Left to Right: Mary Richardson (Executive Director), Lael Holmes, Nora Wessling, Catherine Faughnan, Denise Gay, Debra Baker (Assistant Director), Cherie Foster, Willie McCrary, Frank Sinclair (Board President).
In January, Catholic Social Services made a meaningful move from their long-time home in downtown Augusta to a new location on Georgetown Drive in South Augusta. The decision wasn’t just about a building. It was about following the need.
Executive Director Mary Richardson and Assistant Director Deborah Baker shared that the move was guided by both heart and data.
Research revealed that South Augusta has over 75 percent more children living in poverty than downtown. This is compelling evidence that helped drive the decision to relocate and serve more families with children.
Since the move, the impact has been clear. With expanded food storage and greater accessibility, the new location is reaching families who once went unseen. Children receive thoughtful items like applesauce packets just for them, and more families are accessing healthy food in a space that feels welcoming and full of care.
“We’ve added more appointments, seen more families, and now have the space to offer more food and variety than ever before,” Deborah shared. Grounded in compassion and guided by faith, the team approaches each neighbor with dignity and love. “This is more than a job. It is a calling,” Mary said. “We’re here to love our neighbors and respond to God’s call to serve.”
Golden Harvest was honored to support this transition by sharing data, offering insight, and providing a letter of support that helped inform the Diocese’s decision to relocate. With deepening community ties in South Augusta and the continued generosity of donors, Mary and Deborah are filled with hope. “This community is so generous. It blows us away,” Mary said. “With every donation, we see lives change.”
The mission continues. And with every act of kindness, hope grows.
