News
February 27, 2026
In the heart of Columbia, Palmetto Place serves as more than just a shelter — it’s a lifeline for youth facing homelessness, neglect, or unstable home environments. Founded in 1977 by the Junior Woman’s Club of Columbia, the organization began as a small emergency shelter created by community members who saw a gap in care for vulnerable children. In its earliest years, Palmetto Place served younger youth in crisis, providing immediate safety and stability at a time when few other resources existed.
Over time, as the needs of the Midlands community shifted, so did the organization.
In the Jan/Feb issue and at link below, read “Palmetto Place - Where hope finds a home.”
https://columbiametro.com/article/palmetto-place/
Written By: Christian Osborne
Photography: Robert Clark
December 4, 2025
As winter's chill settles into Columbia and we gear up for a season of joy, hosting, and celebrating with loved ones, it's important to remember that this time of year is also critical for unsheltered children and teens in our Midlands community.
Our 2025 Social Mission partner, Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services is an invaluable resource, providing everything from a warm bed to a safe environment where unsheltered youth can feel at home.
Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/49tS3xz
Learn how you can help Palmetto Place this season by visiting https://bit.ly/4oUwbjP
September 2, 2025
Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services Announces New Leadership Team
Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, provider of housing and services for youth who have faced abuse, abandonment, neglect, or homelessness in the Midlands of South Carolina, is pleased to announce that Damien Talley has been named Executive Director and Heather Turner has been promoted to the role of Deputy Director.
Damien joins Palmetto Place as a mission-driven leader in working with disadvantaged youth, and Heather, the current Interim Executive Director and Human Resources and Operations Manager, has been an integral member of the team since 2021, overseeing HR operations and compliance and fully engaging in outreach to the community.
“It is evident that Damien’s life’s work has been about creating stability, opportunity, and dignity for young people who too often face hardship alone,” Shirley Clark, Palmetto Place board chair, said, “and Heather has continued to show her leadership and commitment to the organization as she efficiently held dual roles through this transition. Their skills complement each other in the best possible way, and we are looking forward to how their leadership will support and expand our services to disadvantaged youth.”
“I am humbled and excited to step into the role of Executive Director of Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, where I see both a strong foundation and a powerful opportunity. My commitment is to build on the incredible work already being done,” said Talley.
Damien holds a B.A. in Sociology from Lane College and a Masters of Education from Tennessee State University and has had roles as Vice President of Supportive Housing of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless; Executive Director of the Durham Crisis Response Center; Chief Program Officer of the Friends of Youth, and Vice President of Domestic Violence Services and Director of Residential Services of the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee.
Heather holds a B.A. in Accounting and Communications and a Master of Arts in Organizational Change and Leadership from Columbia College. Before joining Palmetto Place, Heather has had roles as Director of Admissions and Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Special Projects at Allen University; Regional Recruitment Director, South Region of City Year, Inc.; and
Recruitment and Operations Manager, Service & Events/Young Heroes Senior Program Manager, and Civic Engagement Project Leader at City Year Columbia.
The Palmetto Place Board would like to welcome Damien to South Carolina and also extend congratulations and appreciation to Heather Turner.