Augusta, GA
Augusta Dream Center helps teens have a night to remember, for free
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center helped make some teenagers’ prom dreams come true.
Oftentimes getting set up for prom is an expensive process for a memory that could last a lifetime.
It’s a way to help take away any financial stress that comes with prom.
It adds up quickly when it comes to clothes, hair, makeup, and more, but hundreds of girls got all of that for free today at Stephens Creek Church.
It was a day dedicated to making each and every person that walked in the door feel special.
“Specifically for high schoolers, especially that are underprivileged or don’t really have the opportunity to go prom dress shopping. It’s really cool that they offer this opportunity,” said Sarah Smith, a volunteer.
It’s not just for South Augusta, but all across the CSRA.
“I love seeing other girls walk down looking so beautiful and feeling themselves just feeling like how a girl should feel. And when I saw everyone walking down in those dresses, I’m like they must be so happy right now. They look so pretty. They look so happy,” said LJ Lopez, who attended the event.
More than 200 girls chose from up to 3000 donated dresses while also getting their hair and makeup done and choosing from hundreds of accessories for free.
“Just think about how inflation has impacted all of us. So, you know, the cost of their prom tickets are astronomical, if you have a couple of kids in high school. I mean, how do you do that?” said Kellie Newman, Augusta Dream Center Director.
But happiness like this isn’t something you can put a price on.
“I really don’t think there’s a much greater reward than pouring in and investing into the next generation. And so, teenagers today are under so much more stress than ever before, just in this world today we live in, the culture and social media and all of those things,” said Newman.
So the last thing they should stress about is something every teenager looks forward to.
“It’s just like really cool to see like their transformation with their confidence and clothes and everything,” said Mary-Caroline Waldrop, a volunteer.
Everything may have been free but many of them left with something money could never buy.
“Grateful. I appreciate it. Made me feel like Cinderella,” said Aaliyah Samuels, who attended the event.
Augusta Dream Center says this was their biggest Cinderella Day since they started seven years ago.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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