Augusta, GA

Augusta VA provides resources to local LGBTQ veterans

Published

1 year ago

June 27, 2023

Augusta VA provides resources to local LGBTQ veterans

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Members of the LGBTQ community are sharing concerns about the lack of resources, especially for veterans.

The Augusta VA says they do provide a wide range of services to veterans and are always encouraging patients to share their identity as it helps them better serve their needs.

We spoke with the director of LGBTQ services who says most people in the LGBTQ community locally don’t know they have resources available, but she’s on a mission to help change that.

Pride Month brings about many concerns for those in the LGBTQ community, including a lack of resources or the lack of knowledge of the resources available.

Healthcare providers with the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center say they’re just one resource in our area, providing a wide range of services to LGBTQ veterans.

12 years after the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, “do ask, do tell” is the new motto of LGBTQ veteran care.

“There’s a bunch of different healthcare risks that people face if they are part of LGBTQ plus identities. So, just making sure that we’re out in the open and that we’re actually talking about this with our providers,” Dr. Jennifer Merrifield said.

For Merrifield, providing resources for LGBTQ veterans is personal.

“I do have an uncle who served in the Marine Corps and he was put out of the military for a dishonorable discharge under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’. Finding out later on that he was put out for being gay was just so disheartening to me,” she said.

When she found out he didn’t have access to the same care as other veterans, all because of who he loves, she found a new purpose as a VA provider helping provide an array of services to veterans just like her uncle.

“That could be transgender care. It could also just be support services. So we’ve got primary care, specific clinics that are for gender-diverse veterans. We also have mental health services,” she said.

The list goes on and they provide resources every day, not just during pride month.

“Not only are you just getting, you know, better healthcare in general, but there’s also supports and that’s super important when you’re here in the south, and in Augusta where you’ve got a lot of more, you know, closed-minded individuals where people need that extra support, um, to thrive,” she said.

For a full list of the resources available to LGBTQ+ veterans, click here.

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Augusta, GA

Community foundation enters new phase of disaster grant process

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Community foundation enters new phase of disaster grant process

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Community Foundation for the CSRA is pleased says it’s entering a new phase of its Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund granting process.

Since the storm’s aftermath, the Foundation has granted $2,803,500 to nonprofits that have worked on the front lines providing critical services and administering aid.

This phase of granting will continue to fund in 20 counties, in both Georgia and South Carolina, that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

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The foundation will expand its granting parameters to include not just 501(c)3 nonprofits, but also churches, civic organizations, and schools who have been or will be providing direct services to Helene impacted individuals.

Shell Berry, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the central Savannah River Area, said:

The foundation has developed five grant categories: Relief Reimbursement, Lost Revenue, Increased Operating Costs, Infrastructure Needs for Public Lands, and Long-term Recovery Programming. These categories aim to provide comprehensive support for affected communities and organizations.

The foundation has also recruited a volunteer grant panel that is made up of individuals who represent many of the counties we fund.

Working with the staff of the foundation, this volunteer panel will ensure that funding decisions reflect the needs and perspective of the communities we serve.

Their insights will be invaluable in evaluating applications and making final funding decisions.

For more information about this new granting process, please visit the Community Foundation’s website, ww.cfcsra.org. To contribute to the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund, visit www.cfcsra.org.

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Augusta, GA

Time is running out to donate to the Red Kettle Campaign

Published

13 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Time is running out to donate to the Red Kettle Campaign

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army is seeking the community’s help in reaching its $235,000 goal for this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.

With just a few days left of bell ringing, the Salvation Army of Augusta is $50,000 short of its goal.

The Salvation Army says the final days are crucial to closing the gap.

Funds raised through the campaign are essential to supporting programs that serve the community year-round, including the Center of Hope. An average of 80 individuals find shelter nightly and 200 meals are served daily at the Center of Hope.

“The Red Kettle Campaign is vital to our ability to help those in need throughout the year,” said Area Commander of the Salvation Army of Augusta Jonathan Raymer.

The Salvation Army urges everyone to stop by a red kettle location or donate online. Every contribution fuels the organization’s ability to provide shelter, meals, and hope to individuals and families in need.

“We are calling on our community to help us bridge the gap in these final days. Together, we can make a difference for those who rely on our services,” said Raymer.

Red Kettles can be found at Bass Pro, Belk, Food Lion, Hobby Lobby, Kroger, Sam’s Club and Walmart locations in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, North Augusta, Thomson and Waynesboro.

Donations can also be made online at donateaugusta.com.

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Augusta, GA

BYU relying on depth entering matchup vs. Florida A&M

Published

20 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Press Room

BYU relying on depth entering matchup vs. Florida A&M | NCAA | wfxg.com

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