About Us
We address both ends of the violence spectrum, from prevention to crisis management through our mentorship programs and trainings, to our new Navigational Center, we're committed to providing the care that our communities need and deserve.
Our Mission & Vision
At Palmetto Hope Network, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to overcome violence and build a future rooted in healing, safety, and hope.
Our Mission:
We advocate for survivors, prevent violence, and promote healing through a comprehensive network of support services, education, and policy reform.
Our Vision:
We envision a South Carolina free from violence, where every survivor is supported, every individual is equipped with the tools to prevent violence, and every community thrives in safety and unity.
Compassion-Driven, Community-Focused
At Palmetto Hope Network, we know that healing from violence requires more than just one solution—it takes a network of care. Through our mentorship programs and violence prevention trainings, to our new Navigational Center and women's shelter, we work to address both ends of the violence spectrum; from prevention to crisis management to healing, we're committed to providing the care that our communities need and deserve.
Our wrap-around services connect survivors and their families with comprehensive, personalized support to address the full spectrum of their needs:
- Emotional Support: Immediate access to counseling, therapy, and support groups for survivors processing trauma.
- Legal Advocacy: Guidance through the judicial system, helping survivors understand their rights, access protective orders, and navigate legal complexities.
- Practical Resources: Help with housing assistance, transportation, and financial resources to ease the burdens survivors face.
- Education & Prevention: Through forums, mentorship, and advocacy, we work to prevent violence before it starts.
- Collaborative Care: We partner with law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, and community organizations to ensure survivors have access to every resource they need—all in one place.
We don’t just offer services—we walk alongside survivors every step of the way, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and hope.
Our History: Born from the Need for Change
Founded in 2015, Palmetto Hope Network was born out of a community’s determination to address violence head-on. Following the 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting, it became clear that South Carolina needed more than short-term solutions—it needed a coordinated, compassionate response to prevent violence, support survivors, and drive policy change.
What started as a local initiative has grown into a powerful force for change, shaping policy, providing direct support, and building a network of hope across South Carolina.
Our Leadership Team & Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated individuals leading Palmetto Hope Network’s mission with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to creating safer, stronger communities.
Marlvis Butch Kennedy
Alicia Rahiem Kennedy
Millie Hayden
Nancy Faglie
Diane Tate
Jessica Vernon
Dr. Zakevia Lewis-Kendrick
Tisa Whack
Marlvis Butch Kennedy (Founder)
Mr. Marlvis (Butch) Kennedy is currently employed as a Systems Engineer at SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation), where he provides design and engineering support for the Combat operations Center for the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Kennedy serves as the founder and CEO of The Palmetto Hope Network; a non-profit organization who’s, core mission is to provide Hope to Communities and Victims of Violent Crimes through Advocacy and Education by Collaborating with Law Enforcement, The Clergy, and Other Stakeholders.
Mr. Kennedy believes that “Either you stand for something, or you will fall for anything!!” As the founder and CEO of Palmetto Hope Network, he has been volunteering in the Tri-County area for over fourteen years, standing up for those that are unable to stand up for themselves. Although he is proud of the success The Palmetto Hope Network has achieved he is not so naïve as to know that there is so much more work to be done. Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men and women do nothing”. Palmetto Hope Network is leading the fight to galvanize our communities and make them safer for all its citizens.
Mr. Kennedy is a member at large of the CCSG (Charleston Community Service Group) an organization that supports needy families in the tri-county area. He also serves as a member of the (DVCC) Tri-County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council , and Arm in Arm South Carolina. Mr. Kennedy also founded the Tri-County Gun Violence Coordinating Council (GVCC) who’s mission is To address gun violence in the Tri-County area by facilitating coordination among stakeholders, and formulating a comprehensive gun violence prevention strategy.
The focus of the Tri-County Gun Violence Coordinating Council is to continuously review responses to gun violence. The Council works together to identify and implement improvements through policy development. This council brings law enforcement, the courts, advocates and community partners to resolve issues specific to the needs of those affected by gun violence.
Mr. Kennedy is the founder of REALMAD (REAL Men against Domestic Violence/abuse), whose primary focus is to mentor and educate men and children about Domestic Violence. Their motto is “REAL Men don’t hit women” Our main goal is to get more men to stand up and speak out about the number one crime in South Carolina “Domestic Violence”.
Palmetto Hope Network and REALMAD have joined together to introduce the White Ribbon Campaign, a campaign geared towards getting men to take a stand against violence against women by taking the pledge (“Never to Commit, Condone or remain silent about violence against women”)
Be part of the solution, not the problem!!!
Get Involved Today!!!
Alicia Rahiem Kennedy (Co-Founder)
Alicia Rahiem, suffered a loss in 1998 that changed her life. Her only
nephew William T. Halyard an ROTC student at South Carolina State
University was murdered, three months shy of being commissioned as a 2nd
Lieutenant in the United States Army as well as graduating from the
University. Early on Alicia realized the gaps in victim services which led
her into a career of providing services for victims. Shortly after her
nephew’s death she began volunteering as an advocate to provide a service to
grieving families.
