Mary Black Foundation Announces 2026 Dr. George Newby, Jr. Community Health Fellow
The Mary Black Foundation is excited to name Elizabeth Tisdale, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties, as the 2026 Dr. George Newby, Jr. Community Health Fellow. Each year, this fellowship is awarded to an exceptional leader of a funded organization who is advancing community health through innovation, advocacy, and meaningful impact.
Leadership Rooted in Service
Tisdale brings more than 30 years of experience serving children and families in the Upstate. After earning a degree in psychology from Wofford College, Tisdale began her career with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) in 1992. Over the course of three decades, she served in several roles, including economic services, employment services, and child protective services, eventually becoming Director of Union County DSS.
Throughout her career, she worked closely with families navigating complex challenges and barriers to resources. Following her retirement from DSS, Tisdale joined the Children’s Advocacy Center, where she now leads the organization’s efforts to support children who have experienced physical or sexual abuse and/or witnessed violence.
Supporting Children Through Coordinated Care
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties provides support and services for children who have experienced abuse or trauma.
Since 1996, the CAC has served as a central location where children can share their experiences and access support services in a safe, child-centered environment. The organization brings together law enforcement, social services, medical professionals, and mental health providers to respond to child abuse cases through a multidisciplinary approach.
This model reduces the number of times children must recount their experiences while ensuring they receive coordinated care and support. The CAC also provides trauma-focused therapy and family advocacy services at no cost to children and their families. In 2025, the organization served 1,221 children across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties.
Growing Demand for Services
Demand for Children’s Advocacy Center services has increased in recent years. Since the passage of South Carolina’s Child Abuse Response Protocol Act in 2021, which requires a multidisciplinary response to child abuse cases, the CAC has experienced a 39% increase in the number of children served.
While partner agencies involved in the response protocol receive designated funding, Children’s Advocacy Centers do not receive guaranteed funding to support their services. Despite these challenges, Tisdale said early intervention and trauma-informed care can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children and community health overall.
Advancing Community Health
Tisdale said being named the 2026 Newby Fellow is both a personal honor and a recognition of the work being done at the Children’s Advocacy Center.
“Spartanburg is a community I care deeply about, and it is meaningful to be recognized in a way that reflects a commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families,” she said.
“We see every day how trauma and abuse affect not only children, but the health of families and communities,” she said. “Protecting and supporting children is an important part of building a healthier future.”
Through the fellowship, Tisdale said she looks forward to continued collaboration with community partners to strengthen the systems that support children and families across the region.
About the Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties is a nonprofit organization that provides services to children who have been sexually or physically abused and/or witness to violence. Its mission is to heal and give voice to abused children through assessment, treatment, education, and community partnerships.
About the Newby Fellowship
The Newby Fellowship was established by the Mary Black Foundation, an independent grantmaking organization in Spartanburg, to honor the legacy of Dr. George Newby, Jr., a tireless advocate for health equity. The fellowship recognizes leaders who are advancing community health through innovation, advocacy, and meaningful impact. Fellows receive funding and capacity-building support to further their mission and drive sustainable change.
