Wallace Family Life closes challenging year, looks forward to more hopeful 2019

BENNETTSVILLE—After a financially challenging year for Wallace Family Life Center, the United Methodist ministry is looking toward a better 2019.

Two of their heating and air units failed over the summer and a third failed in November, requiring them to purchase three new units. But the good news is the center now has three new energy-efficient units to heat and cool the center for the next 15-plus years. They now have county water for the first time in more than 30 years, and they have had multiple volunteers come to the center to help with structural and physical building needs, including a team of helpers from Chapin United Methodist Church, Chapin, who replaced windows, replaced old carpet with laminate flooring, replaced rotted boards and more.

Bethel UMC, Bennettsville, provided a new sign for the front of the building.

Wallace Family Life Center was established in 1979 and has been providing services to the Wallace area of Marlboro County for nearly 40 years. Their mission is to provide educational, cultural, recreational and religious programs to enrich the lives of the people in the Wallace community.

While they have other challenges on the horizon, particularly replacing their 18-year-old bus with safe, reliable replacement, they continue to remain hopeful.

Currently the center is undertaking a needs assessment of the Wallace area to determine how best it can continue to fulfill its mission to Wallace and surrounding areas. Anyone with information or suggestions that would help in this effort is encouraged to contact the Center at 843-479-7991.