Augusta, GA
Augusta funding cuts leave nonprofits in a tough spot
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta leaders approved a 2026 budget that cuts all discretionary funding for nonprofits, including MACH Academy, which received $200,000 from the city last year.
The nonprofit gives children opportunities to develop social skills and tennis abilities. MACH Academy has operated in Augusta since 1992.
The loss of discretionary funding will force changes at MACH Academy, but the organization plans to continue its mission.
“So it may be that our hours may be changing,” said Helen Thomas-Pope, MACH Academy operations manager. “It may be that, looking at some of the supplies and things that we provide, that may have to change.”
Thomas-Pope said the organization’s mission will remain the same despite the budget cuts.
“As our tagline says, change lives,” Thomas-Pope said.
Parents, students praise program impact
Parents described MACH Academy as essential to their families and community.
“MACH Academy to me is a place of hope,” said Danielle Davidson, a parent.
Milissa Burch, another parent, said the academy provides crucial community support.
“You know, you always hear you need a village as a parent to raise your kids, and you come here, and you’re like, I want these people in my village,” Burch said.
Laquonna Peters said the program has helped her children develop socially and educationally.
“They’re starting to blossom again, my children and with the social interacting and the educational piece,” Peters said. “It’s just a blessing.”
Students at the academy described learning tennis skills and life lessons.
“I think it’s a place where you learn and play tennis and whenever you mess up, coaches will tell you where it’s wrong,” said student Sona.
Another student, Zeke, said the program helps him manage energy while learning to be a better person.
MACH Academy is one of several nonprofits facing cuts in Augusta’s new budget. Other organizations and departments also face funding reductions.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 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.
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