Impact Report 2025
And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision, and make it clear upon the tablets, That he may run that reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time. But at the end it shall speak and Will not lie.
Though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT. Because it shall surely come. It will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Connie Maxwell Dreamers,
“Signs of Progress” surround us everywhere…
The new Entrance Signs are symbolic of our bright and promising future. The scripture above will be engraved on these signs given by the Connie Maxwell Alumni Association and stand as a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness to us through the ages.
These signs will usher in a litany of new projects that will define Connie Maxwell’s vision to be “a national leader in healing and ministry fir vulnerable children and families.”
Indeed, our dreams are coming true!
“Signs of Progress” are even more deeply revealed as you thumb through the pages of this 2025 IMPACT Report.
It spotlights special stories and events that have deeply ministered to our children and families. It includes exciting updates on our “Decade of Dreams” plan –the continued development of our Healing Center, reimagining Maxwell Farms, and our new campus in Charleston.
Additionally, you will find an in-depth review of our services and finances that reveal growth and strength while displaying a colorful parade of events – worship concerts, the Corn Maze, another fabulous CM Christmas, and our winning an EMMY AWARD “For the
Dreams of Children” film series. All these things made for an extraordinary 2025!!
Thanks to each of you for believing in our DREAMS for children. Your prayers, financial support, and constant encouragement are appreciated more than you will ever know.
Connie Maxwell family is humbly thankful for all that was accomplished in 2025 and eagerly anticipate the new year ahead. So much more lies ahead – Wait for it!
For the Dreams of Children and the Glory of God,
DANNY NICHOLSON, PH.D. PRESIDENT
MISSION
Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries exists to restore the Faith, Family, and Future of vulnerable children and families through Christian services that emphasize ministry and healing.
VISION
Our vision is to become a national leader in healing and ministry for vulnerable children and families. Connie Maxwell has a long history of caring for children and their families and has continued to develop new programs with individualized services that provide stability and Christ-centered support during their time of need.
VALUES
• To be Christ Centered (Colossians 3:1-2)
• To promote Healing (Isaiah 53:5)
• To embrace Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
• To live in Unity (2 Corinthians 13:11)
• To realize Dreams (James 1:27)
• To practice Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2)
• To give Empathy (1 Corinthians 12:25-26)
• To act with Compassion (Colossians 3:12-13)
• To absolutely Surrender (Galatians 2:20)
• To strive for Excellence (Colossians 3:23)
The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) unites more than 200 respected organizations and 850+ church members. CAFO’s initiatives inspire and equip Christians to effectively live out the Bible’s call to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Member Organizations are required to embody the highest commitment to financial integirty, good governance, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Highlights 2025
GABE AND GABBY
Gabe and Gabby were baptized at Connie Maxwell Baptist Church! It was a joy to witness them take this next step in their journey of following Jesus.
ADOPTIONS
This year, 13 children were adopted by Connie Maxwell foster families. These children were joyfully welcomed into their forever families.
TAKE A KID FISHING
Our kids participated in the Take a Kid Fishing Tournament at Lake Greenwood, where they had the incredible opportunity to fish alongside real tournament pros. We are grateful to Rusty Nickles for organizing the event and for everyone who played a role in making it a great day for our kids!
GRADUATES
In 2025, we had seven students and one Family Care mom graduate from high school! The graduates pursued higher education or careers in the military. We are so proud of them!
Everyone had a great first day of school!
Kinsley and Holland led worship at church.
Jared and Gavin carved pumpkins in October.
The kids had a blast at Maxwell Farms.
Emily enjoyed horseback riding.
Landon and Mari visited an apple orchard.
Our kids attended LifeWay’s FUGE camp!
The boys chased waterfalls!
The girls had fun at the Mac Powell concert.
2025 Leadership
DR. DANNY NICHOLSON, II President
STEVE EDWARDS Vice President for Business Operations
ED GIDEWALL Senior Pastor of Connie Maxwell Baptist Church
BRAD SETZLER Vice President for Human Resources
Board of Trustees
TERM EXPIRES 2025
Rev. Michael DeCosta
Rev. Mike Moody
Mrs. Roma Muller
Mrs. Pam Sanders
Mr. James Wright
TERM EXPIRES 2026
Mr. Ladson Berry
Rev. David Cline, Jr.
