This FREE, innovative, five-day certification program will be offered in Augusta, Georgia, on May 7-11, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Applicants must pre-register online by April 23, 2012.

The goals of this program are to: provide interested candidates with an alternative pathway in the educational field of early care and learning, and provide qualified substitute teachers to licensed and registered Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning child care facilities.

To learn more about this educational training and to register, please contact Joan Stoddard at 706-724-5544 x8934 or visit www.ecegasubs.org.

Friday, April 20, 2012, marked the date when 300 volunteers from local organizations gave of their personal time to perform light maintenance and construction projects for 15 very grateful health and human service agencies.

United Way of the CSRA’s annual day-of-caring, Project Serve, kicked-off at 7:00 a.m. with the volunteers gathering at The Salvation Army Kroc Center for a hearty breakfast sponsored by Akima.

Three-hundred (300) volunteers from AmeriCorps*VISTA; Atlanta Gas Light Company; Augusta Service Company/Austin Industrial;  Club Car; Countersync;  DSM Chemicals NA, Inc.; First Bank of Georgia; Fuller, Frost & Associates; John Deere; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Palmetto GBA; Project Management Institute-Savannah River Chapter; Savannah River Nuclear Solutions; Savannah River Remediation; Security Federal Bank; Solvay Specialty Polymers, LLC; Southern Nuclear Operating Company; and St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church spent the day working in non-profit agencies performing projects ranging from painting and landscaping to building repair and creating murals.  The agencies receiving the donated labor were Boys & Girls Clubs of AUGUSTA, The Berry Center, Broad Street Ministry Center, Easter Seals of East Georgia, The Family Y, Friendship Community Center, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Head of the Giant Ministry, Heritage Academy (Fireside Ministries), Hope House, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army, Shiloh Comprehensive Community Center, St. Stephen’s Ministry of Augusta, and Wimberly House Ministries, Inc.

Without the help of these generous volunteers, most of these agencies could not afford to have this much-needed work done.  Because of the generosity of the volunteers, the local health and human service agencies are able to direct their resources to helping those in need in our community.

Gary Winferry, operations director at Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA said, “VISTA Summer Associates will be placed at our sites and assist the Unit Directors and Program Enrichment Staff plan, coordinate and implement summer camp daily activities in sports & fitness, computer labs, games room and social activities, as well as provide coverage for youth while on field trips.”

Summer VISTA Associates will receive a bi-weekly living allowance stipend and an end of service education award. For more information, contact Joan Stoddard, Community Building Coordinator at 706-724-5544 or apply online at www.americorps.gov .

The event was presented through the generosity of several local corporate sponsors: Premiere Sponsor: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions; Presenting Sponsor: Southern Nuclear Operating Company; Executive Sponsors: Comcast, Georgia Power, Kendrick Paint and Body, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, and University Health Care System.

Zack Daffin, United Way’s 2011 Campaign Chair, acknowledged the remarkable accomplishment stating that, “We’ve seen great successes and yes, a few challenges, but overall this has been a tremendous year”. He also commented that the “best part” about raising such an impressive amount of money, is that “those funds will be invested in programs to inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow in the CSRA”. He went on to thank the countless volunteers and donors who helped to make the campaign such a success.

Hosted by WAGT NBC 26 personalities Liz Hill and Jay Jefferies, the event served as the culmination of United Way’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration. Show-stopping entertainment was provided by Equinox Jazz Band out of Savannah, Georgia, and Augusta West Performing Company. A rousing conclusion complete with upbeat music and sunglass-wearing performers touted that “the future’s so bright you gotta wear shades”.

In other event news, United Way chose the Annual Meeting to present several key awards:

Mr. James M. Hull and his family were honored for their continuous support of this United Way over the past seven and a half decades. James M. Hull, Sr. was an original founder of the Character Chest (now United Way of the CSRA) in 1936. Mr. Hull, Sr. was the first campaign chair, and under his leadership that very first campaign raised over $41,000 for four human service agencies: The Salvation Army, The Boy Scouts, Y.W.C.A. and Y.M.C.A. Jim Hull and his family are members of the United Way Tocqueville Society, and they have played a significant role in helping to make United Way’s successes possible throughout the past 75 years.

The 2011 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Richard Bush. Cheri Collins, General Manager External Alliances – Nuclear Development, of Southern Nuclear Operating Company – Plant Vogtle, presented the award along with a check for $2,000 to be donated to a charity of choice. Mr. Bush, who was nominated by The Salvation Army, is a longstanding community volunteer who is well known the community.

The 2011 Hospital Competition Award was presented by United Way Campaign Chair, Zack Daffin, to University Health Care System. The award is based on total per capita giving inclusive of the corporate gift. Participants in this year’s competition included Doctors Hospital, Georgia Health Sciences Health System, and University Health Care System.

The 2011 Spirit of Community Award, which is given to the company hosting the most comprehensive, creative, and innovative United Way campaign, was presented to Elanco. Elanco was chosen because of their continuous support from employees and management as well as running a model campaign.

The Award of Excellence was presented to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions for their outstanding support of 11 United Way’s throughout the CSRA. Through all the changes they have experienced, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions continues to keep community in the forefront.

United Way of the CSRA has been providing health and human services in the Central Savannah River Area since 1936 and currently funds over 40 programs focused on helping youth succeed, promoting health and wellness, providing basic needs, and strengthening families and individuals.

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In addition, hygiene products received allowed the group to donate 12,000 pounds of hygiene items to the Richmond County School System that will benefit an estimated 6,000 children experiencing the effects of poverty.  Eighty-nine community partnerships were developed to support this service project that included 40 schools, 20 community organizations, 18 churches, 7 hotels, and 4 corporations.

Many times individuals and families go without the basic necessities most of us take for granted.  Through this MLK service project, a host of volunteers came together and were able to give those in need a greater sense of self and a brighter outlook on life.  Perhaps even more importantly, they we were able to play a small role in helping individuals and families retain their dignity during trying times in their lives, thus moving us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.

Funding sponsors for the MLK Service Project included United Way of the CSRA, The Corporation for National & Community Service, and Youth Service America (YSA).

By J. Michael Ash, Ph.D. Since 1936, your local United Way has been known in the CSRA for identifying and resolving pressing community issues. Read More

(For more information call 706-724-5544.)