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Broad River Business Alliance
Community Development Corporation
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Community Highlights
Leveraging community resources and creating local partnerships supports real change and enrichment opportunities by broadening the experiences and services offered to local non-profits, community organizations and residents. By better aligning communities with each other, government offices and by utilizing all available resources we can help communities advance;- and provide well needed services to address many socio-economic disparities.
We encourage all members of the community and throughout Richland County and the state of South Carolina to get involved. If you have knowledge of community centered programs that connect families, children;- and even small businesses, please send us an email
Volunteers are needed to pack and/or deliver meals between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meal distribution sites are located at:
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Senior Resources main office, 2817 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC 29205. Packing hours are 8:30-10:30 a.m. Pickup for delivery is from 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Rd., Columbia, SC 29210. Packing hours are 9-10:00 a.m. Pickup for delivery is 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, 125 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC 29229. Packing hours are 9-10:00 a.m. Pickup for delivery is 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
We welcome one-time volunteers, volunteers who want to deliver on a weekly or monthly basis, and families who want to volunteer together. Substitute delivery volunteers are also needed to replace regular volunteers.
Local businesses are also welcome to “adopt” a delivery route to share among employees, or to organize a one-day delivery “blitz” to provide a break to our regular volunteers.
We encourage organizations across all of Richland County to Join the Leadership Advisory Board. Our LAB will use a combination of resources and information; including trainings, workshops and business incubation, grants and other funding opportunities to best serve the needs of struggling communities. Make your voice heard, grow your community. If you are interested send us an email today.
In 2022, the BRBA initiated a program named "Richland Fresh" to distribute wholesome and nutritious food in four regions of Richland County, areas which the USDA has labeled as "Food Deserts." For a long time, politicians and community leaders have grappled with the complex issue of addressing the food shortage crisis in many local neighborhoods. Since 2019, the BRBA has collaborated with both small and large corporations within the grocery industry, devising strategies to convert mixed-use and vacant properties into grocery stores or similar facilities. This endeavor is not simple and can entail a series of challenges that may not always be in the best interests of the residents, largely due to constraints imposed by the national economy.
Our organization has started to adopt unconventional approaches, partnering with leaders from cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and North Carolina, in projects that have demonstrated significant success in analogous communities. It is with great pride that we announce the program's steady progress, with the acquisition process for essential materials such as repurposed shipping containers and solar energy components already underway. Our plan includes establishing food cooperatives in strategic locations to serve as pioneering centers to nurture and expand the program, which will supply vital fresh and healthful food to a thousand households weekly. With the endorsement of various private stakeholders, local residents, and some government officials, we have successfully managed all our acquisitions. Presently, we are in what we term the planting phase, awaiting zoning plans, redistricting efforts in Richland County, and approval for public/private land use. We extend our gratitude for your ongoing support and the contributions from individuals like you, which enable us to carry on with this crucial work in all our communities.