It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic McLeod Plantation Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Charleston, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riverfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local High Cotton Charleston Restaurant or visit Middleton Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in North Charleston, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in North Charleston, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in North Charleston, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
NORTH CHARLESTON — Mahi mahi is arranged like dominoes on an oval platter, the sweet white meat softened by lime and ginger. The row of fish is topped with a tuft of pickled red onions and surrounded by circular Serrano slices, imparting a delicate heat.The tiradito dorado ($14) at La Minerva Cocina & Tequila reminds me of Japanese sashimi, but with Mexican flavors. The tasty triumph eats like a fine piece of sushi, too, even if its price tag is far less rich than the fish served at top Charleston restaurants.It&rsquo...
NORTH CHARLESTON — Mahi mahi is arranged like dominoes on an oval platter, the sweet white meat softened by lime and ginger. The row of fish is topped with a tuft of pickled red onions and surrounded by circular Serrano slices, imparting a delicate heat.
The tiradito dorado ($14) at La Minerva Cocina & Tequila reminds me of Japanese sashimi, but with Mexican flavors. The tasty triumph eats like a fine piece of sushi, too, even if its price tag is far less rich than the fish served at top Charleston restaurants.
It’s one impressive example of the mix of fusion and traditional cooking taking place at this North Charleston newcomer, located about 30 minutes from downtown. I will happily drive that far for the restaurant’s fresh nixtamalized corn tortillas, enchiladas and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
La Minerva Cocina & Tequila — named after the famous Glorieta de La Minerva statue in Guadalajara, Mexico — is led by Raul Salazar and Alondra Ramirez, owners of Rio Chico.
The pair’s latest restaurant offers guests a more elevated dining experience than their more casual eatery with locations in West Ashley and on James Island. La Minerva features food inspired by Salazar’s upbringing in Guadalajara, a city that's part of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos national designation program, denoting towns considered to have high cultural importance.
The restaurant space, with its high exposed ceilings and artificial trees sprouting out of tall charcoal booths, is built for communal, all-ages dining.
Friends catch up over guacamole ($14), which fills a large molcajete. Exercise restraint when dunking the accompanying golden chips in the fresh, citrusy dip, for the more imaginative appetizers and entrees are also worthy of your attention.
Families photograph fajitas and a mother dines with her baby underneath a neon sign that reads, “Si la vida te da limone … pide sal y tequila.” (If life gives you lemons, ask for salt and tequila.)
The easygoing, unpretentious atmosphere continues further inside. Patrons share plates of tamales, paella with a Mexican slant, and carnitas braised in citrus and calm spices near a backlit bar where margaritas with salted rims are poured.
Golden wings have been erected for an Instagram moment underneath another flashy sign that reads “Dream until it’s your reality.”
The food might earn a post on your feed, too.
What in some ways looks and feels like a typical U.S. Mexican restaurant juxtaposes a culinary program representative of food found in Mexico — with a few twists.
Stateside creations like queso fundido join forces with Oaxacan-inspired mole negro, torre de mariscos (seafood towers), adobo-marinated octopus, cochinita pibil sopes, mahi ceviche and pozole blanco (a Mexican stew with hominy, simmered pork, onion and oregano).
Tacos ($14-$18, two per order) are filled with ribeye, shrimp, braised pork or lengua. The beef tongue is diced into tender cubes, each soft, sweet and a touch bland. A shower of cilantro and onions and dip in a mildly hot verde sauce liven up the most interesting and perhaps least tasty taco filling at La Minerva.
Birria — which anchored America’s hottest taco trend in 2020 — shows up in multiple forms on La Minerva’s menu.
The chefs riff on the spicy, slow-cooked Mexican meat with their version of quesabirria — tortillas dipped in broth, crisped, filled with beef cooked in a stew and served alongside a cup of the stew’s broth. They also shuffle birria into creations from other cultures, such as ramen and egg rolls ($10).
The latter Chinese and Mexican fusion wasn’t necessarily on my bingo card heading into my second visit to the North Charleston restaurant, but it will be next time.
A snappy crust reminiscent of a wonton wrapper gives way to delicately spiced, succulent braised beef. The quartet of halved golden cylinders are accompanied by a meat and cilantro-enriched consommé for indulgent dunking, the sauce deepening one’s experience with each hearty bite.