Mrs. Janet Cofield
Dr. Ernest Mackins
Mrs. Carol Whitfield
TERM EXPIRES 2027
Mr. Bunyan Cave
Mr. Bobby Brown
Mr. Phillip C. Rine
Mr. Brian Whitaker
Mrs. Louanne Stewart
TERM EXPIRES 2028
Rev. David J. Bennett
Rev. Clark McCrary, III
Mr. Jerry Rentz
Mr. Eddy Thomas
Mr. Chuck Attaway
MICHELLE GEISER Vice President of Programs
DEBBIE MCDOWELL Chief of Staff
ERIC TAYLOR Vice President for Advancement and Campaign Director
TERM EXPIRES 2029
Mrs. Susan Frost
Rev. Doug Kauffmann
Dr. Paul Noe
Rev. Stan Sullivan
Dr. Roger Troutman
Individuals and Families Served
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVED
DAYS OF CARE
HOURS OF ENRICHMENT PROVIDED
HOURS OF TRANSITION TO INDEPENDENT
LIVING TRAINING PROVIDED
CRISIS CARE
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVED
DAYS OF CARE
HOURS OF ENRICHMENT PROVIDED
* Crisis Cottage closed for several months due to staffing issues during FY2025
FOSTER CARE
LICENSED FOSTER HOMES
CHILDREN SERVED
DAYS OF CARE
NEW FOSTER HOME APPLICATIONS RECEIVED ADOPTIONS BY FOSTER PARENTS
FAMILY CARE
SINGLE MOTHERS AND CHILDREN SERVED DAYS OF CARE
EDUCATION HOURS BY MOTHERS IN PROGRAM
HOURS OF SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT LIVING
YOUNG ADULTS SERVED
TOTAL
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES SERVED DAYS OF CARE
The Council on Accreditation accredits the full continuum of child welfare, behavioral health, and community-based human and social services for children, youth, adults, and families.
Total Income
Over the last three years, CM has been raising money for “A Campaign: For the Dreams of Children.” A significant portion of the revenue shown above is reserved for future capital projects (designated) and pledge commitments. These gifts are not available to fund operating expenses.
Total Expenses
Church Highlights
Throughout 2025, Church Engagement at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries strengthened relationships with churches across South Carolina, increased ministry visibility, and invited congregations to live on mission for children and families. The year was marked by statewide collaboration and growing momentum in volunteerism, foster care, prayer, and tangible support.
SUNDAY WORSHIP & CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Since May, Connie Maxwell participated in 12 Sunday worship services statewide, thanking host churches, celebrating partnerships, sharing ministry updates, and casting vision for the Decade of Dreams. Congregations were encouraged to live on mission through prayer, service, and foster care involvement.
MISSIONAL EVENTS & COMMUNITY PRESENCE
Connie Maxwell was represented at eight missional events and ministry fairs across South Carolina in 2025, connecting with churches and individuals interested in supporting children and families. A highlight was a shoe drive led by The Tyler Shaw Sunday School Class at Taylors First Baptist Church in partnership with Christmas Shoes Ministries, providing back-to-school shoes for every child in Connie Maxwell’s care.
ASSOCIATIONAL & STATEWIDE ENGAGEMENT WITH SCBC
Through its partnership with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Connie Maxwell participated in 17 fall associational meetings, engaging pastors and church leaders around partnership and foster care. The ministry also helped host a Pastors’ Fellowship at the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas and was represented at the SCBC Annual Meeting in Greenville. Additionally, the Allendale Hampton Baptist Association launched an annual food drive with strong church participation and meaningful impact.
STATEWIDE FOSTER CARE MOMENTUM
A major highlight of 2025 was the growing foster care partnership with NewSpring Church. On the weekend of November 2, Connie Maxwell representatives were present on 12 of NewSpring’s 13 campuses statewide, generating strong interest and momentum for a long-term partnership.
