The Harriet Hancock Center, located at 1108 Woodrow Street in Columbia, South Carolina, is the state’s leading LGBTQ+ community resource hub. Established in 1993 as the first LGBTQ+ resource and community center in the Southeast, the organization is dedicated to creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. The center provides vital resources, peer-led support groups, and educational opportunities that help foster connection, empowerment, and resilience among community members.
Programming at the Harriet Hancock Center is designed to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ population across different life stages. Through Youth OUTLOUD, middle and high school students find a safe environment to share experiences, build friendships, and engage in social activities. For adults, the center offers social groups, workshops, and special events such as Queer Collective and the annual Legacy Gala, all aimed at building strong community bonds. In addition, resource guides connect individuals to affirming providers in medical, legal, and mental health services, ensuring access to inclusive care.
More than just a gathering place, the Harriet Hancock Center serves as a cornerstone for advocacy and education in the Midlands region. Whether attending a support group, accessing the pop-up closet, or participating in cultural and educational events, community members can rely on the center as a welcoming space to be themselves and engage with others. The Harriet Hancock Center continues to honor its mission of supporting, educating, and empowering the LGBTQ+ community while fostering understanding and collaboration across South Carolina.
met the most amazing people here, and the therapists, even if they didn't always know how to help, genuinely care so much about what they do and it's so clear. changed my life
Our personal experience with NAMI South Carolina, its programs and support groups, was a life-changer for our family. I don't want to think about where we might be if we hadn't taken Family-to-Family and participated in support groups during some extremely difficult times for our son and our family. Thank you for being there! I joined the staff about 15 years ago in an attempt to "pay it forward." Now retired from NAMI South Carolina, I am working part-time locally with my area affiliate. The good work needs to continue for individuals and families that need the help and support!!
Monday: Open 24 hours, Tuesday: Open 24 hours, Wednesday: Open 24 hours, Thursday: Open 24 hours, Friday: Open 24 hours, Saturday: Open 24 hours, Sunday: Open 24 hours
Monday: Open 24 hours, Tuesday: Open 24 hours, Wednesday: Open 24 hours, Thursday: Open 24 hours, Friday: Open 24 hours, Saturday: Open 24 hours, Sunday: Open 24 hours
If you want help this is the place to go . I was the first one here when they opened . And I have to say it felt like a home not like a rehab place. They treat you like a Person not like a patient. Three great meals a day and activities to keep you busy. They are here to help you realize that you are a person and you can overcome whatever is holding you down. And as for the staff they were on point very help full . I felt that they weren't here just to work but to help and support. Now that lm leaving I realize that everything that they taught me is to continue my wellness in my life to come. So I say thank-you to everyone at the wave.
