The Bridge Ministry Of The CSRA Bids Farewell After 17 Years Of Service
At the beginning of November, The Bridge Ministry of the CSRA announced that there would be some upcoming changes to the organization.
The biggest change included in the letter was that the Bridge Ministry would no longer take place.
The Bridge, started back in 2007, on January 20. The organization was started by Pastor Order Gardner and his wife, Kimmi. With their efforts, alongside a small group of volunteers, they began serving hot meals and providing basic toiletries and basic supplies to those in need on Saturday afternoons, under the Calhoun Expressway on 15th Street.
Throughout the years they garnered lots of support from the Augusta community, from multiple churches and businesses, who also care about making a difference in people’s lives in the city that need it.
In the letter Pastor Roger, the staff, and the Board of Directors broke down other factors that also led to the end of the Bridge Ministry.
- COVID-19. The pandemic may have been declared over but businesses and people were affected forever. Some businesses didn’t even make it out of 2020 and while others did, they couldn’t replace the damage it caused behind the scenes. For them, COVID-19 changed the way they could serve and limited their effectiveness in the community. COVID also caused a decrease in the ability of many to give.
- Attendance has been down more than half of the times they serve. They have began serving some of the same individuals and families for the past few years due to low attendance.
- There haven’t been as many volunteers able to help out.
Along with more factors disclosed in the letter.
They have decided that the Thanksgiving Service they held on November 18 would be their last outreach service under the 15th Street Bridge. They will have one final outreach throughout the city for Christmas. Then the office will close on December 31st.
Giving Back To The Community - Volunteer Opportunities in Augusta This Holiday Season
While giving back to the community is great to do any time of year, it seems the holiday season is when we really think about it. Now here we are, already in November, with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up quickly. If you’re thinking of ways you can give back this holiday season, read on for some volunteer opportunities in Augusta.
Volunteering
There are many ways you can volunteer and help out the community this holiday season. Many organizations need additional help this time of year to help families who are experiencing hard times. And also, as the weather gets colder, providing resources for those who are experiencing financial hardships or homelessness.
Volunteer opportunities vary depending on the organization. Some need help preparing food for holiday meals. Others are in need of help serving the meals. And then there are other opportunities to help raise funds or collect donations. You can often volunteer for short periods of time, while other places ask for year-round volunteers.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to help those who are less fortunate. You can make a difference in their lives in ways that you may never see. But volunteering feels good. It’s great to know that you can contribute to your community and bring a smile or relief to a family in need.
Being a volunteer is a great reminder to be thankful this time of year. If you’ve been tremendously blessed, it feels good to help spread that love and blessing to others.
While volunteering, you also get to meet a variety of people. It’s a great chance to step out of your usual circle and meet new people and learn about them. You never know who you might meet. Not only could you have an impact on people right here in the community, you might also meet someone who changes your life.
If you’ve ever had the chance to hear stories from people who have dealt with challenges, you may know what I mean. Hearing about the struggles these people have had to overcome can greatly impact you. It’s an eye-opening experience. Families who’ve dealt with job losses, sickness, loss… It’s a powerful reminder of how strong we are, and how blessed we are.
You could make new friends, learn new skills, and learn more about the community. Overall, volunteering is a heartwarming experience for all involved. You have the chance to give back and make a difference right here in your community. See more about the benefits of volunteering HERE.
If you’ve got some time this holiday season, check out some of these opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities in Augusta
If you have an opportunity to add to the list, please email [email protected].
Darasha Singleton is a native of Augusta, Georgia who serves as the Digital Content Coordinator at Beasley Media Group. If you think there is nothing to do in Augusta, check her posts! You're sure to find something to do. Aside from work, Darasha enjoys going to the Saturday Market on the River and any local festivals.
