Growing up in Greenville, Bennett Dixon enjoyed a childhood filled with meaningful fun that carried on into adulthood. In 2018, he and his wife, Hannah Dixon, founded Poe Mill Achievement Center to provide equally joy-filled formative experiences for children living in under-resourced communities.
PMAC is a free, after-school and summer-enrichment program for elementary children, operating out of Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church.
Every school day, PMAC staff pick up 38 students from Stone Academy and Cherrydale Elementary School. The children spend afternoons engaged in free play, biking and organized games. Music, dance and other arts are introduced, and time is set aside for reading, homework and group activities. They end their day with a shared meal.
PMAC students with Hannah Dixon on a three-day Barrier Island Field Trip on the coast of South Carolina.“We provide experiences for children to delight in their childhood, discover their gifts and talents, and develop into creative members of their communities,” said Hannah Dixon, executive director. “Our kiddos have many opportunities daily to discover what gets them excited about life. We offer children the chance to explore what the world offers.”
Board member Pam Adams described the program as “life changing” both for the children and for their families, who benefit from knowing that their children are in a safe place with people who care about them.
“My kids absolutely love being here,” said a PMAC parent. “I see them glow when they talk about PMAC. That gives me a sense of security and calmness.”
Dixon said PMAC staff support the children holistically by partnering with their families and teachers, developing meaningful, long-term relationships.
“It takes a village! Our students are amazing and also have many challenges in their backgrounds, including generational trauma, poverty and housing instability,” Dixon said. “This is our eighth year, and some students and their siblings have been with us since the beginning. They come back for monthly family nights and gatherings and weekend retreats for middle- and high-school boys. Some have even served as summer interns and volunteers.”
One Stone Academy teacher said, “PMAC gives them the joy of a community where they feel comfortable and safe — that sense of inner value and being loved.”
Because the program is free, PMAC depends on the generosity of local donors, businesses and organizations to continue its mission. PMAC also depends on a wide array of volunteers to help with meals, events, tutoring and special activities. It’s a collaborative, community effort, Dixon said.
Community Foundation of Greenville awarded PMAC a $25,000 grant from the Margaret Linder Southern Endowment Fund in 2025 to support their 2026 programming.
For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit pmacgvl.org.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
