Our Story

The headwaters of a river is where the river begins and usually consists of several water sources that combine to form the river. These sources may include streams, creeks, and brooks. Or they may just comprise several trickles coming out of the surrounding mountains. Regardless of the strength and importance of the individual sources, they all combine to form the river. The strength of the river is derived from the headwaters. The health of the river is derived from the headwaters. 

In a single-parent household, one of these sources, or headwaters, may be absent. We want to do our part to partner with these families to provide assistance and ensure the headwaters of a child’s life includes care, attention, guidance, and love.

Family

The idea for Headwaters Foundation was initially voiced during a local men’s group meeting. This particular men’s group (called the Iron Council) had recently formed and were still discussing the purpose and direction for the group. This idea sparked passionate discussion about the role of men in families and the communities. There was a strong belief that since a large majority of single-parent households are led by women, that men in the community should step up and have a greater role in supporting, protecting, and guiding these families that do not have a man present. Belief in the idea was so strong, that the group decided to establish a nonprofit to benefit these local single-parent households. Since some of the group members were located in the CSRA and others in Upstate SC, the service areas were restricted to these areas to remain truly local and maximize impact within the community.

The name “Headwaters Foundation” was chosen because people aren’t very different from the headwaters of a river. All the care, attention, guidance, and love that is invested during a person’s childhood goes a long way into determining the strength of character and overall health of an individual.

It is the intent of Headwaters Foundation to lead through action.