Finding Solutions: Local nonprofit looks to expand services in new year
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Augusta Training Shop is expanding its workforce thanks to you.
They’ve been employing people with disabilities for nearly 80 years.
They’re finding solutions in continuing to grow the program that gives the opportunity for others to share their talents.
It’s a place that’s been around since 1947, employing adults with disabilities.
Inside you can find a wide array of gifts, like ornaments, vases, paintings and bracelets all hand-crafted by the employees.
ReStart Augusta providing beds to those in need
A bed is sadly something not everyone has. ReStart Augusta is changing that, giving people comfort, rest and peace.
“It makes me feel good. I feel real good about that,” said Kevin Reyes, who is an employee at Augusta Training Shop.
Reyes has been working at the Augusta Training Shop for seven years.
“First day, I was so welcomed here. I was like wow and since day one I loved this place,” said Reyes.
They’re coming off their busiest time of the year, which is Christmas and want you to know they offer a lot year-round.
Devon Sprague, a consultant, said: “We also do furniture repair, refinishing, seat weaving, hand caning. We’re really a great stop for that.”
Sprague says it’s great to see the growth in everyone who works here.
“It’s amazing to see the people that come in especially the ones just starting to see how they learn and pick up the different crafts and they might learn something they never thought they could do and pick up and are really good at it,” said Sprague.
Harlem thrift store to soon hit $2M in community donations
One local thrift store is looking to hit a major milestone this year. Attic Treasures in Harlem accepts donations and resells gently used items.
Each artisan brings with them a unique talent.
For Robert White, it’s painting.
He’s been employed with the Augusta Training Shop for a year now and says it’s been a positive experience.
“I feel good having a job here. It just makes me feel welcome here. At home, there’s nothing to do and I just like getting out in the community and helping people out,” said White.
They are a nonprofit organization so from the community allows them to continue their mission and hire more employees.
Sprague said: “Really just having people come in, volunteering with us, talking with our employees. We really rely on the community to show up for us.”
Last year they were able to hire four new , bringing their total staff to 25.
A look into the new Edgefield County Law Enforcement Center
On Tuesday, we got a walk-through of the new facility where the sheriff says they’re finding solutions in no repeating the past.
It’s something they say they want to continue to grow into the new year.
We’re told they want to increase their program and continue to get the word out about what they do throughout the year.
You can shop both at the store and online.
Right now, they are crafting a lot of hearts as we head into Valentine’s Day. They always have their famous snowflakes, which they’ve been making since 2010.
They have a fundraiser coming up in May and always need volunteers.
For more information, visit https://www.augustatrainingshop.com/.
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