Servers are likely to suggest familiar comforts like birria or fajitas rather than more adventurous offerings like pescado zarandeado or mole negra Oaxaca. You can meet in the middle by ordering the chile rellenos ($18), a slightly bold foray into more traditional Mexican cooking.
The dish, translating to “stuffed chiles,” typically follows a standard formula: roasted and battered poblanos packed with cheese.
La Minerva’s green peppers are filled with stretchy queso Oaxaca that pulls apart with the tug of a fork, its mild tomato sauce merging with rice on a white and blue plate that’s far too hot to touch. Warm tortillas await the flattened peppers, battered and fried so that a delightful crust has emerged.
Two meals here are just enough to scratch the surface of an offering that escapes the Americanized Mexican food served at some restaurants. Its location in North Charleston fits, for South Carolina’s third-largest city has become a mecca for Mexican cuisine, with food trucks and markets and restaurants setting the record straight on plates that honor the country’s heritage.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston nonprofit Chesapeake Health Education Program is on a mission to get United States veterans off the streets.The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates more than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night.The reasons for homelessness vary, but the solution almost always requires a little help and that’s where organizations like this one come into play.The nonprofit can house 35 veterans, including families, in four duplexes in a structured communal...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston nonprofit Chesapeake Health Education Program is on a mission to get United States veterans off the streets.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates more than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night.
The reasons for homelessness vary, but the solution almost always requires a little help and that’s where organizations like this one come into play.
The nonprofit can house 35 veterans, including families, in four duplexes in a structured communal living situation in a North Charleston neighborhood. The program meets veterans where they are to help them address things like addiction and finding a job and permanent home.
Clients usually stay in the homes for 3 to 6 months before transitioning into a place of their own.
Case and Resource Specialist Jordan Freund says having housemates with a shared background helps build a sense of community.
“Our military has a background and a brotherhood, which is something that we are able to utilize out here because, while everyone out here is a stranger to each other, you are brothers-in-arms. You are sisters-in-arms,” Freund said. “So immediately we have a sense of community that we can build upon, and we support each other in a way that you might not find anywhere else.”
Now, Chesapeake Health Education Program is renovating its townhomes with a project that will give each client their own room and bathroom. They say they are undergoing this major renovation project to upgrade their transitional housing because they want to give their clients the dignity they deserve.
“They’re in a homeless situation but that doesn’t mean they have to feel like they’re in a homeless situation,” Freund said. “They come in feeling like they’re just renting their own place and it’s a really great experience for them.”
The project includes changing the floor plans, the floors themselves and building new bathrooms.
One duplex is already complete and they are actively working on more. Freund says he hopes to have all the homes completed by 2026.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A lottery player has a lot to celebrate after hitting the jackpot in South Carolina.The player bought a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket that matched all the numbers picked in the June 20 drawing, making it worth $100,000, the S.C. Education Lottery wrote in a news release.The winning numbers: 9-23-25-36-39.So, where was the lucky ticket sold? The winner bought it at Gas N Go on Rivers Avenue ...
A lottery player has a lot to celebrate after hitting the jackpot in South Carolina.
The player bought a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket that matched all the numbers picked in the June 20 drawing, making it worth $100,000, the S.C. Education Lottery wrote in a news release.
The winning numbers: 9-23-25-36-39.
So, where was the lucky ticket sold? The winner bought it at Gas N Go on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. A photo posted to Google Street View shows an Amoco gas station at the address.
Palmetto Cash 5 is a rolling jackpot game that offers tickets starting at $2. To win a jackpot prize, a player’s ticket must beat 1-in-850,668 odds to match all five numbers picked in a drawing, lottery officials wrote on their website.
As of about 7:30 a.m. June 23, no one had claimed the big prize. In South Carolina, jackpot winners have about six months to come forward, rules show.
“Check your tickets in North Charleston,” officials wrote.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - One North Charleston nonprofit organization is getting a new on-site library after a partnership with the Charleston County Public Library.Landmarks for Families does community work helping to provide children and families with housing, educational support and services, also providing facility foster care to children.This partnership means 500 new books will now be available to middle and high school foster care child...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - One North Charleston nonprofit organization is getting a new on-site library after a partnership with the Charleston County Public Library.
Landmarks for Families does community work helping to provide children and families with housing, educational support and services, also providing facility foster care to children.
