Finding Solutions: Augusta Training Shop celebrates inclusion, community at ‘Red, White, and Create’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Employees with disabilities at the Augusta Training Shop are creating patriotic art as part of a holiday project that drew community members to the nonprofit.

The theme of the event was “Red, White, and Create,” which the script describes as a simple holiday art project focused on inclusion and community.

Eli Sikes, a student at Augusta Technical College, was among the Augusta Tech students who came to the shop to create, take part in the event and give back.

“It feels really good,” Sikes said. “I feel like it’s important to go out in your community and get to know some people you may not have met in your everyday life.”

Sikes said the training shop gives people a place to showcase their talents and skills for others in the community to appreciate.

The Augusta Training Shop is a nonprofit that, for decades, has provided a place where people with disabilities find meaningful work, creative expression and community, according to the script.

Employee Greg Solden said he makes “decoupage balls” and uses papier-mâché on them.

“I love having people here and trying to encourage them,” Solden said.

Liam Welch, a board member with the Augusta Training Shop, said he has watched the organization grow over the years, including moving locations.

“The training shop has grown every single year since I was a young boy coming here,” Welch said.

The Augusta Training Shop is located on Jenkins Street. The shop has a variety of July Fourth art available for purchase, and the script notes that buying crafts from the shop supports jobs for employees.