The Soteria Community Development Corporation, a Greenville nonprofit dedicated to helping people transition from prison back into society, is holding its annual “Threads of Belonging” benefit on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at The Annex at Judson Mill, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road.
Founder’s Vision Guides the Evening
Jerry Blassingame, who founded Soteria after serving a 20‑year sentence, will share the story that sparked the organization. While incarcerated, he witnessed the steep obstacles that formerly incarcerated individuals face—lack of affordable housing, limited education options, and few job opportunities. Determined to change that reality, he created Soteria to provide a pathway to stable, productive lives.
Panel Discussion Highlights Community Acceptance
The benefit will feature a conversation among three local leaders: Blassingame; Jeremy Mercuri, Chief Scientific Officer of Samaritan Biologics; and Sean Dogan, pastor of Long Branch Baptist Church. The panel will discuss the importance of community acceptance and how Greenville can expand opportunities for those who have served time. All three speakers emphasize the role of faith‑based and business partners in restoring dignity and purpose to former inmates.
Music, Stories and an Art Auction
In addition to the panel, the evening will include live music, personal testimonies from individuals who have benefited from Soteria’s programs, and an auction of artwork by local creators such as Caroline Calder, the collective Hollowed Earth, and painter Christopher Rico. Proceeds from ticket sales ($50 each) and the auction will fund Soteria’s affordable‑housing projects, vocational‑training courses, and scholarship programs.
Why This Matters for Greenville Families
Strong families are the backbone of any thriving community. By supporting former inmates in gaining stable employment and safe housing, Soteria helps reduce recidivism, strengthens neighborhoods, and creates safer streets for families. The organization’s work aligns with the values of personal responsibility and community stewardship that many Greenville residents hold dear.
How to Attend
Tickets are available for $50 and can be purchased through the event’s website, soteria2026. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for seating and to explore the art displays before the auction begins.
Looking Ahead
Soteria plans to expand its housing portfolio in the coming year, aiming to add at least ten new units for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. The nonprofit also seeks to partner with additional local businesses and churches to broaden its job‑training curriculum, ensuring that participants acquire marketable skills that meet the needs of Greenville’s growing economy.
Community members who value faith, family and personal liberty are invited to join the evening, celebrate the power of second chances, and help build a more inclusive Greenville.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
