Augusta, GA
Augusta program provides resources to parents, students
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are less than 10 days away from another school year in Richmond and Columbia counties, and parents getting prepared.
But it can be hard on your wallet.
On Friday, “Living in Purpose” helped with more than just school supplies.
Hundreds of families had a good time while stocking up on school supplies over at the purpose center. Organizers say they went through all 100 of their backpacks within an hour.
But many families and incoming students say Friday today was more than just a handout.
Families took advantage of free backpacks, haircuts and shoe raffles ahead of the new school year.
Event leaders say Friday really shows the growing need for families when it comes to school supplies.
“I mean, the way that it’s looking right now, I probably needed 200 book bags. The goal is for us to target the kids’ right hand to direct the community. But we have kids coming from all over the community because there is such a great need,” said Kamilah Freeman, executive administrator for “Living in Purpose”.
Organizers say it’s really about the resources they’re trying to bring to the at-risk youth in the community.
“We are targeting youth to prevent them from going through things in life teaching them about integrity, purpose character, helping them to know that they have a purpose in life and to be all that they can be,” said Freeman.
Along with free supplies, they’re offering mentorship and after-school programs to families for their kids to get involved in.
Joshua Hawthorne says he’s a product of that, and it’s motivating him to reach for places he never dreamed of before.
“I got between sort of three choices right now that I want to go to. Kelsey, JSU or Talladega,” he said.
It’s a community effort to remind the next generation what they’re capable of.
Freeman said: “It is so rewarding to me because I see them when they come in and I see them as they’re progressing. I see their heads going from down to being lifted up I see their chest coming up. I see smiles on their face and they are gaining hope and I love it”
With the start of the new school year for Richmond County, “Living in Purpose” will resume its after-school programs for kids to get assistance with homework and other essential needs.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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