It’s not every day that a local nonprofit is featured on the national news. But last month, ABC’s “World News Tonight” with David Muir ran a story about an Augusta organization that provides job opportunities for adults with physical and mental disabilities.
The Augusta Training Shop located off Walton Way at 1704 Jenkins St. allows its employees to work on various projects, such as restoring furniture and creating home décor, including Christmas decorations. It was founded in 1947.
The employees work various schedules Monday through Friday, according to the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Audrey Murell.
“We partner with frame shops and anybody who has work that needs to be done,” Murell said. “We have a storefront where people can shop and get services.”
For example, local residents can bring in their furniture to have it restored. The nonprofit’s employees, who are paid for their work, have also created crafts for other local businesses, such as Swank and Cudos2u. She said they have space for up to 25 employees.
“Hopefully, we will be able to expand,” Murell said.
Steven has worked for the Augusta Training Shop for about nine months and has enjoyed the experience.
“It helps you to think,” he said. “It gives me the inspiration to keep going; it encouraged me.”
Trenton has worked for the nonprofit for seven years and can’t say enough about how much he loves his job.
“It’s a great place to work, and I wouldn’t be anyplace else,” Trenton said. “I’m learning new skills and I’ve made some great friends along the way.”
Murell, who has worked for the organization for nearly 23 years, said she loves her employees energy and positivity and like other nonprofits, the Augusta Training Shop struggles with funding and relies on grants, donations, and fundraisers to continue offering its services.
“We have lots of businesses that sponsor our fundraisers,” Murell said. These businesses have included recteq, SRP Federal Credit Union, TaxSlayer, and WifeSaver.
“Another challenge has been making people aware that it exists,” she said.
Murell said they received a very large number of orders for their Christmas decorations. Some of those ornaments were shipped to New York, which is how ABC News picked up on the story.
“We ship orders all over the United States,” she said.
The Augusta Training Shop is open Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit Augusta Training Shop.
