In 2004, Ms. Nesmith was inspired by a public plea for volunteers at the schools served by Charleston County School District. She felt she could serve and encourage others to serve as volunteers at local schools. She founded, Beyond Our Walls (BOWs), a non profit organization to increase involvement of parents and neighbors at community schools and organize resources to benefit parents and their school children.
Former Associate Superintendent, Dr. Vashti Washington, supervisor of Elementary Schools in the LowCountry Learning Community- North Charleston, SC, wanted to increase involvement of parents and neighbors in area schools. Dr. Washington had successfully engaged parents during her career and included community involvement in her district goals. After meeting with Ms. Nesmith, she decided to start a district wide partnership with BOWs serving as the management and certifying organization for volunteers. Each school year, this relationship will continue at schools partnering with BOWs.
Awards:
2007 Charleston County School District Cooper River Constituent Board - District Four
2009-10 Award of Excellence - "Behind the Scenes Hero" - Charleston County School District
BOWs Program Awarded the following Project Grants:
Fund for Southern Communities
Charleston County School District Lawrence Derthick, Jr. Memorial Fund
Joanna Foundation
Wal Mart Foundation
Private Donations from Citizens in the Community