Alicia served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. She
volunteered with the 16th Circuit Solicitors Office in Horry and Georgetown
Counties. She later worked with Citizens Against Spouse Abuse as a Court
Advocate and was later promoted to Assistant Director, to included
management of the Georgetown Safe House and Coordinator of the Court
Advocates for that organization. Alicia also served as the SCCADVASA (South
Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence) AD Hoc
Committee Chair Person on Legal and Judicial Issues Pertaining to Domestic
Violence. She is a trained Mediator specializing in family court issues.
She currently is affiliated with Project Unity USA and Real Mad as a
Domestic Violence Outreach Coordinator. Alicia has served on the board of
Horry County Rape Crisis Center, Safe Families Initiative, and she presently
serves on the board of Gun Sense.
Her Mission has been to provide services to Victims and their families so
that they will not experience an added pain of not knowing the services
that should be available to all victims. In 2015 she received the Martin Luther King Picture Award for her community advocacy, The Project Unity Advocate of the Year and The Zonta Club Volunteer of the year.
Millie Hayden (Board Member)
Millie previously worked as a case manager in both CPS and APS for Georgetown County DSS from 2006-2015. Millie currently works as a Family Engagement Services Coordinator for National Youth Advocate Program.
Millie has worked extensively with victims of domestic and sexual assault and child abuse, in both Georgia and South Carolina. She has been involved in providing services to and advocating for victims of domestic and sexual assault since 1996 and has provided both consultation and training to law enforcement officers, medical and legal professionals and social workers in the identification, assessment and treatment of victims of both sexual and domestic violence and other related issues.
Millie worked for the Georgia Commission on Family Violence as the statewide task force coordinator from 2002-2004 where she helped developed local task forces within the state to address the increasing problem of domestic violence in court circuits throughout Georgia and helped strengthen existing task forces by devising strategies to improve coordination, communication and cooperation between local programs and agencies.
Millie was also involved in creating the state certification program for Family Violence Intervention Programs and the initial phases of creating the state fatality review for domestic violence homicides.
Millie worked as a legal advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault programs in both Georgia and South Carolina and served on the board of directors for the Grand Strand Community Against Rape. Millie received a Bachelor’s degree from the Winthrop University and has attended numerous trainings on domestic violence and child welfare.
Millie is married and has four rescue fur children, three of the canine variety and one of the feline. Millie lives in Murrells Inlet with her husband Dan, her own four fur children and also provides foster care for canine fur children.
Nancy Faglie (Board Member)
Nancy Faglie is an expert in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault and has over 25 years of experience in the field. Her passion for serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault lead her to a career change in 1998 after volunteering for six years with Sistercare. Nancy worked in many capacities in Colorado but one of the most rewarding was the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT). DVERT’s successes lead the program to be recognized as one of the leading multi-disciplinary response models in the nation and was replicated nationwide. One of Nancy’s many strengths is training which she has provided on National, statewide and local levels. Nancy served on the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence Board, she worked closely with the Colorado Safe TA project in developing training for forensic nurses, the Greenbook Initiative focusing on the co-occurrence of domestic violence and child abuse, and assisted with the development of the Domestic Violence court that brought together community partners, D.V. Court provides eligible offenders a chance to avoid incarceration while protecting public safety, ensuring offender accountability and intensively monitoring participants as they move through the program that addressed the development of collaborative work with department of social services in addressing domestic violence. Nancy has been recognized and received many rewards for her dedication and work with community collaboration and her work with survivors.
Nancy returned to South Carolina in 2013, since her return she worked for the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence but has since retired and is returning to volunteerism and will be providing her experience and expertise in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Diane Tate (Board Member)
She is the proud mother of a grown daughter, who reminds her everyday of what is important in this life. Dee has unlocked her creative side as an artist, poet, and a writer. She is thrilled to announce the publication of her first book, Under the Radar- When Truth Hides in Plain Sight in stores by the end of 2020.
Jessica Vernon (Board Member)
Jessica Vernon is a trilingual storyteller, a conscious traveler, and above all, a deeply compassionate human dedicated to making a positive impact on the people and places she encounters.
As the founder of Inspirada Creative, a Storytelling and Creative Communications studio based in Charleston, SC, Jessica collaborates with diverse clients worldwide, helping founders, artists, and entrepreneurs share narratives that educate and inspire action. Jessica is passionate about working with purpose-driven startups and community organizations that are providing practical solutions to help repair our world.
Since becoming a mother, Jessica's sense of responsibility has deepened, motivating her to take a more proactive role in shaping the community she envisions for her daughter. Recently, she has gotten involved with local gun violence prevention groups, gaining profound insights into the pervasive mistrust and fear at the root of this issue. Believing in the transformative power of stories to heal and bridge divides, Jessica is dedicated to sharing stories of social justice, violence prevention, and the grassroots organizations working tirelessly to heal our communities.
When she’s not writing, brainstorming, or playing make believe with her daughter, Jessica can be found in the ocean or atop a mountain. You can connect with her on IG @inspiradacreative
Dr. Zakevia Lewis-Kendrick (Board Member)
Dr. Zakevia Lewis-Kendrick has dedicated her life to helping others improve theirs through, Education, Insight, and Change.