Top 25 Churches
Sweetwater Baptist Church NORTH AUGUSTA, SC
Hillcrest Baptist Church NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
Asaville Baptist Church ANDERSON, SC
Ebenezer Baptist Church WEST UNION, SC
First Mount Moriah Baptist Church GREENWOOD, SC
Honea Path First Baptist Church HONEA PATH, SC
St. Johns Baptist Church EHRHARDT, SC
New Providence Baptist Church HARTSVILLE, SC
Kelleytown Baptist Church HARTSVILLE, SC
Mt. Airy Baptist Church EASLEY, SC
South Main Baptist Church GREENWOOD, SC
Mt. Zion Baptist Church LORIS, SC
NewSpring Church Greenwood Campus GREENWOOD, SC
Roper Mountain Baptist Church GREENVILLE, SC
Westside Baptist Church CHERAW, SC
Brushy Creek Baptist Church EASLEY, SC
Oakwood Baptist Church LEXINGTON, SC
Mt. Ebal Baptist Church BATESBURG, SC
Cane Branch Baptist Church LORIS, SC
Abbeville First Baptist Church ABBEVILLE, SC
Bethcar Baptist Church WAGENER, SC
Berlin Baptist Church WAGENER, SC
North Trident Baptist Church LADSON, SC
Salem Baptist Church AYNOR, SC
St. Matthews First Baptist Church SAINT MATTHEWS, SC
LOOKING AHEAD
As Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries looks to the future, church engagement continues to focus on calling and equipping churches to live out the mission of caring for vulnerable children and families. The relationships strengthened and momentum built in 2025 provide a solid foundation for continued growth, deeper collaboration, and expanded impact in the years ahead.
FROM JANUARY-DECEMBER 2025
725 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
3,119 HOURS
$96k + IN LABOR VALUE
549 NEW PARTICIPANTS
Family Care Highlights
Throughout 2025, Family Care provided services and resources to more than 200 referred families, with 7–11 families (21–33 individuals) actively enrolled in the program at any given time.
Between five and seven moms were enrolled at Piedmont Technical College each semester, while others pursued or completed their GED. Two moms earned their GEDs this year, with additional participants enrolling in college and several balancing school with part- or full-time employment.
Multiple sobriety milestones were celebrated, including one-year and six-month anniversaries. Moms participated in NA meetings, counseling services, vocational rehabilitation, budgeting classes, CPR certification, and parenting support through community partners.
The program celebrated permanent reunifications, increased visitation privileges, successful program graduation, vehicle purchases, apartment moves, and driver’s license achievements. Children thrived academically and participated in extracurricular activities, while families engaged in Bible studies, campus events, monthly 3rd Tuesday dinners, and seasonal celebrations.
By year’s end, aftercare families were successfully closed, with continued support provided as needed, as Family Care equipped moms and children with stability, growth, and hope for lasting independence.
Foster Care Highlights
Our Foster Care team remained deeply committed to serving children and families throughout 2025. This year, we supported 42 licensed foster families across South Carolina, each faithfully opening their homes to children in need.
We also celebrated a meaningful milestone: 13 adoptions were finalized by families who first welcomed children through foster care. While reunification with birth families is always the primary goal, adoption becomes a beautiful outcome when reunification is not possible. We rejoice with these families who have opened both their homes and their hearts, offering children a permanent, loving foundation.
We ask for continued prayer for these adoptive families, as well as for our current foster families who are serving on the front lines of care. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about foster care, please visit conniemaxwell.com. Our team provides licensing and ongoing support for Christian foster families throughout South Carolina.
Events 2025
THE PREMIERE PRESENTATION OF THE HEALING CENTER
In May 2025, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries presented architectural renderings for its planned Healing Center at an event in Greenwood, signaling major progress in the organization’s Decade of Dreams strategic campaign. Attendees learned about the thoughtfully designed McCall Healing Center, the Nicholson Healing and Administration Center, and expansive landscaped areas intended to support trauma-informed care for children and families. Leadership emphasized that the project’s purpose goes beyond facilities—it embodies Connie Maxwell’s long-standing mission to guide vulnerable children toward wholeness through integrated spiritual, emotional, and therapeutic support. The campaign’s fundraising goal has been increased to $25 million, with significant gifts already pledged and major donors recognized for their support.
