Major Awards of 2021

The Order of the Silver Crescent is the State of South Carolina’s most prestigious service award. It was specifically established to recognize a remarkable single achievement or action of an individual’s community service and volunteerism on the local level.
On October 8th, South Carolina Representative Lee Hewitt presented Sarah with the award. Hewitt cited Sarah’s 35+ years of experience working with individuals with disabilities to be the creative mind behind SOS’s programs and services. Over the years, Sarah has expanded SOS’s programs, client base, and areas served throughout South Carolina all in service of empowering individuals and families throughout our community.
Sarah was nominated for the Silver Crescent award by Geales Sands, Executive Director of the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation. Sands wrote: “Sarah Pope has not only spread the word about autism and how people can be taught to live and thrive at every level, she has implemented innovative solutions to enhance those living with autism and other intellectual disabilities.”
Earlier this year, SOS Care started Oak Tree Farm, a supportive affordable housing community in Conway. The facilities presently house five individuals living with an intellectual disability. Recently a grant was awarded to begin Phase II of this development to house an additional 47 individuals.
In addition, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, through her leadership, Pope’s team was able to overcome additional challenges posed by the pandemic and remain incredibly flexible and focused to the needs of their community!
Thank you to Geales Sands, Representative Lee Hewitt, Governor Henry McMaster, and all the Staff and Board of SOS Care who helped make this distinguished award possible!
For more information on Oak Tree Farm and to support SOS Care’s Capital Campaign presently underway, visit sosCareSC.org/donate