South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging has announced that it will study the feasibility of establishing a presence in the Midlands region of the state.

SCBMA, which is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, currently operates two retirement campuses — Martha Franks Retirement Community in Laurens and Bethea Retirement Community in Darlington.

Last year, SCBMA engaged a third-party firm to complete a market feasibility and financial study, which indicated more than a 20 percent growth projected in individuals 75 years or older in the greater Columbia area.

A new community in the Midlands would be privately funded by its residents. However, in order to break ground, SCBMA will need the help of the community, said the ministry’s president and CEO, Tom Turner. SCBMA has formed an Expansion Advisory Committee to help raise awareness and funding for the possible community.

“For more than 60 years, South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging has been providing safe, Christ-centered environments where seniors can live and serve the Lord,” said Turner. “Beginning with a donation of property for Bethea in 1954 and a donation from the Franks family in 1985 for Martha Franks, SCBMA takes pride in providing professional service that strives to insure all seniors thrive.

“SCBMA properties provide maintenance-free living with life-enriching programs and opportunities to enjoy retirement not only for Baptists but for people of other faiths. Our continuing-care retirement communities offer options for independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

CCRC residents never have to leave the campus for long-term health needs.

“Our board of trustees recognize the senior needs that will grow in the years to come, and we hope to meet that need by serving the Midlands,” said Turner.

For opportunities to help SCBMA expand into the Midlands, contact Annie Eveleigh, SCBMA’s director of advancement, at 803-227-6058.