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 for 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.
The grant recipients are as follows.
Arts History & Culture
Aiken Civic Orchestra
This grant will enable more community members to experience live orchestral performances and
music education, enriching cultural life and inspiring creativity in Aiken.
Augusta Jewish Museum
Resources will allow the museum to preserve Jewish history and culture while reaching broader
audiences with educational programming that fosters understanding and connection.
Augusta Westobou Festival
This funding will strengthen Augusta’s cultural economy by attracting visitors, engaging artists, and
providing accessible contemporary arts experiences for the community.
ENOPION Theatre Company
These funds will expand youth and community theater programs, giving participants creative
outlets, arts education, and opportunities to develop confidence and teamwork.
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
These funds will support classes, exhibitions, and outreach programs that engage students and the
public while fostering creativity and cultural appreciation.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
This grant will support recovery-focused services that provide housing stability, counseling, and
long-term support for individuals overcoming substance use disorders.
The Jessye Norman School of The Arts
Support from the grant will provide arts education, mentorship, and performance opportunities
that nurture creativity, confidence, and personal growth among youth.
Health & Environment
143 Ministries International
Funds will provide scholarships for intensive recovery treatment, helping women overcome
addiction and rebuild their lives, families, and community connections.
Asociación Latina de Servicios del CSRA
Grant funds will expand access to free preventive and primary care for uninsured residents,
improving health outcomes and reducing barriers to care.
Beyond Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
Funding will support education, advocacy, and resources that empower individuals and families
affected by sickle cell disease.
Cancer Support Services
This grant will cover lodging, meals, and transportation. Ensuring cancer patients and their
caregivers can reliably access needed treatment without financial strain.
Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County
Support from this grant will provide free access to essential medications and pharmacy services,
allowing patients to manage chronic conditions and maintain health.
Cooper Ridge
These funds will provide animal-assisted therapy services that promote emotional, developmental,
and educational growth for participants.
Day One Fitness
This grant will expand programs for individuals with neurological conditions, building local capacity
and piloting a replicable model to increase access and long-term community impact.
Family YMCA of Greater Augusta
Grant funding will empower individuals with disabilities by expanding access to adaptive sports,
water safety, and social programs through scholarships, equipment, and trained staff.
Friends of North Augusta Animals
This grant will help prevent euthanasia and improve animal welfare by funding spay/neuter services
and heartworm prevention and treatment.
Hands To Paws
Grant funds will support animal rescue efforts, veterinary care, and pet retention services for
families in crisis.
North Augusta Public Safety Foundation
Funding will facilitate the addition of a trained police canine, while strengthening North Augusta’s
public safety and community engagement.
Phinizy Center for Water Sciences
This grant will protect and enhance the health, safety, and enjoyment of children by adding shaded
play areas at Phinizy’s Nature Park.
The Center for New Beginnings
Funding will offset the cost of intensive behavioral therapy for children with autism, improving
access for underserved families.
The Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County
These funds support forensic interviews, therapy, and prevention programs for children who have
experienced abuse, promoting healing and safety.
Via Cognitive Health
Support from this grant will expand arts-based workshops for individuals with Alzheimer’s and
dementia, improving cognitive function, reducing isolation, and promoting emotional expression.
Walter L. Shepeard Community Blood Center
Grant funding will provide updated tablets to ensure safe, efficient blood collection and
distribution for local patients.
Education & Youth Enrichment
Augusta Dream Center
These funds will support programs addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and family
support, helping vulnerable families achieve stability.
Augusta Heritage Academy
This grant will enable educational programming that promotes academic achievement and
character development for students.
Augusta Technical College Foundation
Support will provide scholarships and program resources that expand access to workforce training
and higher education.
Black Farm Street
These funds strengthen neighborhood programs that empower residents, encourage engagement,
and revitalize communities.
Carey Hill Community Outreach
This funding will provide food assistance and outreach programs, helping families meet basic
needs and access support services.
