Programs
The late Barbara C. Beazley and other dedicated community members concerned about the needs of disadvantaged children and youth in Columbia County decided to do something about it more than 27 years ago. The result was this foundation and its programs.
We provide services which help strengthen children's foundation for their roles in life. Services include, but are not limited to, financial support, food, clothing, educational support and recreational activities. Ongoing projects of the foundation are the Helping Hands Thrift Store, a Christmas gift program for children, annual need-based college scholarships and financial assistance for summer school and camps.
Scholarship Program -- Our scholarship program awards need-based educational scholarships to qualified applicants, up to age 22, for academic or technical training beyond high school. Scholarship funds are made possible by income earned from sales at the resource center as well as contributions from local businesses and community leaders. Scholarships are awarded based on an applicant's demonstrated financial need, career goals, written recommendation, personal statements, and personal interview. Scholarships are renewable as long as applicant remains eligible.
Read about Our Scholarship Fund
Benevolence Fund - Our benevolence fund was created to assist those in need. While median incomes in Columbia County are higher than the average for the state of Georgia, 7% of the population in the county still lives below the poverty level. (See Census.gov results here.) That equates to nearly 11,000 people who may need assistance and are unable to obtain it elsewhere. The needs of the children of Columbia County are indisputable and vary from clothing, coping aids, program fees for nursing, band, and ROTC, summer school fees, etc.
Read about Our Benevolence Fund
Christmas Program - During the holiday season, children of families referred by the Columbia County school system and social service agencies are sponsored for holiday gifts. Local schools, businesses, churches and families donate Christmas gifts to include clothing, toys, school supplies, and various other items to bring joy and comfort to these families during the holidays.