Simple Civics: Greenville County

40 Episodes
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By: Greater Good Greenville

Trash pick up. EMS and 911 service. Roads and sidewalks. Business licenses. School bus routes. These are the things that impact your day-to-day life, and they are all part of local government. But hardly anyone pays attention to local government - until they have a problem. We want to change that. Simple Civics: Greenville County is here to help you learn about and get involved in your local government in Greenville County, South Carolina. Whether you live in downtown Greenville or Possum Kingdom, Marietta or Mauldin, Greer or the Golden Strip, if you care about your community, this podcast is for...

[EdTalks] School Safety in Greenville County Schools: Layers of Security
Last Thursday at 10:00 AM

What does school safety in Greenville County Schools look like? Get an inside look at the layers of security, from random weapons detection to active shooter training.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about GCS safety and securityLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First Steps

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


The Power Behind the Progress: Duke Energy in Greenville County
Last Tuesday at 10:00 AM

Discover how Duke Energy in Greenville County is planning for SC's record growth. Hear the full strategy, from its 15-year plan to community involvement.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about the Duke Energy FoundationDiscover more about Mill Village FarmsLearn about the OneSC Fund

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


[EdTalks] Greenville County School Board 101
12/04/2025

Learn what the Greenville County School Board does and how it works. A former trustee demystifies board responsibilities, types of meetings, and how to get involved.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First StepsFind information on the GCS Board of Trustees

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Hollingsworth Funds: A Legacy Shaping Greenville's Future
12/02/2025

From a founder's unique legacy to a force for change. Hear how Hollingsworth Funds Greenville is boosting economic mobility and planning to transform Laurens Road.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Hollingsworth FundsExplore the Vision for the Bolden Street DistrictRead Dr. Raj Chetty's Research on Economic MobilityDiscover the History of John D. Hollingsworth on Wheels

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast...


[EdTalks] Inside Greenville's Public-Private Education Partnerships
11/27/2025

Learn how public-private partnerships in education in Greenville County address the child care crisis, support teachers, and boost early childhood learning.

Episode Resources:

Read about the Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) ProgramListen to the Future Teacher Academy episodeLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Give Greenville: A One-Stop-Shop for Giving Local
11/25/2025

Discover Give Greenville, the new nonprofit directory for Greenville County. Learn how to easily support local charities and hear powerful stories from Greer Relief.

Episode Resources:

Discover the Give Greenville Nonprofit DirectoryLearn more about Greer ReliefLearn more about GirlUp GVL

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


[EdTalks] SmartARTS Program: The Power of Arts Integration
11/20/2025

Learn about the SmartARTS program, a model for nonprofit school partnerships. Discover how arts integration in schools unlocks student confidence and boosts achievement.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about SmartARTSLearn more about the Metropolitan Arts CouncilDiscover Greenville County SchoolsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Greenville Water System: A Legacy of Quality & Foresight
11/18/2025

Learn the secrets of the Greenville Water system, from its pristine watersheds to its 100-year plan. Discover how foresight delivers award-winning water quality.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Greenville WaterLearn more about Renewable Water Resources (ReWa)Learn about Trout UnlimitedLearn about Save Our Saluda

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 3: FILOTs and Tax Abatements
11/13/2025

Discover the link between FILOTs and school funding in Greenville County. Learn how these tax abatement programs cost local schools $30 million in annual lost revenue.


Episode Resources:

Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


13th Circuit Veterans Treatment Court: A Model for Veteran Justice
11/11/2025

Discover the 13th Circuit Veterans Treatment Court, where accountability meets grace for veterans. Learn how this diversion program achieves an 80% success rate.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Upstate Warrior SolutionLearn more about the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 2: How Act 388 Changed Everything
11/06/2025

Explore the impact of Act 388 South Carolina on school funding. Learn how a tax swap led to a billion-dollar gap, unfunded mandates, and a strain on local schools.


Episode Resources:

Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


RevUp GVL: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Business Model
11/04/2025

Explore RevUp GVL: Revenue for Good, a new program helping Greenville nonprofits move beyond donations and build their own sustainable, mission-aligned earned revenue.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about the RevUpGVL: Revenue for Good ProgramDiscover our guest Taylor Culliver's nonprofit, Brother BoxLearn about Paola Bonilla's work at 20 Degrees

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 1: The Big Picture
10/30/2025

Why is South Carolina school funding so complex? Learn how Act 388 impacts local taxes and the Greenville County Schools budget in this simple explanation.

