Welvista

05/01/2026

💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or just not like yourself — it’s okay to ask for help.

Reaching out to a provider, counselor, trusted friend, or family member can be the first step toward feeling better. You are not alone, and support is available.

Taking care of your mind is a sign of strength, not weakness. 💚 Let’s continue to break the stigma and encourage one another to speak up, seek support, and prioritize mental well-being.

04/30/2026

Yesterday, team members from Smiles for a Lifetime visited Allendale Elementary School for Career Day! They enjoyed sharing what it’s like to work in a dental office and introducing students to the many exciting career paths available in dentistry.

Pictured: Mrs. Georgia Famuliner, Chief Operating Officer of Smiles for a Lifetime, engaging with students and inspiring future smiles.

04/30/2026

🌟 April Partner Highlight: Richland Library 🌟

Libraries are so much more than books—and Richland Library is leading the way. This month, Beth Ruffin, Chief Engagement Officer, and Lee Paterson, Director of Social Work, spent time with Welvista’s Kahlia Aposhian and Jessica Gaines discussing how the library has expanded its services to meet real community needs. From helping individuals navigate housing assistance, secure birth certificates, and access bus passes, to offering innovative, hands‑on resources, Richland Library truly serves as a community hub.
Community members can explore a seed library, take woodworking classes, access tools, enjoy creative art spaces and a family theater, and even check out everyday necessities like carpet cleaners and power tools.

We’re excited to highlight this incredible partner and look forward to having a Medication Assistance Pharmacy advocate onsite during their upcoming Telehealth Days!

04/29/2026

✨ Meet Jasmine ✨

Jasmine holds a very special place in our story—she was one of the very first dental patients at Smiles for a Lifetime in Allendale nearly 25 years ago. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with her and reflect on her journey with SMILES, from childhood patient to parent of children who now receive care at the same center.

We asked Jasmine about the healthy habits she learned as a child through SMILES—and still practices today. Her answer was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Seeing the long‑lasting impact of our program and how it continues to positively shape future generations is truly inspiring.

This is what a lifetime of smiles looks like. 😁🦷

04/28/2026

📅 May 5, 2026 is almost here!

In just one week, Midlands Gives kicks off—and Welvista needs YOU. Your generosity helps turn compassion into care for thousands across our state.

Stay tuned and get ready to give! 💙

https://www.midlandsgives.org/organization/WELVISTA

-MedicationAssistancePharmacy

04/25/2026

Yesterday, our entire Medication Assistance Pharmacy (MAP) came together for our annual Employee Appreciation Event.

We shared a delicious lunch, meaningful fellowship, and time to reflect on the incredible work each team member does every day. Their hard work ensures that access to life-saving medications reaches those who need it most.

We also announced the winner of our annual staff T-shirt design contest. Congratulations to Missey Lawlor for her winning design, which commemorates 35 years of providing medications to the Palmetto State. A special congratulations as well to our second- and third- place winners, Harriet Armistead and Jessica Gaines.

We are deeply appreciative of every staff member whose dedication to this mission makes our work possible. Thank you for your compassion and commitment , we are truly better because of you!

04/22/2026

Now Hiring: Certified Pharmacy Technicians

Welvista's, Medication Assistance Pharmacy, is currently hiring Certified Pharmacy Technicians who are passionate about serving others and improving access to essential medications.

Open Positions (2):
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Bilingual Certified Pharmacy Technician (English & Spanish)

https://lnkd.in/e2PmgBFC

If you’re a certified pharmacy technician seeking more than just a job—and want to be part of an organization committed to compassionate care—we encourage you to apply.

👉 Join us in making access to medication possible for those who need it most.

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

04/20/2026

Since 2001, the Smiles for a Lifetime Dental Center in Allendale, South Carolina has been caring for the children of this community — and we’re proud to call it our very first dental home. 💙🦷 Located right next to Allendale Elementary School, our center has served generations of local families, helping kids build healthy habits and confident smiles close to home.

This isn’t just a building — it’s a place where Allendale’s children grow healthier and more confident every day. Inside these walls, bright smiles are built and brighter futures begin. 💙😁✨

04/17/2026

💙 This Is Why We Do What We Do 💙

Stories like this remind us that our work goes far beyond prescriptions—it’s about people, families, and stability. Hearing how our pharmacy helps relieve financial stress, support households, and protect quality of life is the true impact of our mission. This is the difference we’re proud to make in our community every single day.

MAP -Medication Assistance Pharmacy

04/16/2026

We are deeply grateful to the Cheerful Giver Fund of the Central Carolina Community Foundation for their generous support of Welvista.

As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, this meaningful gift helped spark the momentum behind our Midlands Gives campaign, setting the tone for a day of generosity and impact across our community.

Because of this investment, Welvista can continue to remove barriers to care and ensure that life-saving medications reach South Carolinians who need them most through our Medication Assistance Pharmacy.

Thank you for helping us create healthier futures—one patient at a time.

04/15/2026

Yesterday, our Director of Patient Services, Kahlia Aposhian, and Jessica Gaines, Community Outreach Manager, had the honor of leading a breakout session titled Transforming Health Through Partnerships, Collaboration, and Innovation at the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina – Health for All Summit.

Kahlia shared, “True impact happens when organizations come together with shared purpose, trust, and a commitment to serving our communities well. Across South Carolina, we are stronger when we collaborate, and I’m grateful to be part of work that values relationships as much as results.”

It was a great session, and we truly enjoyed meeting so many passionate community members. The feedback we received reminds us why advocacy, visibility, and connection matter so much.

We’re grateful for every opportunity to grow, share, and serve.

04/14/2026

For more than 23 years, Dr. Ron Banik has been a dedicated partner in serving the oral health needs of students in Allendale County. In this interview, he reflects on why he has remained committed for over two decades and how Smiles for a Lifetime has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the community.

Programs like Smiles for a Lifetime would not be possible without the generosity and service of dentists like Dr. Banik. Our model relies on compassionate providers who are willing to give their time and expertise for minimal compensation—far less than the true value of their work—so that students in underserved communities can receive the care they need. Their commitment goes beyond dentistry; it’s about access, equity, and investing in the long-term health of children who might otherwise go without care.

We are deeply grateful for professionals like Dr. Banik whose dedication has helped shape the growth of this program and improve oral health outcomes for generations of students in Allendale County.