The coffers of seven local nonprofit organizations are healthier following a contribution from a local financial institution.
The funds are from Peach State Federal Credit Union (PSFCU) through a foundation it created several years ago.
“The foundation accumulates money based on certain criteria,” Ed Presnell, Regional Business Executive for PSFCU, explained for ABD. “The foundation allows our volunteers, our advisory board members in each area, to choose charities that they want to donate to. We don’t choose them. So, each year we present checks.”
Money is distributed to nonprofits across the PSFCU service areas in Georgia and South Carolina. This year, the foundation is disbursing almost $20,000 across the two states.
One of the nonprofit organizations benefiting this year is Day One Fitness. Based in Beech Island, it provides exercise programs created to address the unique challenges of individuals living with neurological conditions.
Danielle Williams, Executive Director at Day One Fitness, called the financial support from the foundation a huge benefit.
“There are a lot of nonprofits that need the funding and need help. And we are so grateful that we have this relationship with Peach State Credit Union that allows us this funding,” she said. “This allows us to kind of focus on our programs and our growth without a little bit of that fear of what happens if we don’t get funding in the next year or so. It gives us that peace of mind, knowing that we can continue to do what we’re doing.”
Day One Fitness is geared toward people diagnosed with:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
Presnell said Day One’s facility is near the PSFCU main office in Beech Island, making it a natural fit.
“We’d like what they’re doing, and they’re passionate about it,” he said. “We’ve supported their golf tournaments for the last two years, and this is just a little something extra.”
Presnell added that community involvement is something any business can do.
“You take from the community when you work, you have members or clientele, but you have to give back,” he said. “Whether it’s time, money, or talent, you have to give back. And that’s our philosophy. This year, our company gave over $300,000 in scholarships throughout our network, to high school students and to adults for continuing education. Anybody can do it if they just put their mind to it.”
The other six nonprofits receiving financial support are Lucy Craft Laney Museum, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Safe Homes of Augusta, Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County, the Augusta chapter of AMBUCS, and the Augusta Mini Theatre.
The financial boost is particularly meaningful to Day One Fitness this year as they celebrate their 10th year serving its client base.
“We are super over the moon over the success that we’ve had for the last 10 years, but we’re also looking forward to the next 10 years,” she said. “And we just only hope to grow that over the next 10 years. We could not be where we are today without the support of not only our fighters and their families, but also the community around us, whether that’s businesses or locals or anybody that has gotten involved with us in the past.”
Learn more about programs offered by Day One Fitness at: https://www.dayonefitness.org/
