Strategic Planning

GRI has developed a strategic plan identifying what the organization must accomplish if it is successfully serving its constituents, partners, and stakeholders over the next 5 years and longer.

A detailed analysis of the future environment we expect to exist was completed with input from various stakeholders – staff, board members, members of the medical and disability community among others. Key planning assumptions were developed from this input along with review of available data to develop priorities and initiatives. Community health needs assessments from various sources including the 2015 AARP Age Friendly Community Action Plan were also included in the planning data collection process to validate these assumptions. It is understood disabilities compound barriers to economic independence and noteworthy to share that the Augusta MSA has one of the highest poverty rates (13.8%) in the nation adding an additional community barrier for significant change.

Data indicates persons with disabilities are about three times as likely as those with no disability to be over 65 years of age, in need of accessible home accommodations and the area shows a shortage of accessible affordable housing. Also identified is the immediate and critical need for easily accessible transportation that is flexible and origin-to-destination oriented at an affordable cost. Unemployment is 5.6% in the Augusta-Richmond County MSA slightly higher than the four closet MSA(s) in Georgia and South Carolina showing a higher prevalence among persons with disabilities being unemployed. Education, specific job skills, and reluctance among employers to hire someone with a disability due to fear of ADA and accommodation laws or work culture-fit are identified obstacles.

GRI determined that housing, transportation, and employment will make the most impact on improving the lives and socio-economic-status of our disabled residents. Recently, GRI expanded priorities to include funding research in medical rehabilitation. And, through Augusta’s recent planning efforts (Destination Blueprint & Public Art Master Plan), GRI has determined to support efforts that include or make cultural arts accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. GRI will focus its mission in Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken Counties.