Fried chicken, roasted potatoes, and roasted asparagus all cooked exactly the way I like! Why?…read moreBecause I was in the kitchen supervising church members while we prepared lunch so that we could sit and eat with the men who stay at the Mission. If you are looking for a great way to help homeless men get back on their feet to return to their productive and happy lives, the Augusta Rescue Mission is a good place to start.

First let me state that my experience with the Dream Center is as a volunteer. That role still…read moreafforded me the opportunity to learn about the many great services they provide for Augusta and their team, but I do recognize that is not the same as if I were a recipient of their services. Centrally located in South Augusta, this facility is amazing. From the moment you arrive, the team is welcoming and smiling and making you feel like this is a family reunion and suddenly you are now a member. From the exterior it may appear to be nothing of worth, but trust me it is a treasure chest filled with benevolence. There is a weekly grocery pickup service, meals provided, food bank, clothing bank, community services mediation, and more. The facility is two stories and a basketball court-sized gym area. The team is collaborative in focus, which is what brought about my involvement with them, and always seeking to come alongside their neighbors. If you are looking for a local non-profit to volunteer with, start here.

I stayed at Ronald McDonald House while my baby was in the NICU. When I first arrived, I was…read moregenuinely grateful to have somewhere to stay close to my baby, and I respected what the house was there to provide for families going through an extremely difficult time. Unfortunately, my experience eventually became very disappointing, and I want to share what happened from my perspective. There were several situations where I felt the rules were not communicated clearly or consistently. I was told that meals were not allowed in the rooms, but that certain snacks and water were okay. Based on what I was told, I understood that some food was permitted. Later, I was told, last minute, that food was not allowed at all, including snacks. I also had food and sauces that were clearly labeled and stored in the refrigerator thrown away while I wasn't even at the house. I was extremely upset about this because I had made sure my food was labeled and stored properly. I also had concerns about the animal policy. I did not realize that cats were not permitted, and at the time, I did not understand the difference between a certified emotional support animal from my licensed therapist for my mental illness and a service animal. I thought mental health would be appreciated and treated the same way as a service animal there. I didn't know they could be treated differently under the rules. I personally saw multiple dogs throughout the shared/public areas, including dogs on couches and floors. Seeing this gave me the impression that the house was generally welcoming to families with animals that are certified for disabilities and mental health. My cat was a certified emotional support animal. She was clean, well behaved, gentle, and not aggressive or destructive. I genuinely believed she would be a safe and respectful companion. I understand now that emotional support animals and service animals are not necessarily treated the same way, but I wish that distinction and the house's animal policy had been clearly explained to me beforehand. If allergies, cleanliness, or safety are concerns behind restrictions on pets, I can understand that, but my cat was an emotional support animal. Since she wasn't a service animal specifically for a disability, she was treated differently. I was also confused by seeing dogs regularly on shared furniture and floors, since people can have dog allergies as well. I am simply explaining why the policy was confusing to me as a guest. I also had concerns about my room and privacy. I was asleep when staff entered my room. There was one knock, but the door was opened almost immediately, giving me very little opportunity to wake up, respond, or make sure I was appropriately dressed. I found this extremely uncomfortable and felt that my privacy was not respected. The same staff member who entered my room was also the person who discarded my labeled food. After entering while I was sleeping, she questioned why my room was so messy. I found that comment judgmental and inappropriate. Families staying at Ronald McDonald House are there because their children are receiving medical care, and many are already under enormous emotional and mental stress. I believe it could have been addressed respectfully and professionally.I also noticed that my room did not have some of the basic furniture I saw other families having, such as a chair and end table. I would have appreciated having the same basic accommodations available to other guests.Eventually, I was told that I had two hours to leave. I immediately began cleaning and packing because I was ready to leave and had no intention of staying. However, within approximately 30 minutes, police were called and I was told to hurry up and leave. Police were brought into my room while I was still packing my belongings.I found this extremely disrespectful and upsetting because I was already complying with the request to leave. I do not understand why I was told I had two hours if I was not going to be given that amount of time. The situation was especially upsetting because I was already dealing with the stress of having my baby in the NICU. I want to be fair and acknowledge that I made mistakes during my stay. I take responsibility for my part in that. I am not claiming that I handled every situation perfectly. However, taking responsibility for my mistakes does not change how I experienced the way I was treated. I believe families staying at Ronald McDonald House deserve compassion, patience, privacy, clear communication, and respect, especially parents who are staying there because their children are receiving medical care. I will not be staying at Ronald McDonald House ever again. She was very rude and also needs proper training on customer service including the communication of the food and animal policies, the disposal of my labeled food, the way my room entry was handled.

