Fact Forward Relocates, Partnering with Columbia College

After 15 months of working virtually, Fact Forward is officially opening its new office on the Columbia College campus located at 4702 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203.   

The new office is equipped to hold in-person meetings, trainings, and events. The majority of Fact Forward staff will continue to work from; this model has proven to be successful for the organization. In an effort support staff as we navigate a new era of hybrid working, this space on the Columbia College campus boasts co-work facilities for staff to utilize when working from home is not an option.  

Fact Forward, a 501c3 organization, works to improve the health and economic well-being of individuals, communities, the state of South Carolina, and beyond by preventing teen pregnancy and advancing adolescent reproductive health. This is done through training educators, health professionals, and trusted adults on adolescent reproductive health.  

"Fact Forward has led a statewide effort to advocate for teen reproductive health since 1994. Moving to a college campus is an exciting new chapter for us," E.A. Beth De Santis, CEO of Fact Forward, said. "We are thrilled about partnering with Columbia College and the potential opportunities it brings to support the college in its mission to prepare students for success both personally and professionally."  

Fact Forward’s work aligns well with Columbia College’s mission, says College President Tom Bogart.  

“Columbia College is committed to helping our students thrive in the classroom, in their chosen career fields, as active citizens, and in life. Fact Forward’s dedication to providing more opportunities for young people to thrive dovetails well with the work we are doing at Columbia College.” 

The College continues to broaden its work with local non-profit and community-based organizations through the utilization and enhancement of its properties. The agreement with Fact Forward, which brings the organization to its new location at 4702 Colonial Drive, is the latest example of the College’s efforts. 

Although Richland County ranks 45th out of 46 counties in teen births, STIs remain an area of concern in this area. Richland County ranks 17th for the rate of chlamydia and 19th for the rate of gonorrhea. This is especially important to Fact Forward, considering adolescents (ages 15-24) accounted for 67 percent of chlamydia cases and 53 percent of reported gonorrhea diagnoses in 2019.  

"We hope that through our presence and continued work in Richland County, we will be able to empower even more adolescents and families to make healthy and responsible reproductive health decisions," De Santis said.