27 May The Max & Trude Heller Center for Community Engagement

Formally launched in 2026, The Max & Trude Heller Center for Community Engagement is a cornerstone of The Woodlands’ commitment to being not only a locally owned, not-for-profit Life Plan Community, but also a community-benefit organization dedicated to creating meaningful impact throughout the Greenville area. Inspired by the legacy of Max and Trude Heller, the Center was created to foster opportunities that bring people together across different generations, neighborhoods and backgrounds.

Max Heller, former Mayor of Greenville, devoted his leadership to building connections throughout the community and encouraging positive change. Trude Heller carried forward that same spirit of togetherness and compassion, seeking opportunities to unite and support others.

Their legacy continues through The Max & Trude Heller Center for Community Engagement, which creates volunteer and engagement opportunities for residents and team members to connect with the broader Greenville community, while also welcoming community members to volunteer and engage at The Woodlands.

Since its launch, the Heller Center has established partnerships with organizations throughout the Greenville area, including:

• Duncan Chapel Elementary School
• Travelers Rest Historical Society
• Backpack Buddies at Travelers Rest United Methodist Church
• Furman University’s International Student Association
• Furman University’s Heller Service Corps
• Greenville Humane Society
• Animal Care of Greenville
• The Reaching Center
• Triune Mercy Center
• Greenville County Library System

In addition to these partnerships, the Heller Center also connects residents with opportunities to serve within The Woodlands community itself, including involvement in The Arboretum and Club Berlam, a program that creates opportunities for engagement and connection for individuals in independent living experiencing brain change while also providing respite for care partners.

One of the Center’s flagship partnerships is with Duncan Chapel Elementary School. Established in March 2026 through a partnership with the Duncan Chapel PTA, the initiative supports teachers, students and school administration through opportunities such as:

• Mentoring and tutoring students
• Supporting Teacher Appreciation Week
• Volunteering at book fairs and school events
• Providing encouragement during testing weeks
• Participating in “Very Important Person Day,” where residents and team members share lunch with students

Duncan Chapel Elementary was selected in part because of its close proximity to The Woodlands and the school’s recent loss of Title I funding, which significantly impacted several programs and resources.

The Max & Trude Heller Center for Community Engagement is overseen by Nancy Cooper, Coordinator for Volunteer Services. Affectionately known as “Miss Nancy,” she joined The Woodlands following a 36-year career at Furman University, where she worked with the university’s nationally recognized volunteer service program. During her final 24 years at Furman, she led a program that partnered with more than 80 nonprofits annually and engaged an average of 1,500 students each year in volunteer service and community outreach.

Following the completion of construction this fall, Nancy and the Heller Center will be housed in the space currently occupied by The Heller Library at the main entrance of The Woodlands.

To read more about Nancy Cooper, CLICK HERE.