• Christian, Inter-denominational, Non-Profit, 501(c) 3 Organization

• 1952 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Zorach v. Clauson) Justice William Douglas wrote, “When the state encourages religious instruction or cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions. For it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs.”

• The first Released-time program in South Carolina was started in Ware Shoals in 1992

• Released-time programs are active around this nation, as well as in 14 school districts in South Carolina. Over 5,000 public school students attend Bible classes daily in SC.

• In January 2001 Coastal School Ministries (formerly Horry CARES) started a pilot program at St. James Middle School with 150 students attending. Of this first group 40 gave their lives to Christ.

• On August 7, 2001 the Horry County Council passed a resolution of support (#114-01) of the Released-time programs offered through Horry CARES (now Coastal School Ministries.

• June 2, 2006 the South Carolina Released-Time Credit Act was signed into law by Governor Mark Sanford. The bill, now a law as Act 322, simply states that released-time is legal according to the United States and South Carolina Constitutions and that local school boards have all the power they need to grant elective high school credit for Bible classes taken off campus.

• Horry County School District has approved a Released-time policy county wide, as well as given approval for high school credit.

• Currently, students from St. James Middle and St. James High Schools have the opportunity at study God’s Word daily during their elective period.

• Since 2001 Coastal School Ministries (formerly Horry CARES) has had the privilege to minister to almost 1,300 students and celebrate 115+ first time commitments to Christ!