Horry County First Steps has been a vital part of our community since 2002. We were founded to ensure that children enter school healthy and ready to learn. We have continued to grow with the help of our donors and volunteers who make our mission possible. Through all these years, our focus still remains the same: support young children, their families, and community members to promote school readiness.
Important Policies
Non-discrimination policy
HCFS does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, rights guaranteed by state or federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing staff, selecting volunteers and vendors, and providing services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. Further, HCFS provides language access services at no charge to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) and persons with a disability served by HCFS, including interpretation and translation services. HCFS will make reasonable accommodations for persons under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Confidentiality policy
HCFS’ Confidentiality Policy states that information about personal facts and circumstances of First Steps employees, clients, and other citizens will be kept confidential and will not be shared or otherwise disclosed without proper authorization or consent, except as required by law or as required to perform agency responsibilities. Protected health information that identifies an individual generally cannot be released unless properly authorized by the client or his/her legal representative, or pursuant to a specific exception under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The Family Privacy Protection Act and other state and federal laws may place additional limitations on disclosure of personal information.
