Headwaters Foundation is making waves in the CSRA and Upstate South Carolina, not just for what it gives but for how deeply it operates in our community’s heart. Founded on the conviction that every child and parent deserves care, guidance, love, and opportunity, the organization focuses on helping single-parent households through financial assistance, educational opportunities, and mentorship. The name “Headwaters” was chosen because, like a river’s headwaters, childhood is where lives begin, with small streams of support combining into a river that shapes the strength of character and the overall health of the individual.
On September 15, 2025, Headwaters hosted its inaugural golf tournament at The River Golf Club in North Augusta, South Carolina, bringing together locals, business owners, and community champions for a sun-filled day of competition, camaraderie, and earnest giving. The turnout was incredible, with players and sponsors alike stepping up to support single-parent families across our region. Proceeds from the tournament will help the organization’s core mission of partnering with parents and children in single-parent households throughout the Central Savannah River Area and Upstate SC, providing scholarships, grants, financial assistance, and mentorship.
Robbie Breland, owner of REFT Equipment, a local Aiken business, not only teed off as a participant but also stepped up as a sponsor. Breland shared that his experience as a single dad navigating life was one reason Headwaters' work struck such a powerful chord with him. “My daughter has always been my world,” he shared with me. “When I saw what Headwaters is doing, helping single-parent households and supporting these kids, it felt like more than a charity; it felt like a family. I wanted to give back and lift up other single parents and children who are doing all they can. Supporting their mission was the natural thing to do.”
Jonathan Wickliffe, President of the Board of the Headwaters Foundation, has a deeply personal story. “Coming from a large single-parent family, with seven children, I saw firsthand the struggles and challenges that are ever-present for both the parents and children in a single-parent family. I will be forever grateful to my mother, family, friends, and coworkers for their sacrifices, mentorship, and financial assistance throughout not only my childhood but also my adult life. If it wasn’t for these people, I would not be where I am today.” His voice was full of humility when he said that. “When my close friend Barrett (current Vice President) suggested several of us start a charity specifically focused on assisting single-parent families, I only wish I had been the one to put the idea forward. Being a part of the great team at Headwaters Foundation is an extreme honor. I am excited for what we will do for single-parent families in the CSRA and Upstate SC.”
What comes through in conversations with Breland, Wickliffe and others who support or work with Headwaters is not just dedication but love. The golf tournament was more than a fundraiser. It was proof that people believe in the mission. It was sunlight breaking through for families who often feel overlooked. It was neighbors helping neighbors. It was seeing single-parent households lifted up with practical help and emotional support.
If you walked The River course that day, you saw more than swings and scorecards, you saw community in motion. There were business logos on banners, friends cheering, and even strangers striking up conversations about how to help kids get through school or find mentors. That’s the real reward.
The call is simple: continue to support the Headwaters Foundation. Volunteer. Donate. Be a mentor. Be a sponsor. Walk a course. Whatever role you choose, it makes a difference. For every child and parent who needs someone to believe in them, this organization is stepping in. With your help, that river of support will only grow deeper, wider, and stronger.
When I saw what Headwaters is doing, helping single-parent households and supporting these kids, it felt like more than a charity; it felt like a family. I wanted to give back and lift up other single parents and children who are doing all they can. Supporting their mission was the natural thing to do.