Legacy Passion

-Cultural History

Helen Gause and the Gause Family Legacy of Service

Helen Gause, granddaughter of the legendary midwife Eliza Jane Gause and daughter of Roberta Gause, represents a powerful lineage of resilience and community care—a legacy that deeply resonates with UCAN!’s mission. Alongside her sister, Snowree Gause, Helen embodies the same spirit of compassion and dedication that defined Eliza’s work. Just as Eliza broke barriers to provide healthcare to all, UCAN! carries forward this commitment by addressing systemic inequities in food security, health access, and economic opportunity. The Gause family’s generational dedication to uplifting others inspires UCAN!’s initiatives, from nourishing families through Healthy Food Boxes to empowering youth leadership. Their story reminds us that true progress is built on service, unity, and an unwavering belief in community—the very principles that drive UCAN! today.

"From Eliza’s healing hands to our collective action—the legacy lives on."


How Eliza Jane Gause Inspires UCAN! Today

  1. Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
  • Like Eliza, UCAN! serves marginalized communities without barriers, addressing systemic inequities in food security, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
  • Her example reinforces our focus on empowering underserved populations, including BIPOC farmers, families, and youth.

  2. Community-Centered Care

  • Eliza’s hands-on approach mirrors UCAN!’s initiatives, such as the Healthy Food Boxes program and Health Education Workshops, which prioritize direct, compassionate support.
  • Our Food Hub and Farmers’ Market ensures access to nutritious food, much like Eliza ensured access to healthcare in remote areas.

  3. Resilience and Leadership

  • Despite challenges, Eliza’s perseverance inspires UCAN!’s entrepreneurial programs (e.g., microloans, mentorship) and Youth Leadership Summits, which cultivate future changemakers.
  • Her legacy is honored in our Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage initiatives, preserving the history of resilient communities.

  4. Holistic Impact

  • Eliza’s life reminds us that empowerment spans generations. UCAN!’s Summer Youth Camps and E3 Leadership Summit invest in young leaders, ensuring her spirit of service endures.

A Call to Continue Her Legacy
UCAN! invites Eliza’s descendants and the Board to join us in:

  • Expanding healthcare access through partnerships (e.g., Medicaid reimbursements for preventive care).
  • Supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly women and minorities, as Eliza supported mothers.
  • Celebrating cultural heritage through programs like the Gullah Geechee Corridor Cultural History, honoring her roots.

Eliza Jane Gause’s life teaches us that change begins with courage and compassion. UCAN! strives to embody these principles daily, transforming her legacy into actionable progress for Brunswick County and beyond.

Together, we can build a future where every community thrives.


Snowree Gause Hewett: A Legacy of Educational Excellence and Community Empowerment

Snowree Gause Hewett, sister of Helen Gause and granddaughter of the pioneering midwife Eliza Jane Gause, has dedicated her life to nurturing future generations through education—a calling that aligns profoundly with UCAN!’s mission of equity and empowerment. A Columbia University graduate with a Master’s in Education, Snowree served Brunswick County Schools for 37 years, shaping young minds as a beloved primary school teacher at Union Primary School. Her commitment to community growth extended beyond the classroom when she established and operate Brunswick County’s first minority licensed childcare center since 1994, ensuring working families had access to safe, enriching early learning environments.

Snowree’s work embodies the same values of service, resilience, and inclusion that define UCAN!’s initiatives. Just as Eliza Jane Gause broke barriers in healthcare, Snowree advanced educational equity, laying the groundwork for programs like UCAN!’s Summer Youth Camps and E3 Leadership Summit, which prioritize opportunity for marginalized youth. Her legacy reminds us that education is the foundation of empowerment—and that lasting change begins with investing in our children.

"From Eliza’s healing hands to Snowree’s guiding voice—the Gause family legacy inspires UCAN! to uplift, educate, and unite."

Fun Fact: Snowree’s childcare center became a model for early childhood development in rural communities, mirroring UCAN!’s focus on sustainable, grassroots solutions.


Thomas C. Green: A Pillar of Service in UCAN's Health and Hunger Initiatives

Thomas C. Green, proud descendant of midwife pioneer Eliza Jane Gause and son of Helen Gause, served as one of UCAN's most dedicated volunteers, leaving an indelible mark on the organization's health and food security programs. His compassionate service shone brightest during UCAN's COVID-19 response efforts, where he worked tirelessly at testing and vaccination events - including a memorable initiative attended by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher. A historic photograph captures Thomas alongside Dr. Satcher at one of these community events, symbolizing UCAN's vital bridge between national health leadership and local action.

Beyond pandemic response, Thomas was a constant presence in UCAN's food distribution programs, ensuring Brunswick County families had consistent access to nutritious meals. He brought particular passion to mentoring young men in the community, often using food distribution sites as opportunities to connect with and guide the next generation. Whether preparing health kits, organizing vaccine drives, or loading food boxes, Thomas embodied UCAN's mission through his selfless dedication.

"From his great-grandmother's home midwifery practice to his own frontline health service, Thomas Green proved that care for community runs deep in the Gause family legacy."

Legacy Note: The photo of Thomas with Dr. Satcher remains proudly displayed at UCAN headquarters, serving as inspiration for current health equity initiatives.


Carmella Green: Honoring a Legacy of Financial Empowerment

Though Carmela Green passed before UCAN's founding, her pioneering spirit as a banking professional and commitment to financial literacy live on through our economic empowerment programs. As a respected figure in Brunswick County's financial sector, Carmella broke barriers in an era when women—especially women of color—faced significant obstacles in banking and business.

UCAN honors Carmella's legacy by:

Incorporating financial education into our entrepreneurship training programs, teaching the money management principles she championed

Offering small business microloans that reflect her belief in equitable access to capital

Hosting annual youth financial literacy workshops to inspire future generations

"Carmela planted seeds of economic wisdom  that UCAN now cultivates—ensuring her vision for an empowered community continues to grow."