Columbia, S.C. (April 25, 2019)

Silent Tears announced on Thursday plans to donate $5 million to fund capital needs of organizations statewide that assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

Six years ago, Silent Tears formed to systematically address the complex issues associated with child sexual abuse – considering best practices, the fragmented support system for victims, the culture and politics of South Carolina, and a lack of attention on the issue. In the ensuing years, South Carolina has made great strides, but there is still work to do.

Accompanied by lawmakers and representatives from centers statewide, Silent Tears announced a $5 million gift from the Castellani family. The commitment will fund a second phase of support for organizations that promote an end to child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence across South Carolina, including the 17 Children’s Advocacy Centers of S.C., 15 rape crisis and 12 domestic violence centers.

“God placed these issues on our hearts, and because we had the ability to help, we felt compelled to act,” Founder Bob Castellani said. “Silent Tears is providing support to those organizations that work each day with the victims of these crimes, and we look forward to fulfilling more grant requests in the weeks and months to come.”

The following organizations were included in the first round of grants and have already received funding that will address a variety of capital needs – from roof repairs to replacing outdated heating and cooling units.

Beyond Abuse $15,000

Foothills Alliance $20,000

Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault $32,000

Pee Dee Coalition $50,000

Child Advocacy Center of Aiken $26,000

Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union $10,000

Friends of the Metropolitan Children’s Advocacy Center $16,000

Pickens County Advocacy Center $10,000

Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition $20,000

Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands $10,000

YWCA of Upper Lowlands $35,000

Generations Group $50,000

Care House of the Pee Dee $18,500

Child Freedom Coalition $50,000

South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers $5,000

Organizations interested in applying for future Silent Tears grants can apply online at SilentTearsSC.org, a newly redesigned website that also launched Thursday. Shauna Galloway-Williams, executive director of the Julie Valentine Center, expressed gratitude for the investment Bob Castellani and his family have made during the past decade. “The Castellani Family may never know the full extent of their reach, but know for each child that receives a forensic interview and counseling at a CAC, for every rape victim who is met by an advocate at the ER during a rape exam, and for every family that finds shelter and support free of violence, the family has made an investment in the change and for that we are all grateful,” Galloway-Williams said.

Also on Thursday, Silent Tears announced a partnership with ELYSIAN magazine that will allow the best practices established in South Carolina to reach a nationwide audience. The success stories and gains made in this state will reach decision-makers across the country through the ELYSIAN platform, affecting even greater change.

For more information, contact Kelly Nichols, director of philanthropy, Silent Tears SC, 864-596-7501 or kelly@readelsyian.com.