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Over seventeen years ago, God showed Bishop D.J.L. Johnson, CEO of Have Faith Community Development Corporation (HFCDC) a 501(c)3, acres and acres of land. What Bishop and Sister Johnson did not know was where this particular land was located. After contemplating expanding and making a difference in Florida or New York, Alcolu, South Carolina, which was not on the map, would soon become the place of refuge that God intended. The old Georgia Pacific building on Highway 521 was the beginning of it all. They thought this could be a place for seniors or veterans, but what they saw in a vision were rooms full of children. It began with the Lighthouse Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) and then the Mother Geneva Johnson Academy (MGJA).
The next phase of development began with the revitalization of an old mill house now known as the Lighthouse, which is a haven for all. They have been rescuing women and children who have been raped, molested and abused, making a difference in the lives of many. HFCDC has built homes for women and children, a home for homeless female veterans and their children, a respite home for cancer survivors and their caregivers, and a K-12 community school. Up to 1000 acres of land has been acquired, jobs have been created, and the vision continues.
The community transformation continues with the relentless dedication of countless volunteers who have been rescued by Have Faith Community Development Corporation, with a purpose to continue the rebuilding of lives, and the community.
Have Faith Community Development Corporation (HFCDC) was formed in 2003 to operate exclusively for charitable, educational and civic purposes and objectives which include, but are not limited to, improving the living conditions of residents primarily in Clarendon County, South Carolina, but to a lesser extent of residents living in the surrounding counties of Sumter, Lee and Kershaw.
HFCDC was also formed to facilitate neighborhood and community development and revitalization projects. The Alcolu Revitalization District Project, which began in May 2004, is a 1000 acre mixed use project that will empower thousands of people in Clarendon County, South Carolina and beyond.
The Have Faith CDC
The Have Faith Community Development Corporation (HFCDC) a 501(c)3 is building on 1000 acres of long neglected woodlands and formerly substandard mobile home park, in one of the most “distressed” counties in this country, according to data issued by the South Carolina Employment Security Commission (ESC).
A Distressed County as defined by ESC, is one with a combination of the highest unemployment rate and lowest per capita income. Apostle DJL Johnson, CEO of HFCDC and the Have Faith family are changing those statistics. This “divinely inspired mission”, as Apostle Johnson described, is to revitalize this old mill town, the lives of those he found here, and the many who followed him and his family from Bellport, New York to launch his ministry here over 17 years ago.
HFCDC has invested over three million dollars into the Alcolu Revitalization District (ARD) to serve single mothers, struggling families, and children from New York and Florida’s foster care system. Planners are now calling on others to make contributions, roll up their sleeves, and get involved in a worthy project that will reward the new visionaries both financially and spiritually. Be a part of changing lives, and join us – we are looking for partners.
View the video below to see how it all began and all the dedicated volunteers that came from near and far to do their part in helping to save a community. We are doing all that we can to complete the Alcolu Revitalization District Project(ARD). Help us to help somebody!!
Alcolu is located in Clarendon County, South Carolina. As seen in the chart below, the economic and educational disparities are significant compared to state and national averages. Join us in our work to improve educational and employment opportunities in the Alcolu Revitalization District (ARD)!
Clarendon County | South Carolina | |
Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 3.2% |
Average Per Capita Income | $24,906 | $53,618 |
Persons Below Poverty Level | 19.9% | 14% |
High School Degree or Higher | 79.8% | 88.8% |
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 15.6% | 29.8% |
(Sources: S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce; U.S. Census Bureau)
Have A New Business You Would Like to Open? We Look Foward to Speaking To You!
Alcolu Revitalization District (ARD)
Click the video & and listen with your heart to “Jesus Teach Me How To Love” by Dwayne Johnson & Soulfood Jazz. See where your vision takes you. We believe you will become a part of us. The ARD Project is all about each and everyone of us coming together to help the people and change communities one at a time. If one million people would donate just $7 it would allow us to change so many lives.
So Much More Than Just A Truck Stop!
