At New Life Center, we believe no one should face hard times alone. We’re a grassroots nonprofit in Honea Path, South Carolina, offering community support through free food, a clothing bank, and essential household items to anyone who needs a helping hand.

Our mission is simple: serve with dignity, compassion, and practical care. We show up for our neighbors without judgment and without strings. Whether you're here to receive assistance, curious to learn about us, or looking for ways to give back, we welcome you with open arms.

New Life Center is entirely volunteer-led and fueled by the generosity of our local community. Our outreach is possible thanks to donations, partnerships, and the belief that people helping people can make a real difference in the world. From the smallest gift to the biggest gesture, every act of kindness strengthens the work we do.

About the NLC

Meet the NLC Board Members

The NLC is overseen by a committed board of local volunteers who guide our mission and support our daily operations

Hi there, I'm Jeremiah Palmer. It’s an honor to serve as a board member of the NLC, an organization dedicated to helping those in need with food, clothing, and household essentials. I’m the pastor of New Broadmouth Baptist Church and serve as chaplain for several organizations, including Vets Helping Vets Anderson, the Upstate Marine Corps League, and the Order of the Purple Heart. Helping people is my calling.

Hi! I'm Deborah Fuller. I'm a nurse and mortician and I love helping people! Giving back is my passion. I joined the NLC board because it's a great opportunity to reach people in the local Upstate South Carolina area, and also to show people how much we care about them!

Hi, I’m James Bell—one of the founding members of NLC. I helped establish our 501(c)(3) status and served as the first Chairman of the Board. Our motto is simple: people helping people. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the helping hands of others. I hope you’ll join us as we work to lift up our neighbors and make life a little better for those who need it most.

Hi, my name is Tonya Simmons and I’m the newly elected Chairman of the board at NLC since June 2025. I’ve been a member of the board since 2017 and prior to that I was a volunteer. Helping people have been my passion my entire life and NLC will give me the means to help more and more people in need. I’m proud to be a part of a nonprofit that gives so freely to the community. I want people to feel nothing but joy when they come and leave with smiles on their faces. We are people helping people.

Hello, I’m Lloyd Cornelius, a proud NLC board member. I was born in Ozark, Alabama and raised in North Carolina and Virginia. I served in the Marine Corps from 1978–1984, then spent 40 years at Lockheed Martin before retiring in May 2025.

I’ve always believed in helping folks, and after retirement, joining the board felt like the right way to give back. These days, you’ll find me at the Center—lending a hand, listening, and doing whatever needs doing.

My name is Eric Gladden, and I’m the treasurer of the NLC. I was born in Greenwood, SC, and went to school in Ware Shoals before earning a sociology degree from Newberry College. I’m an Army veteran with two tours in the Middle East and Afghanistan, and I serve as a deacon at New Broadmouth Baptist Church.

At NLC, we’re here to help anyone in need. I’ve been blessed to be married to my wonderful wife, Effie, for 33 years. God bless you all.

Recognizing Pete Thompson

Pete Thompson, a licensed contractor from California, was visiting family here in Anderson County when he noticed something that stopped him in his tracks—a long line of people waiting for food. He asked, “Why are all these folks in line?” and from that moment, he felt called to help.

Inspired to start a nonprofit, Pete searched for a location and was offered space across the road at New Broadmouth Baptist Church. Thanks to generous donations and community support, the work was completed entirely through giving hearts. The doors of the New Life Center officially opened in October 2009.

Though he returned to California, Pete still keeps in touch—and continues to support the Center to this day. We’re proud to honor his vision and heart for people.