Zakevia is an experienced Board Member, Mental Health Professional and Entrepreneur. Zakevia is a visionary leader with over 15 years’ experience as an educator, counselor, and clinical therapist. Zakevia is very passionate about empowering individuals, families, and communities to live spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy lives. As a family therapist, she can integrate her knowledge of education and mental health issues to help families’ problem-solve, overcome personal issues, and work toward positive home and school experiences. Zakevia also counsels’ adults who are experiencing life transitions, mood disorders, grief and loss, or psychological and spiritual problems. Her clients include those who wish to improve their marriages, parenting, communication, and/or life skills.
Zakevia is employed at the Medical University of South Carolina, Governmental Affairs as a Program Manager for Violence Prevention, and a professor at Limestone College, Social Work Department. Zakevia is also known for assisting not-for-profit organizations in revamping their programs and services as well as spearheading profitable growth and horning in on their core competencies. Zakevia is a highly strategic and results-focused executive, who loves tackling tough problems women face in the workplace and challenging issues that force others to shrink, and she does so with an uncommonly high level of persistence and commitment based on her years of training experience. Zakevia have a knack for making meaningful connections with audiences and an insatiable appetite for helping others maximize their potential, Zakevia knows how to rock a platform, connect with a crowd, and provide training so that others can be inspired to be a better version of themselves not matter what life has served them.
Internationally known as a passionate advocate for sustainability, and environmental and social justice, she's also a diligent, results-driven leader who continues to demonstrate success, while developing and managing programs that drive impact and change lives. Her background includes extensive expertise in conflict resolution, change management, recruiting, retention, and strategic planning. She also works tirelessly to build long-term, trusting relationships with clients and families to provide quality, ongoing care, while consistently analyzing data to drive decision making to implement improvements and successful solutions.
Zakevia is also the owner of Divine Intervention Professional Counseling Service; where she inspires, motivates, and encourages individuals to be their "Best Self." She has established a foundation in her son's honor called the Jeremiah Henry Kendrick Memorial Foundation and serves her community in many different capacities one being Jeremiah's Journey an Adopt-A-Highway Initiative, in Goose Creek, as well as providing scholarships to individuals who have Sickle Cell Disease and are pursuing a Higher Education.
Dr. Zakevia received her professional training from Argosy University where she earned her Doctoral degree (Ed.D.) in Pastoral Community Counseling/Counseling Psychology, her MSW (master’s degree in social work) from the University of South Carolina, and her BSW (bachelor’s degree in social work) from Limestone College. Zakevia is a Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner in the state of South Carolina, Licensed Clinical Social Work-Associate, Certified Life Coach, and a Certified Adoption Investigator.
Tisa Whack (Board Member)
Tisa holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and is candidate for a Master of Science Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Project Management.
Tisa is the co-founder of the nonprofit organization “We Are Their Voices”. This organization was birthed in 2017 after the tragic loss of her son and only child due to senseless gun violence and works to create awareness and communication among young adults and communities on the impact on gun violence. The organization is the “voice” of gun violence victims who can no longer speak for themselves and provides access, outlets, and opportunities to help troubled young men divert from negativity and gun violence and hosts monthly support meetings for families.
Tisa is also a founding member of Taking Back Our Village, an advisory board established in 2014 that consist of community members, volunteers, and law enforcement within Charleston County Sheriff’s Office who are dedicated to improving the overall well-being of our local communities. They promote activities that will empower citizens, strengthen families, and encourage young people to become productive members of society.
In addition, Tisa is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America- Charleston Chapter Community Lead, former Deputy Chapter Lead for SC Chapter of Moms Demand Action, and a Survivor Fellow with Everytown Survivor Network.
Tisa holds many hats in the community but holds pride in each of them and is dedicated to being an advocate and often references scripture that is dear to her heart and has guided her in the roller-coaster journey of life. 2 Corinthians 1:4 “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Our Partners & Collaborators: Stronger Together
We believe in the power of partnerships. Our work would not be possible without the support and collaboration of other organizations equally committed to violence prevention and survivor advocacy.
Tri-County Gun Violence Coordinating Council (GVCC)
Collaborative policy work and public safety initiatives.
Greater Charleston Area Moms Demand Action
Gun violence prevention and community safety advocacy.
BeSMART Program
Promoting responsible gun ownership through public awareness campaigns.
Charleston County Sheriff’s Department & Local Law Enforcement
Joint initiatives on violence prevention and community safety.
Wadmalaw Island Community Center
Providing meals and resources for events and survivors.
Survivor Advocacy Organizations
Working alongside legal aid services, victim advocates, and nonprofits to support survivors.
Faith-Based & Educational Institutions
Engaging with churches, schools, and universities to promote education, mentorship, and prevention initiatives.
Research Collaborators: College of Charleston (CofC)
Partnering on Community Based Participatory Research to assess and address community needs related to gun violence prevention.
Research Collaborators: East Carolina University (ECU)
Expanding research efforts to scale community-led violence prevention strategies across the Carolinas.
By working together, we amplify our impact—advocating for survivors, shaping policies, and building a future where every individual can live free from violence.