Mission:  To Address Critical Issues such as Substance Abuse/Misuse, Mental Health and Behavioral Well-being. 

Welcome to AmeriCorps Healthy Futures, a dynamic initiative powered by the United Way of Anderson County! Our vision is clear: to make Anderson County the healthiest county in South Carolina. We're on a mission to address critical issues related to substance misuse, mental health, and behavioral well-being.

Our Approach: At the heart of our program are dedicated AmeriCorps members serving as mentors and contributing to our education and outreach efforts. Through their commitment and passion, we aim to provide 12,000 hours of mentoring, and 12,000 unique touches with community members creating positive and lasting impacts on the lives of those we serve.

Camp Mariposa - Transformative Weekends for Youth: Experience the transformative power of Camp Mariposa, our primary vehicle of change, designed for youth aged 9-17. This weekend camp is where kids come to transform their lives, fostering resilience and equipping them with the tools needed for a brighter future. 

Milestones in Mentoring: With 15 AmeriCorps members serving as mentors, we're building a community of support and empowerment. Our mentors are the pillars of change, helping youth navigate the challenges they face.  They attend weekend camps with our youth and an extra activity each month where the youth are exposed to community service, college tours, sporting events, and other opportunities that expose them to possibilities. 

Education and Outreach Initiatives: Our Education and Outreach team is at the forefront of change, organizing workshops for youth and families that foster development and resilience. With the goal of reaching 12,000 unique individuals, our team also actively participates in community events, sharing valuable information on substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral well-being.

Numbers That Matter:

• 12,000 hours of mentoring
• 12,000 unique individuals reached through education and outreach

How you can help?

• Invite us to present valueable information to your civic club, organization, church, school, or classroom 
• Invite us to attend your event as a community resource 

Join us in our journey to create a healthier and more resilient Anderson County. Together, we're not just making a difference; we're building a healthier, happier future for our community. 

Transforming Lives, Creating Futures - AmeriCorps Healthy Futures of United Way of Anderson County.

Monthly Educational Emphases

January
Mental Wellness Month
Alcohol Awareness/Dry January

February   
BIPOC Mental Health/Eating Disorders
Fentanyl
Feb 6: “Time to Talk” Day
Feb 26 - Mar 3: National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Feb 29: SAMHSA’s 20^th Prevention Day!

March
Sleep Awareness/Self-Injury Awareness
Opioids and Methamphetamine
Mar 1: Self-Injury Awareness Day
Mar 10 – 16: National Sleep Awareness Week
Mar 15: World Sleep Day
Mar 30: World Bipolar Day

April 
Alcohol Awareness Month
Vaping/Inhalants
Apr 6: National Alcohol Screening Day

May  
Nat’l Mental Health Awareness Month/Women’s Health Month
Prescription Drugs and Sedatives
May 12-18: Nat’l Prevention Week (Substance Misuse Prevention)

June     
National PTSD Awareness Month/Men’s Health Month
Steroids
Jun 21: International Day of Yoga
Jun 27: National PTSD Awareness Day

July       
BIPOC Health Month
Cocaine
Jul 24: International Self-Care Day

August    
Youth Substance Abuse Prevention
Heroin

September    
Suicide Prevention Month
Opioids
Sep 8 – 14: Suicide Prevention Week
Sep 10: World Suicide Prevention Day

October     
ADHD Awareness Month/OCD Awareness Month
Prescription Stimulants
Oct 5: National Depression Screening Day
Oct 10: World Mental Health Day

November   
Stress Awareness Month
Tobacco and Vaping
Nov 24: Great American Smoke-Out

December    
Grief Awareness Month
Marijuana