Our mission at the Peace of Paradise Travel Center will be to become an all-inclusive resting place for travelers on corridor Interstate I-95 and Highway 521. Our aim is to accommodate our customers with impeccable service. Our focus is to provide a joyful, peaceful and holistic environment for all.
A Village That Cares, Coming Soon!!
Have Faith Community Development Corporation (HFCDC) is developing a permanent supportive housing village, Peace of Paradise (POP) Village. POP Village will provide transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless, Disabled Veterans, seniors and foster children.
Currently POP Village development includes construction of the infrastructure for the subdivision and a (1) 14 bed “Transitional” housing unit designed to house veterans with spouses and/or dependent children. Because this housing is transitional in nature, designed with purpose, this unit would be owned and operated by HFCDC and its staff so as to focus its resources and ministry tools on the objective of preparing the veterans to transition out of the units into either Residential Care Facilities or permanent housing, i.e. “Affordable” condominiums or traditional single family homes.
Veterans, seniors citizens, homeless, and persons declared totally disabled are all members of the company’s target population for recruitment and ultimately placement in the POP Village. HFCDC expects all members will bring with them Medicare, social security, disability, or V.A. benefits to supplement the Per Diem or other rental assistance benefits they will receive by virtue of their placement in the company’s Village.
Bishop RP Johnson was raised in Summerton, SC. The Director of Wisdom & Founder of The Open Door Church of The Lord Jesus Christ, Bellport, New York was always about helping others from his youth. “Help Me To Help Somebody” was a word that he shared with all that were blessed to speak with him. Bishop Johnson believed in the youth and encouraged them daily to be the best they could, and would be!! Even while bed ridden due to diabetes, so many young people would find themselves stopping by to visit with Bishop for hours on end to tell him their problems. They knew it was only them & Bishop, and they could tell him anything. He believed that the youth are our future, and we need to help them get there. He may have left us, but his spirit lives on in our hearts, and in our communities. There is not one young person that has met Bishop that can ever forget his love for them, and how he has touched their lives. He told us to keep God first, and keep pressing towards the mark to help change lives. The power of his wisdom and love is present with us now.
Mourning Sister Mother Geneva Johnson was a mother to all. She was married to Bishop R.P. Johnson for 51 years before she went on to glory, and knew as her husband did, that the youth are so very important. She would take your hand in hers and say “Hunny it will be alright” even when meeting you for the first time. All the youth knew that they could talk to Mother Johnson, and that whatever they shared would go no further- except to God in prayer. You were assured that her prayers would get through. The love & encouragement that she bestowed upon the youth was present at all times. As with Bishop, not one person that was graced to meet Mother can ever forget her touch on their lives and her love up to this day. Mother Johnson always believed in education, and that “Every Child Is A Star”- which is the motto at the school named in her memory, MGJA. She let her children know- when God takes me home, do not receive flowers on my behalf, give the funds to the youth to continue the work. She is still blessing us in Alcolu, South Carolina today.
Sister Roberta “Birdie” Leader, the usher of ushers, the neighborhood mother from New York to South Carolina to Florida- your children, were her children. Ma Leader, Grandma Leader, Big Mamma- affectionately was just some of the names she was called, or simply just Ma from the youth that were blessed enough to meet Sister Leader. From a young age of 14 years, Sister Leader worked in a daycare to be closest to her passion- the youth. Prison ministry was a great part of her life, her letters reached so many and changed so many lives. Her smile alone welcomed you, and there was nothing that she would not do to encourage young people. She would do all that she could to make sure that the ARD Project was completed. Sister Leader went on to glory due to complications of Breast Cancer and we are still working to complete the project. We know she is still here with us. Birdie’s Nesting Place is an extension of Sister Leader and what she stood for- always helping others. This is a home for Cancer & Lupus patients that need pampering, and their caregivers. Birdie’s Angels help do the same outreach. Even through her illness, she continued to help. She would always say “Anyway You Bless Me Lord, I’ll Be Satisfied”. She is such a driving force in working to complete the ARD project that will change a community & preserve our future- the youth. Even in death, Roberta “Birdie” Leader lives… Fly Birdie Fly.
