and progress of the students she serves each week.

Beyond the classroom, Esther is the kind of teammate every organization hopes for….always willing to step in to help, often at a moment’s notice, and always doing so with immeasurable positivity and grace.

Her smile, kindness, and dedication brighten our classrooms in more ways than she probably realizes. Therefore, it didn't come us a huge surprise when Esther was recently honored as Self Help's Tutor of the Year.

We couldn't do what we do without the support of Red Apron volunteers like Esther and the 300+ devoted souls who serve as the loving heartbeat of our organization.

If you've been looking for a local opportunity to make a difference, here's your sign: visit our GET INVOLVED page at https://blufftonselfhelp.org/get-involved/ (also linked in our bio) to get started on your own journey of positive impact.

05/29/2026

Behind every adult learner is a story of perseverance.

A hard worker rushing from work to class. A parent fitting homework between family responsibilities. A neighbor determined to create new opportunities despite the challenges of everyday life.

The Joe Distelheim Award for Literacy honors that kind of determination.

Created in memory of Joe Distelheim - a respected journalist, mentor, and literacy tutor who believed in the power of education to open doors - this award recognizes students whose perseverance and commitment to learning leave a lasting impression on those around them.

This year, Auseyla, Diana, Flor, Leticia, Nesyerling, Osmar, and Rocio were nominated by their tutors for their exceptional tenacity, exemplary work ethic, and unwavering dedication to chasing their dreams. Despite balancing jobs, transportation challenges, household responsibilities, and their extra busy schedules, they remained committed to their education and continued moving forward one lesson, one conversation, and one achievement at a time.

Their stories are a powerful reminder that progress isn't always measured by how quickly someone reaches a goal, but by their willingness to keep going when the journey is difficult.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate these seven students as the 2026 recipients of the Joe Distelheim Award for Literacy.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer tutors who encourage, support, and champion our students along the way, and to the Joe Distelheim Award Oversight Committee for helping recognize the perseverance, courage, and determination that this award represents.

05/28/2026

Today, we pause to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mr. Jacob Martin.

Mr. Martin, alongside his wife, Ida, helped shape Bluffton into a stronger, more compassionate community for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Martin family and all who loved him. His life mattered deeply, and our community is better because of the lasting impact and legacy he leaves behind.

With deep respect and heartfelt remembrance, we share the passing of Mr. Jacob Joseph Martin, 97, of Bluffton, South Carolina, who entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Born on August 22, 1928, to the late John and Rena Martin, Mr. Martin lived a life marked by courage, service, and unwavering dedication to justice and community.

A proud graduate of Allen University, he was part of the early civil rights movement in higher education when he challenged segregation at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1950.

He went on to serve his community and country through a distinguished 25-year career with the Detroit Police Department, where he made history as the first African American Commander of the 16th Precinct. He also founded the Detroit Police Department Police Athletic League (PAL), leaving a lasting legacy of mentorship and youth engagement.

A devoted member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated for 79 years, Mr. Martin embodied the fraternity’s highest ideals of leadership, scholarship, and service.

After returning home to Bluffton, he continued a lifetime of service as an educator, mentor, municipal court judge, school administrator, and faithful member of Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. He also played a meaningful role in supporting the founding of Bluffton Self Help.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ida Mae Martin, and son, Richard I. Martin.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children Richard (Lois), Constance (Quenten), and Crawford; grandchildren Latisha, Mikesha (Courtney), Christopher (Tricia), Jennifer (Cory), Candyce (Tim), and Jordan; great-grandchildren; his siblings; and a host of extended family and friends who will carry forward his legacy.

Services
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated Omega Services
Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:30 PM
Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church
25 Boundary Street, Bluffton, SC 29910

Funeral Service
Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 2:00 PM
Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church
Livestream available via Stiney’s Funeral Home page:
https://www.facebook.com/Stineys

Interment
Buck Island Cemetery
1154 May River Road, Bluffton, SC 29910

Repast
Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church
Professional Services Entrusted To:
Stiney’s Funeral Home, Hardeeville, SC

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Bluffton Community Kitchen
PO Box 993, Bluffton, SC 29910
www.blufftoncommunitykitchen.org

05/28/2026

PROUD MOMENT ALERT: Last week, Mayor Williams and the City of Hardeeville officially proclaimed June 4, 2026, as Self Help Day. ✨

"The City of Hardeeville values strong partnerships with organizations that contribute to the well-being, resilience, and economic vitality of the community. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hardeeville hereby declare June 4, 2026, as Self Help Day in recognition of the organization's service, impact, and ongoing commitment to the Hardeeville community."

On June 4, we will officially cut the ribbon on an impactful new chapter - the opening of the Hardeeville Education & Resource Center - welcoming our community to a space created with deep belief in the potential of every neighbor who will walk through our doors. From workforce development and adult education to one-on-one resource navigation, this center represents expanded access to opportunity and brighter futures.

We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Hardeeville, SC, our community partners and supporters, our volunteers, and our neighbors who helped bring this vision to life. The futures that will flourish inside these walls is something we cannot wait to witness.

👉🏼 This is only the beginning. Follow us to watch the impact unfold.

05/27/2026

A little hand can go a long way right now. 👆🏼

Especially when it’s holding:
✔️ pasta sauce
✔️ rice
✔️ canned tuna (or chicken)
✔️ hygiene items

The basics are moving FAST right now, so we could use a little help replenishing the shelves.

Every can, box, bottle, and financial gift helps keep nourishment and essentials flowing to Lowcountry neighbors navigating a difficult season.

To all who are lending a hand to help us Stock The Market - THANK YOU. Because we definitely cannot do any of this alone: https://blufftonselfhelp-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1362377

05/24/2026

Free, Fresh Produce Available 🥕

Thanks to our partnership with Lowcountry Food Bank , we are able to share a bounty of fresh produce each month through our Fresh Xpress pop-up markets that are FREE and OPEN TO ALL.

Don’t forget…our TUESDAY Fresh Xpress events will now take place at Tanger 2 (near The Uniform Outlet) to provide easier access and lots more parking:

📅Tuesday, May 26
⌚10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍NEW LOCATION: Tanger 2 Outlet (near The Uniform Outlet)
🥕NEW ADDRESS: 1414 Fording Island Road

🆓Free & Open to All
♻️ Reusable bags encouraged

05/23/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, Self Help will be closed on Monday, May 25.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who gave their lives in service to our country.