Groundbreaking Kicks off Construction of New Center for Disability Rights & Resources in Downtown Augusta
AUGUSTA, GA — Today Walton Options for Independent Living and Walton Foundation for Independence celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Center for Disability Rights and Resources in Downtown Augusta.
Joined by the Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Dickinson Architects, Allen + Batchelor Construction, First Citizens Bank, and Kruhu representatives, the organizations put shovels to dirt to mark the official start to the construction of the new Center. With the backdrop of Walton Way’s Augusta-Richmond County Judicial Center in view, participants shared their vision and anticipations for what the new Center will be for the Disability Community and the CSRA as a whole.
The new Center is set to become the epicenter of independent living in the CSRA Community providing support and resources to a portion of the community which comprises nearly one-third of the CSRA population. The Disability Community is a demographic that spans age, race, gender, and economic background.
Utilizing the same location as the current Walton Options Augusta Office, the new 6500 square-foot building will offer accessible consumer meeting spaces & classrooms, expanded staff areas, a communications lab as well as a multi-purpose room designed for community use including round-table legislative discussions, community information fairs, and other engagement opportunities.
Today’s groundbreaking marks the latest step in a journey that has been years in the making for the Augusta Community and beyond.
“Having served on the Board of Directors for many years, I have seen the benefits and resources this organization brings to our community,” explained James Heffner, Walton Options’ Board of Directors’ Vice-Chair and Building Committee Chair. “Crafting a new home for Walton Options’ services and programs is a vital part in our mission of independence and inclusion for the whole community. We are creating a space that is accessible for everyone to utilize.
“As we reach out to gain support for the new building, we are also reaching out to raise awareness about the options and opportunities the CSRA has when we create a community where every person, regardless of ability, deserves to take up space, to exist and to be,” said Heffner. “It is exciting to see what was once a sketched out idea being brought to life in our community,”
In addition to the Walton Options services and programs, Walton Foundation for Independence will be a part of the new Center for Disability Rights & Resources with offices on site. “As the CSRA continues to grow, especially in Downtown Augusta, partnerships are the investment which will benefit our community, “stated Phil Brigham, Chair of the Board of Directors for Walton Foundation. “Having offices in the Center for Disability Rights and Resources puts us at the center of the disability community with access to likeminded partners and expanded opportunities to serve.”
The Center for Disability Rights and Resources, located at 948 Walton Way, is being built by Allen + Batchelor Construction, was designed by Dickinson Architects, and financed by First Citizen Bank with a generous down payment contribution from Georgia Rehabilitation Institute.
Donations for the new Center are open to individuals as well as local businesses and organizations. To donate to the Center’s Building Campaign, please visit https://boldlybe.waltonoptions.org/ or contact Ann Campbell-Kelly at 706-724-6262, ext 243 / acampbell@waltonoptions.org. You can also follow Walton Options on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.