NIGHT OF WORSHIP WITH BENJAMIN WILLIAM HASTINGS
On March 15, 2025, over 500 people gathered at Maxwell Farms for a Night of Worship featuring acclaimed worship artist Benjamin William Hastings, after weather delays postponed the original date. The event, sponsored by NewSpring Church, included opening worship by NewSpring Worship and the Shandon Baptist Church Worship Team, culminating in a powerful evening of music and praise that engaged the community. Held on the future site of the Barbara “Binky” Mead Amphitheater, the worship night also helped spotlight Connie Maxwell’s 10-year strategic plan, A Decade of Dreams, advancing the vision to develop Maxwell Farms into a destination for ministry, concerts, recreation, animal therapy, and leadership programs that sustain the mission of healing and care. Attendees, sponsors, and volunteers contributed to Connie Maxwell’s mission to restore faith, family, and future for vulnerable children and families.
Scan to watch the 2025 highlight reel!
CORN MAZE AT MAXWELL FARMS
The annual fall Corn Maze at Maxwell Farms welcomed families, churches, and community partners for multiple evenings of seasonal fun and meaningful connection on September 26-27 and October 3-4, 2025. Guests enjoyed navigating the corn maze while also taking part in wagon rides, a kids’ zone, food trucks, a petting zoo, local craft vendors, and other family-friendly activities. The event created a vibrant atmosphere that drew both longtime supporters and many first-time visitors to the property.
Following a year of cancellation due to severe weather, the return of the Corn Maze marked an important moment of momentum and renewed excitement. More than just a fall tradition, the event served as a strategic opportunity to introduce the broader community to the evolving vision for Maxwell Farms as part of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries’ Decade of Dreams initiative. By combining outreach, fellowship, and revenue generation, the Corn Maze continues to play a vital role in strengthening community engagement while supporting the ministry’s mission to provide healing, hope, and a future for vulnerable children and families.
MAC POWELL CONCERT
On September 27, 2025, nearly 1,000 guests gathered at Maxwell Farms for a powerful evening of worship and community featuring Christian music artist Mac Powell and his full band. The concert also included an opening performance by Holly Brand of The Voice, creating an atmosphere of celebration and shared purpose as supporters, families, and community members came together in support of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries.
Beyond an inspiring night of music, the event played a meaningful role in advancing the ministry’s Decade of Dreams initiative to reimagine Maxwell Farms as a destination for ministry, outreach, and sustainable revenue generation. The concert would have been possible without the generosity of 14 sponsors, including stage sponsors ACO Landscaping, LLC, Southern Benefit Systems and NewSpring Church, who together raised $62,000 to give children a brighter future through Connie Maxwell. The evening not only generated critical funding but also deepened community engagement and enthusiasm for the future vision of Maxwell Farms.
Retirements
DEE MILLER Director of
WE WON AN EMMY!
Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries was awarded a 2025 Southeast Regional EMMY for its six-part narrative short film series, For the Dreams of Children, in the Outstanding Public Service Announcement Campaign category.
Additionally, the final film in the series, Dream On, has received the prestigious 2025 Birmingham Gold ADDY Award, the highest creative honor from the American Advertising Awards.
President Danny Nicholson shared, “This recognition reveals that God is at work raising up Connie Maxwell to become a national leader in healing and ministry for vulnerable children and families.”
The For the Dreams of Children series brings to life the heartfelt stories of our alumni and students, showcasing Connie Maxwell’s 133-year legacy of restoring the faith, family, and future of vulnerable children through Christcentered care.
We invite you to watch the For the Dreams of Children film series at forthedreamsofchildren.com/campaign-films and join us in celebrating this milestone.
Scan to watch the short film series!
