Helms College Culinary Students Aid Local School as Community Continues to Recover

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, October 21st, 2024

Helms College culinary students are stepping up to serve their community by preparing nutritious meals for students at Heritage Academy, a private K-8 Christian school, as part of recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This partnership not only showcases the culinary talents of Helms College students but also offers essential assistance to families greatly affected by the storm.

“We’re honored and excited by this new engagement opportunity with Helms College,” said Tana Watson, Executive Director of Heritage Academy. “The storm brought a lot of hardship, and yet through it, we’ve seen the goodness of our community and found new ways to connect. Our whole school community is filled with gratitude.”

Heritage Academy, established in 2001, provides a Christian-based, high-quality education to underserved families in Augusta. It offers students educational opportunities rooted in faith. The academy's partnership with Helms College has allowed it to not only serve its students but also foster a stronger connection between families and local organizations during this time of need.

Chef Christopher Thompson, Vice President of Culinary Operations and Education at Helms College, reflected on the significance of this initiative: "Our students have a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a meaningful way, making a real difference in the lives of those affected. This initiative is about more than just preparing meals; it’s about serving our community with compassion and demonstrating the power of unity during challenging times."

Helms College is operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, which has a long-standing commitment to creating educational and employment pathways for individuals in the region. This meal initiative is an extension of the organization's mission to uplift the community, ensuring recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene go beyond immediate relief and focus on long-term well-being.

The partnership between Helms College and Heritage Academy exemplifies the power of collaboration and compassion. The Helms student chefs look forward to preparing another meal for Heritage Academy next Thursday, October 24. Through this initiative, students are not only receiving meals but also experiencing a message of hope, care, and solidarity from their local community.

For more information on this initiative or to learn more about how Helms College, Goodwill, and Edgar’s Hospitality Group are supporting relief efforts throughout Middle GA and the CSRA, please contact Haley Wesley at the phone number or email address provided above.