Their patients often fall through the gaps. They are working people between the ages of 18-64 who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford health care coverage.
“We are the safety net underneath the safety net,” said Orion Jeter, executive director of the Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County, which offers free health care services.
On Thursday, the Community Foundation of the CSRA announced the funding of grants of more than $735,000 to support 59 non-profit organizations such as the Aiken County clinic.
Jeter said many of the patients they see have chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and thyroid disease that require ongoing use of medication. The grant would be used to fund its in-house pharmacy to provide these.
The foundation announced its grant recipients to a packed room at the HUB for Community Innovation-Augusta.
The distribution was the largest in the organization’s history, according to Shell Berry, the organization’s President and CEO.
“At its core, the Community Foundation Endowment is about building stronger organizations and addressing long-term community needs,” she said.
The 59 organizations receiving funding represented a variety of areas including the arts, education, health and the environment.
Corinna Rezzelle-Pennypacker of Enopion Theatre said her organization’s grant would be used in establishing a year long puppet program at their theater for children to adults. They will not only purchase materials to hand make puppets but will create educational materials such as study guides and curriculum for teachers.
“Since 1996, the Masters Tournament, community partners, and individual donors have chosen to give generously to the Community Foundation Endowment. Through careful stewardship and investment, the Community Foundation grows these contributed funds, which, over time, has almost doubled the size of the endowment. This commitment and collaboration has allowed the Community Foundation to grant resources for almost three decades through its Community Grants program, expanding support for organizations making a meaningful difference and enhancing the long-term strength of our region,” according to a news release.
In those 30 years, more than $12 million has been awarded to area non-profits.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards and is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
