By Donny Supplee, President, United Way of Kershaw County

Dear friends and neighbors of Kershaw County,

At the United Way of Kershaw County (UWKC), we believe in creating a stronger, more connected community—a place where every resident has access to the resources they need to live, work, play, and worship. Today, I’m excited to share a major milestone in that mission: the expansion of public transportation services across our county.

Over the last several months, I have voiced my concern about the lack of consistent, reliable transportation in our community—especially for our rural residents. Transportation is more than just a ride—it’s a lifeline to medical care, employment, education, groceries, and independence. And thanks to the efforts of many dedicated partners, something incredible has emerged: a sustainable, countywide public transportation solution.

The City of Camden has announced the launch of a fixed-route bus service within city limits—an exciting step forward in our transportation network. Even more significant is that the Santee Wateree Regional Transit Authority (SWRTA) is now expanding services throughout Kershaw County. This expansion will mirror the success of the United Way of Kershaw County’s VAN program (Vehicle Access Network), which has been serving our rural areas with vital curb-to-curb transit.

This transformation is the result of years of collaboration, commitment, and compassion. Our community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the organizations and individuals who made this possible:

• The City of Camden supported our initial grocery van service in 2007, helping residents access basic necessities. This humble beginning laid the foundation for broader transit solutions.
• The Health Services District of Kershaw County invested in the VAN program as a pilot initiative five years ago. Their belief in door-to-door transit helped us prove that rural transportation works—and matters.
• Santee Wateree RTA began partnering with us three years ago, expanding VAN services across the county. Together, we enabled rides to dialysis appointments, doctor visits, workplaces, schools, grocery stores, pharmacies, and social service offices.
• Kershaw County Council generously provided matching funds that allowed us to sustain and grow our efforts.
• The United Way of Kershaw County Board of Directors and staff have poured time, energy, and resources into this mission with unwavering dedication.

A Vision Realized: Reliable, Countywide Transit Services

With SWRTA taking the lead, we now have a comprehensive, countywide transportation network—a dream many thought was out of reach just five years ago. Not only will the City of Camden benefit from reliable fixed-route public transportation, but the rest of Kershaw County will continue to enjoy demand-response, curb-to-curb transit services, making our entire community more accessible and equitable.

This is how we demonstrate that Kershaw County cares—by ensuring that no one is left behind due to a lack of transportation.

Looking Forward: A Model for Rural Communities

What we’ve built together is more than a service. It’s a model for rural transportation success. Our United Way is proud to have stepped in to fill the gap when needed, and now we are just as proud to pass the torch to SWRTA. The future of public transportation in Kershaw County is in good hands, and our collective focus must now shift to sustaining and supporting this critical work for years to come.

We have shown that with collaboration, compassion, and commitment, rural communities can solve complex challenges. Our work is far from done, but we are on the right path.

In Closing

To everyone who has supported transportation access in Kershaw County—whether through funding, advocacy, or simply by spreading the word—thank you. You have helped build a more connected, caring community. Let’s keep moving forward—together.

Sincerely,
Donny Supplee
President, United Way of Kershaw County