Challenge Preparatory Academy
Grant funds will support academic enrichment and youth development programs that promote
student success.
Elevate Augusta
Support from the grant will provide workforce development and career readiness opportunities,
helping individuals gain skills and secure employment.
Guiding Path Enrichment Center
These funds will expand educational and enrichment services that foster youth development and
family stability.
Inspire Studios Center for Performing Arts
This funding will support youth theater programs, high-quality productions, and classes that build
communication, confidence, and arts skills.
MACH Academy
This grant will empower youth through tennis, STEAM, and mentoring programs, helping them build
character, develop academic and life skills, and prepare for future success.
Manhood Tour
Funding will provide structured programs that guide participants in overcoming barriers, improving
decision-making, and building skills that foster personal growth and community contribution.
Pregnant Choices
Funding will be used to expand mentorship, educational classes, and community-building
programs that support at-risk women on their path to success.
Public Education Partners
Support from the grant will provide hands-on STEM kits for fourth graders, improving science
understanding and inspiring long-term interest in learning.
RISE Augusta
This funding will expand tutoring, reading remediation, and wraparound services for at-risk
students, helping them achieve academic success and build confidence.
Southern Pickleball Academy
Funding will support programs where youth improve fitness, develop teamwork, and strengthen
social skills through structured pickleball programs.
SUCCESSTEAM
This grant will support the expansion of youth pickleball programs that promote health,
confidence, and life skills in Aiken and surrounding areas.
The JO-NATHAN Foundation
Resources will expand access to leadership camps and experiential learning for financially
disadvantaged youth, helping them develop critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence while
gaining exposure to new opportunities.
University of South Carolina Aiken
Support from this grant will provide students with intellectual disabilities a comprehensive college
experience, fostering independence, employment, social engagement, and academic growth.
Organizations that meet basic needs such as food and shelter
Bridge Builder Communities International
These funds will provide safe housing, life skills training, and holistic support for young adults aging
out of foster care.
Family Promise of Aiken County
Support from the grant will help families facing homelessness achieve long-term stability and
independence through individualized coaching and wraparound services.
Fireside Ministries and Industries
This funding supports the construction of foster homes, providing safe housing for children while
revitalizing local neighborhoods.
Fostering The Family
Grant funding will support core services that strengthen families, promote stability, and improve
outcomes for children.
GameChangers Foundation
Funds will provide scholarships that reduce financial barriers for men, ensuring that those without
financial resources can access essential treatment and support services.
Gap Ministries of Augusta
Grant support will fund programs addressing basic needs, spiritual support, and community
outreach services.
Garden City Rescue Mission and Life Development Center
Funding will support shelter, recovery, and life-skills programming for individuals experiencing
homelessness.
Hope House
Support will help deliver transitional housing and supportive services that empower individuals
toward self-sufficiency.
It’s About Family
Funding will support family-centered programs that promote healing, stability, and long-term well-
being.
Kids Restart
Grant funds will help provide safe, trauma-informed services and programming for children in
crisis.
Mental Health America of Aiken County
Grant funding will support essential programs like transitional housing, newborn support,
education initiatives, and mental health advocacy.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Support will enhance services and advocacy efforts for veterans with spinal cord injuries and
disabilities.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta
Support from this grant provides nutritious meals, helping families focus on caring for their sick
children.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Georgia
Funding will assist with emergency aid, housing stability, and basic needs support for vulnerable
individuals.
The Salvation Army Augusta Area Command
Grant support will help provide shelter, meals, and supportive services for individuals experiencing
homelessness.
The Salvation Army of Aiken
Funds will support emergency assistance programs addressing food, housing, and utility needs.
United Way of the Central Savannah River Area
Grant funding will strengthen community-wide initiatives focused on education, financial stability,
and health.
Veterans K9 Solutions
This grant will be used to train service dogs that increase independence and improve the quality of
life for veterans with disabilities.
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.
