COLUMBIA – Fairfield Forward has been awarded the 2020-21 David W. Robinson Catalyst Award by Central Carolina Community Foundation.
Founded in 1979, Fairfield Forward is a collaborative alliance of community members, leaders and agencies with a mission of providing local resources and opportunities for building a healthy community.
“Fairfield Forward’s response to the pandemic, despite the many challenges faced, is admirable,” JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation, said. “Through its collaboration, Fairfield Forward worked to successfully address the needs of its community.”
The $3,000 award was presented to Fairfield Forward for its immediate, collaborative and creative response to providing COVID-19 relief to its community. When the pandemic began, Fairfield Forward leveraged members of its alliance to organize and develop a fresh food distribution hub, provide mental health programs, deploy a diaper bank and distribute PPE for essential workers. Fairfield Forward played a critical role in developing a coalition of organizations that are addressing crucial needs within Fairfield County.
The award recognizes organizations in the Foundation’s 11-county service area that have exemplified leadership, creativity, vision and commitment in addressing critical community issues. The recipient is selected by the Foundation’s Community Impact Committee.