This partnership means 500 new books will now be available to middle and high school foster care children at Landmarks for Families in North Charleston.
The on-site library is only accessible to residents, playing a crucial role in academic as well as social development.
The library is modeled after a public library, including book shelves, games and resources right across from a computer lab already in the building.
Books here have been placed specifically for the kid’s preferences, age range and reading levels.
Charleston County Public Library staff will also be visiting this library quarterly to provide more resources and classes for residents.
Melissa Tunstall, the Outreach Manager with the Charleston County Public Library, says providing these kids with an on-site library is important for many reasons.
“The whole goal is to remove barriers and we know how transportation can be a barrier. We know that kids and teens aren’t in control of how they get places, what they need. And then in this facility, in particular, we know how important reading is for emotional development, emotional support and we just thought it was a perfect marriage of those to provide access readily available for them and also to hopefully bring some comfort and resources to them,” Tunstall said.
Charleston County Public Library staff will also be updating the library with new books based on reader preferences for years to come.
“It’s so exciting because this will be books just for them and we’ve built fit for their preferences, their age range and their reading levels. And what’s the most exciting part is that they have a say in what’s going to be added to it. So, if there’s a book that they really want, we’re going to try and get it for them,” Tunstall said.
The on-site library will officially be open to those foster case residents at 10 a.m. Thursday after the ribbon cutting.
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NORTH CHARLESTON — Voters in districts 3 and 5 elected Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley and Chris Emde in a special election on May 27, filling the two seats left vacant after a federal corruption probe.Roughly 1,470 ballots out of 13,055 registered voters between the two districts were cast in the special election the day following Memorial Day,...
NORTH CHARLESTON — Voters in districts 3 and 5 elected Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley and Chris Emde in a special election on May 27, filling the two seats left vacant after a federal corruption probe.
Roughly 1,470 ballots out of 13,055 registered voters between the two districts were cast in the special election the day following Memorial Day, resulting in a 11 percent voter turnout, unofficial results show.
Ganaway-Pasley, who received 32 percent of the vote in the District 3 election, told The Post and Courier she wants to carry out the promise she made to constituents in the district.
"That is to be a voice, to listen, have transparency and have integrity, accountability and collaboration," she said.
Ganaway-Pasley has lived in the city for 50 years and works as a middle school educator and college professor. She previously served as a Charleston County Summary Court judge. In this role, she said she gained insights in the fiscal aspects of local government. Her top priorities for the district include building trust and ensuring every voice is heard, she previously said.
Emde, who received 32 percent of the vote in the District 5 election, told The Post and Courier that the community has felt neglected, and his consistent message throughout his campaign focused on restoring trust.
"The number one thing that everybody talked about from all the doors that I went to, the top thing was integrity," he said. "People are just looking for somebody with integrity."
Emde served in the Marine Corps as a logistics officer where he refined his communication skills by explaining complex processes. He now works for Defense Logistics Health as a contractor for the U.S. Navy.
Seven candidates ran for District 3 — the part of the city between Rivers Avenue and Interstate 26 and south of University Boulevard. Eight candidates were on the ballot in District 5 — an area of the city between the Ashley River and Dorchester Road in the southern portion of the city.
During a May 22 council meeting, Mayor Reggie Burgess said the city will swear in the two new councilmembers as soon as possible after the election results are certified by the county board.
"I'm chomping at the bits," he said. "I'm ready for it."
The special election came after former councilmembers Sandino Moses and Jerome Heyward resigned from public office after federal corruption charges were filed against them and six other individuals.
Heyward, who represented District 5, faced charges ranging from bribery and wire fraud to money laundering. Moses, who represented District 3, was charged for allegedly failing to alert authorities of the attempted bribe to influence his City Council vote. The two entered guilty pleas on Feb. 28.
The special election cost the city between $30,000 to $40,000, said Isaac Cramer, the executive director of the election board.
Now, nine of the city's 10 districts have representation on council.
District 1 Councilman Mike Brown was charged in the corruption probe with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bribery regarding programs receiving federal funds. He is among four defendants who pleaded not guilty March 11.
Gov. Henry McMaster suspended Brown from office, but because he has not resigned, District 1 constituents did not have the opportunity to vote for a new councilmember in this election. His seat will remain unrepresented until he is acquitted or convicted.
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