This is a great concept but the staff here is horrible. They obviously have no concept of basic…read morehuman decency and kindness because when my aunt returned to her room from having a c-section and a complicated pregnancy, they made her wash her own sheets and clean her own room. Her water broke in the room and she returned... after 3 days... to it still there. The room was untouched. Thats disgusting and ridiculous! When she asked for help, there was no compassion. She was expected to figured things out for herself... and she could barely move around... she's been bound to a wheelchair for weeks. I understand this is a nonprofit so certain regulations must be put into place to accommodate large numbers but cleaning a struggling pregnant ladies room after she's been thru hell to deliver a baby is the absolute LEAST that I expect.

I've been a Golden Harvest volunteer for as long as we've lived in Augusta. Golden Harvest works…read morewith Masters Table, providing food and volunteers to assist with meal service on a daily basis. If you've got a heart for service, your assistance is needed and greatly appreciated.

My name is Bambi Ashworth-Lane and I completely treatment here at hope house from February to…read moreAugust and everyone of the staff are super amazing helpful and here to help raise you up and super safe for children to be with their parents!

Please DO NOT send your loved ones here if you care about them. I am constantly on the phone with…read moremy partner who has been there for 3 months and I've heard not only the staff that works in the office but the house "mothers" talk to her and other residents Like they are CRIMINALS. They are not professional AT ALL. 90% of their staff are ghetto and treat these poor women that are trying to get help like CRAP. I've heard them snap on her for the smallest things like asking about being on the grocery list to asking about her getting her papers signed. I'm talking about complete cussing and yelling at her infront of other residents embarrassing her to the point of crying. She is afraid to let the director know because others have reported this same problem and it seems like all of them stick together and lie for each other. And that isn't the only biggest issue on the staff, there is another nightmare that has been addressed MULTIPLE TIMES and has BeenVerified looked. One of the older house mothers that work here has been caught taking the blankets off these women that are undressed and ASLEEP in their beds at night and she will stand over them and just STARE AT THEM. She has touched residents and made inappropriate comments as well. THIS IS SICK. I do not understand for the life of me why this woman has not been fired yet. If you are an official reading this please help these ladies. Another thing - there is NO FOOD BEING COOKED FOR THEM ON THE WEEKENDS. If your family member or you do not have the funds for food good luck eating over the weekend because there is NO ONE there cooking. This used to be an amazing rehab when Dr.A was there about 5 years ago because I myself went there and since she left this place has turned into a DUMP. I've also been informed that they push suboxone and methadone on the girls here and many of them abuse and sell their medications. There IS NO RECOVERY HERE. I'm BEGGING you please DO NOT send your loved ones to this free rehab because they WILL NOT get the love, care, respect, treatment or environment that they need..

I miss the Old Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. As a self…read more-published author, the membership was very affordable. Most of all, the entire staff worked over time to help grow your business. And the members, of the Augusta Metro Chamber of commerce were more like a business family. Each member, who support another business member. If you are self-employed or a self - published author like me. Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will use every resource they have to help every business owner. https://www.augustametrochamber.com/member-benefits

This building is the location of Augusta Old Chamber of Commerce. I think the location is perfect…read more It's right in the middle of downtown Augusta. The Chamber of Commerce moved from this location years ago and the building is now used for programming and other Augusta city uses. I visited for a workshop being held for nonprofits. The building has been stripped to it's bare bones. It's probably that way to encourage someone to rent or buy the property. At the moment, an Augusta Arts group is using it to display some really cool artwork. The building has two floors and would be really lovely if renovated. Again, the location is prime. It's very unique.