ANDERSON, SC—Restoration Project Foundation (RPF) announced today that it has named Anderson-based small business owner and philanthropist Craig Wooten as its new Chief Executive Officer. As an original cofounder of the mentorship-focused nonprofit, Wooten was selected by RPF’s current board members to lead the organization as it expands to serve more students across the state.
“As the son of local educators, Craig is passionate about helping South Carolina students reach their full potential, and, for many kids, access to a strong mentor can make all the difference in the world,” said RPF Executive Director Matt Bailey. “He has a bold vision for expanding RPF to serve more South Carolina youth which couldn’t come at a better time following the COVID-19 pandemic. Students need mentors now more than ever.”
Since its inception in 2015, Restoration Project Foundation has taken a unique approach to fostering mentor-mentee relationships. Through partnerships with existing mentorship programs, RPF provides guidance, support and resources so each site can fulfill its individual mission based on the unique needs of the local community.
Thanks to a generous $2 million grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, RPF has had the opportunity to partner with nine mentor programs across Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Rock Hill and support 385 children and young adults.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to, once again, be part of this program that is so near and dear to my heart,” said Wooten. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact a committed mentor can have in the life of a student. I want that for every single kid in South Carolina who needs it. We are just beginning to scratch the surface of the emotional, academic, and physical toll the pandemic has had on students in our state. So, it my mission to expand RPF’s partnerships until every kid in South Carlina who needs one has access to a trusted mentor they can rely on.”
Restoration Project Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Anderson, SC. To learn more about the program and its partnerships, please visit restorationprojectfoundation.org.
