In the general run of things, Earthworks is a company that delivers luxury experiences. More than just a backyard, their intentional design and craftsmanship elevate outdoor spaces to something that sets higher end homes apart.
But sometimes, luxury can mean something very different.
When you’re a parent on the brink of homelessness, a helping hand and a roof over your head can be the greatest luxury of all. That’s the sort of luxury that Family Promise of the Lowcountry was designed for, throwing a lifeline to families at their most harrowing moments with temporary living spaces to help weather life’s storms.
It was only natural that at some point they would join forces.
Volunteers from St. Gregory the Great support Family Promise of the Lowcountry by providing meals for families staying in our shelter throughout the week.
“At Earthworks, we knew the time had come to give back to the community that has given so much to us. After thoughtful research and countless conversations about the many incredible nonprofits serving the Lowcountry, one organization stood out – Family Promise of the Lowcountry,” said Bryan Barrs, owner and president of Earthworks. “We wanted to invest in something transformational, something that truly changes lives.”
That transformation will soon add a wealth of opportunities for residents of Family Promise of the Lowcountry’s Freedom House. Families staying there temporarily will finally have a place where their children can play outdoors, enjoying pickleball, tennis, or basketball on a new multi-purpose playing court, kicking a ball around in a soccer field, or getting out and hitting a few balls on the putting green. And for the parents, a wide grilling patio and raised garden beds they can tend help regain a sense of normalcy amid all the upheaval.
The existing backyard at the Freedom House as it is today.
“We talk a lot about giving families a fresh start, and Earthworks has shown us that a thoughtfully designed outdoor space is part of that. The backyard they’re creating at Freedom House turns an ordinary shelter yard into something genuinely beautiful and usable, a place for our kids to run and play, and for parents to find a quiet moment,” said John Trinh, executive director of Family Promise of the Lowcountry. “But this project is really just the beginning.”
The partnership between Earthworks and Family Promise of the Lowcountry will extend far beyond completion of the outdoor spaces, the progress of which you can follow on Instagram.
The landscape design Earthworks created to show the proposed backyard enhancements for the families.
“This wasn’t about supporting a one-time celebration or event. We wanted our contribution to create lasting impact,” said Elizabeth Turner, Earthworks director of sales and marketing. “Every child deserves to feel safe. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, to belong, and to dream about who they want to become. Family Promise of the Lowcountry doesn’t just provide temporary assistance; it restores independence, keeps families together, and builds futures. And that is the kind of impact we are proud to stand behind.”
You can watch the project build to completion, transforming the lives of families in Beaufort and Jasper counties one shovel of dirt at a time, on Earthwork’s Instagram, @earthworkssc. To learn more about Family Promise of the Lowcountry, visit fp-lc.org.