Find Businesses & Organizations in North Charleston, SC

Founded in 1998 by determined lesbian and gay citizens in North Charleston, SC, the Alliance for Full Acceptance emerged from a powerful vision: that true community strength requires equality and acceptance for all people. What began as a grassroots organization committed to challenging Charleston's culture of exclusion has grown into a vital statewide force for progress and inclusion. AFFA understands a fundamental truth—when communities marginalize or devalue any part of their population, the entire community weakens. This belief drives everything AFFA does, from writing new narratives of acceptance to dismantling systems of discrimination in courtrooms, classrooms, emergency rooms, boardrooms, and living rooms. The organization officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2000 and has since evolved into a comprehensive advocacy hub serving LGBTQ individuals and allies across South Carolina. AFFA builds solidarity through community-centered engagement, hosting events that celebrate queer joy while fostering meaningful connections among LGBTQ people and their supporters. With a small but dedicated team and growing statewide presence, AFFA invites community members to join the movement through volunteering, board service, donations, and participation in educational events. The organization's vision is clear: a South Carolina where LGBTQ people possess equal rights and thrive in safety, freedom, and dignity. By championing rights, fostering understanding, and building inclusive communities, AFFA continues the work started by its founders to create lasting social change.

Since 1995, We Are Family has been a beacon of hope and acceptance for LGBTQ young people across South Carolina, born from the profound love of founder Tom Myers for his gay son. What began as a grassroots effort to provide constructive information through direct mail and community education has evolved into a thriving sanctuary serving the North Charleston area and beyond. The organization's journey reflects a deep commitment to creating affirming spaces where young people feel genuinely understood, celebrated, and empowered—a mission rooted in the belief that every LGBTQ youth deserves to experience joy, safety, and belonging. We Are Family operates from five core values: Imagination as creative resistance, Celebration of diverse identities and expressions, Self-Determination that honors community autonomy, Intersectional Justice through solidarity and equity work, and Education that honors our ancestors while building toward collective liberation. The organization's community impact extends far beyond traditional programming; it creates what participants describe as a sanctuary and anchor—a place where young people can be authentically themselves without fear. Through peer support groups, leadership retreats like SC BLOOM, mental health services, and community organizing, We Are Family cultivates what they call "Southern Queer Magic." The organization's deep roots in North Charleston and statewide presence reflect nearly three decades of dedicated service to youth who have historically been marginalized or unsupported. Today, We Are Family continues Tom Myers' legacy by lifting voices, shifting culture, and building a collective space of care, refuge, and friendship where LGBTQ young people and their allies can imagine and create a more just world.

Serving the North Charleston, South Carolina area since its establishment, the Filipino Community Center represents a dedicated commitment to preserving Filipino culture, traditions, and values within the American landscape. This membership organization was founded on the principle that community members deserve a welcoming space to celebrate their heritage, strengthen family bonds, and find meaningful connection with others who share their cultural background. The center's mission centers on enriching individual lives while unifying the diverse elements of the Filipino community through shared activities and mutual support. Based in North Charleston, SC, the Filipino Community Center stands as a testament to the Filipino community's resilience and pride, offering programs that reflect the Filipino way of life on the American scene. The organization prioritizes family enhancement and strengthening, recognizing that strong families form the foundation of vibrant communities. By providing cultural, recreational, educational, and civic activities, the center creates opportunities for personal growth rooted in Filipino values and philosophy. What distinguishes this organization is its inclusive approach—membership welcomes all area residents of good moral character, demonstrating a commitment to building bridges across the broader North Charleston community. The center serves as a common meeting place where individuals can develop meaningful connections, participate in guided leisure activities, and nurture their capacity for growth. Through cooperation with other civic bodies and community organizations, the Filipino Community Center of Charleston contributes to advancing democratic values and community welfare throughout North Charleston while maintaining its dedicated focus on Filipino cultural preservation and family-centered programming.