Episode Resources:

Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Meet Your Candidate for the 2025 Mauldin City Council Election
10/28/2025

Meet Mauldin City Council Candidate Jason Kraeling. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:

All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.

Candidate links:

Jason Kraeling

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics...


[EdTalks] Finding the "Spark": Meet Teacher of the Year Morgan Smith
10/23/2025

Meet Morgan Smith, the 2025-26 GCS Teacher of the Year. She discusses her 3rd-generation family legacy in the district, her "Spark" initiative to fight teacher burnout, and how she creates core memories for her 5th-grade students.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Fountain Inn City Council Election
10/21/2025

Meet Fountain Inn City Council Candidates Jason Sanders, AJ Dearybury, and Stephan Thomas. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:

All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.

Candidate links:

Jason SandersAJ...


[EdTalks] Parental Support in High School: A Partnership Guide
10/16/2025

Wondering how to support your high school student? A principal shares advice on fostering independence, helping them self-advocate, & navigating modern career pathways.

Episode Resources:

Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Simpsonville City Council Election
10/14/2025

Meet Simpsonville City Council Candidates Jared Fielding and Jerry Tuso. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:

All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.

Candidate links:

Jared FieldingJerry Tuso

Simple...


[EdTalks] Parental Support in Middle School: A Partnership Guide
10/09/2025

Navigate the middle school transition with confidence. Get expert tips on parental support for middle schoolers, from encouraging independence to improving communication.


Episode Resources:

Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Greer City Council Election
10/07/2025

Meet Greer City Council Candidates Karuiam Booker, Lee Dumas, Judy Albert, and Paul Lamb. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:

All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.

Candidate links:

Karuiam...


[EdTalks] Parental Support in Elementary School: A Partnership Guide
10/02/2025

Strengthen parental support in elementary school with tips from a principal & counselor. Learn how strong parent teacher communication builds a partnership for success.

Episode Resources:

Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Travelers Rest City Council Election
09/30/2025

Meet Travelers Rest City Council Candidates Jon Campbell, Sheryl Guarniero, Catherine James, Lisa Lane, and Jeremy Walton. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:

All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.

Candidate...


[EdTalks] Top of the Class: What We Learned in Estonia
09/25/2025

Greenville County leaders unpack lessons from Estonia's PISA-winning schools. Explore key takeaways on student autonomy, vocational education, and the 'whole child' approach that could shape local education.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about the Riley Institute at Furman UniversityDiscover the work of the Greenville Chamber of CommerceExplore Greenville County SchoolsSouth Carolina Council on CompetitivenessLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue<...


Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Greenville City Council Election
09/23/2025

Meet Greenville City Council Candidates Matt Alexander,Ā Tine Belge, Lillian Brock Flemming, and Mike Kilgore and Tine Belge. Your vote is so important forĀ theĀ 2025Ā election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.

Candidate link...


[EdTalks] Greenville Tech: Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today
09/18/2025

What's next for Greenville Technical College and economic mobility? Discover Dr. Miller's vision for skilled trades, free dual enrollment, and an AI-ready workforce.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Greenville Technical CollegeExplore the Greenville Tech FoundationLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Conversations About Homelessness: A View From a Greenville Bench
09/16/2025

Explore honest conversations about homelessness in Greenville, SC. Hear from Ryan Duerk, CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, who will sit on a bench for 24 hours to discuss the real causes of homelessness.

Election Resources:

Learn more about Miracle Hill Ministries

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Email us: contact@simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org


[EdTalks] Graduation Plus & CTE: Greenville's Competitive Edge
09/11/2025

What is Graduation Plus? Learn how Greenville County Schools is transforming student futures with college and career readiness, giving them a competitive advantage.

Episode Resources:

Discover Greenville County Schools Career & Technical EducationLearn more about the CTE Innovation CenterFind out about the LaunchGVL programLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio...


How to REALLY support a candidate (encore episode 2025)
09/09/2025

Learn how to support a local political campaign with expert Derek Lewis. Discover easy, actionable ways to help, from social media likes to donating or hosting a meet and greet.

Election Resources:

Check Your Voter Registration StatusView Your Sample BallotLook Up Who Represents You

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Email us: contact@simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org


[EdTalks] Greenville County's 4K Program: What Parents Should Know
09/04/2025

Thinking about the Greenville County Schools 4K program? April Roberts, a GCS principal, reveals what kindergarten readiness truly means and explains the step-by-step process to apply.

