Our Vision is that “Every Child Wins”
VISION
Every Child Wins
MISSION
To provide Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties youth with the tools they need to succeed in every area of their lives.
VALUES
Integrity
Accountability
Commitment to Success
Diversity
Consistency
Empowerment
Community
HISTORY
Lowcountry Youth Services (LYS), formerly known as Connections and You, Inc, was founded by Ricardo Perry in Hanahan, South Carolina, in October 2008. The organization aimed to create the Bennie Warren Home for Boys, a residence for young men who were either runaways or in the DSS or DJJ systems. The home would provide a positive and influential environment for these young men. However, due to various challenges in bringing them home to reality and the immediate need for a positive effect on the young men in the community, the organization pivoted and established the Distinguished Gentlemen's Club (DGC) in April 2010. DGC aimed to provide the same support to young men in the community rather than in one central location. Over time, the program grew, and in April 2013, it expanded to two chapters - DGC Hanahan and DGC North Charleston. In 2016, DGC Summerville was added as a chapter, and in 2017, the program merged into one. At the end of 2018, DGC officially rebranded as LYS, allowing for additional mentoring programs and community workshops to be offered.
Since its inception, LYS has served over 700 young men and women and their families through its number of mentoring programs.
LYS has been featured in many publications, such as The Post and Courier, The Hanahan Gazette, and The Summerville Journal Scene, and being highlighted on WCIV News and WCSC News on various occasions. LYS has also received grants from Senator Marlon Kimpson, Jaime Harrison, Dominion Energy, and many others. Many organizations and local governments have also recognized LYS via awards.
Every child can benefit from structured support, and every child can win if given the opportunity! If you're interested in getting involved in our mentoring programs, reach out at info@lowcountryyouth.org
Download the Information Packet
Leadership
Executive Committee
ReZsaun Lewis - Executive Director
Position: Executive Director
Year You Began Working with LYS: 2016
What attracted you to our cause? Our organization?
I have an interest in working with young men who have the tools to be successful but just need someone who cares enough to show them the way and not give up on them when they make mistakes. I believe in the power of mentorship.
What keeps you here?
Since coming to LYS in 2016, I’ve seen this organization from multiple angles, and I’ve seen the growth that we’ve experienced over the year. I’ve also seen the impact that we make on the lives of each and every family that we come into contact with. It makes me hopeful for the future if we just keep going!
What inspires you?
I’m inspired each time I see one of the young men who came through our organization achieve a personal, academic or professional goal, knowing that it may not have happened without us.
Something interesting about yourself?
I’m a veteran of the United States Army and I’ve also served my community as a teacher. I love music and God.
Advisory Committee
Tenesia Slempa
ILona King-Wilson
Danell Miller
McDendrick Dunn
Monica Scott
Jerome Colden
Richard Gibson
Charvis Wood
Board Members
Jamie Bierdz
Danielle Hardee-Richardson
Jennifer Swanton
Ben Pogue

ReZsaun Lewis
Executive Director