Episode Resources:

Apply for the Greenville County Schools 4K ProgramLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education Partners

Simple Civics:

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue

Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.


Starting a Business in Greenville County: Your First Steps
09/02/2025

Starting a business in Greenville County? Learn how to go from "wantrepreneur" to founder with key advice on forming an LLC, finding resources, and accessing capital.


Episode Resources:

Learn more about NextGENExplore the Greenville startup communityFind resources at Community WorksConnect with the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)Listen to our episode on repairing your credit with Self-Help Credit Union

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

<...


[EdTalks] Big Numbers, Big Impact: The Numbers Behind Greenville County Schools
08/28/2025

Get the facts about Greenville County Schools, from its surprising size as a top 50 US district to its innovative career and technical education programs.

Links:

Sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination LibraryLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about the Greenville County Schools CTE Innovation CenterExplore the Fine Arts Center


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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for...


Where there’s a will, there’s a way: Wills and Advance Directives (Encore Episode)
08/26/2025

If you don't have a will when you die in South Carolina, "essentially you're letting the state legislature decide what happens to your property and who will administer it," says former Greenville County Probate Judge Diane Smock. She talks with Jessica Ferguson of Turner Padget about wills, estates, and advance directives.

You'll learn:

Why it's so important to have a will, health care power of attorney, and power of attorney - even if you don't have a lot of wealthHow not having a will can needlessly tie up your home and property from your heirs, especially...


[EdTalks] How Greenville’s Future Teacher Academy Is Solving the Teacher Shortage
08/21/2025

Discover the Future Teacher Academy in Greenville County Schools, a "grow your own" initiative addressing the teacher shortage through mentorship, dual enrollment credits, and hands-on teaching experiences in high school.

Links:

Support future educators through the Greenville County Schools Foundation ScholarshipLearn more about Greenville County SchoolsLearn more about Public Education Partners

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.


How Hospitality and Accommodations Taxes in Greenville County Fund Your Community
08/19/2025

Discover the economic impact of hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County. Learn how visitor spending funds Unity Park, The Well, the Swamp Rabbit Trail & more.


Links:

Learn more about Heath Dillard and his team's work at VisitGreenvilleSCListen to our previous overview of A-Tax and H-TaxListen to Heath's previous appearance on Simple Civics (Nov 2023)Follow Simple Civics: Greenville County on LinkedInFollow Greater Good Greenville on LinkedInSign up for a free book subscription for your child with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is...


[EdTalks] ScanSource Steps Up for Schools
08/14/2025

What does a great corporate-school partnership look like? Discover ScanSource's model for supporting a Title I school and the community playbook they created to help.

Links:

Learn more about ScanSourceLearn more about ScanSource in the CommunityLearn more about Public Education Partners

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.


The Strong Towns Strengths Test: How Do the Places in Greenville County Score?
08/12/2025

How strong are the cities and places in Greenville County? We apply the 10-question Strong Towns Strengths Test to discover what makes a community thrive, from its main street to its zoning.


Links:

Read the official Strong Towns Strengths TestListen to our episode on Cities, Towns, Places, and Zip Codes

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.


[EdTalks] How Teacher Leaders Are Building Trust in Public Education
08/07/2025

Discover how building trust in public education can transform the 'us vs. them' mentality. Hear from two teacher leaders on improving parent-teacher teamwork.

Links:

Learn more about our guests' workLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First Steps

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.


How to Speak at a Public Meeting: A Greenville County Guide
08/05/2025

Learn how to speak at a public meeting in Greenville County. Get practical tips on preparing your statement, understanding public comment rules, and making your voice heard.


Links:

Episode mentioned: "Why is Government Slow"

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.


Introducing Simple Civics: EdTalks: A Greenville County Education Podcast Series
07/29/2025

Discover Simple Civics: EdTalks, the new Greenville County education podcast. We demystify public education, from school funding to our birth-to-employment system.

Links:

Greater Good GreenvillePublic Education Partners

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.


Homelessness in Greenville: John "Buggy Man" Jones' Story
07/22/2025

Explore the realities of homelessness in Greenville through the story of John "Buggy Man" Jones. Discover his journey from scrapping for metal to a home in permanent supportive housing.

Links:

Learn about Nick BushLearn about John JonesLearn about Place of HopeLean about United MinistriesLearn about Project HostLearn about Miracle Hill MinistriesLearn about United Housing Connections


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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.

Get in touch.

Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.

Sign...