The Henry County Water Authority wrapped up 2022 by reporting significant support by its employees and customers of various charities throughout the past year.

More than 3,000 customers gave $16,430 simply by rounding up their monthly bills or by making other small one-time donations. The HCWA’s Charitable Assistance Program was created in 2014 to allow this kind of help to fellow customers in need. Connecting Henry serves as the nonprofit administrator of CAP funds.

The HCWA also provides information and referrals to customers who may qualify for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This federal program, administered by the Clayton County Community Services Authority, helps low-income households pay for drinking water and wastewater services for their homes. Funds for the LIHWAP come from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, as well as the American Rescue Plan Act, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Aside from these programs, HCWA employees spread holiday cheer last month through their support of a few good causes in the community.

The IT Department collected approximately $1,000 in gift cards to distribute to local foster families, with the help of Relevant Foster Care Ministry. The Engineering Department is participating in the Adopt a Senior Program, while also donating calculators for the non-profit ministry, “Patrick’s Kids,” founded in memory of Patrick (Pat) Jacques – the brother of HCWA Engineering Supervisor Fritz Jacques. The Billing Department adopted a child for Christmas, and many HCWA employees have been participating in Operation Lunch Box, which provides meals to local students who are food-challenged.

“HCWA Cares” is the Authority’s annual campaign that invites employees to consider payroll deductions and donations to support local charities they select. Each year, HCWA employees are polled to nominate charities they would like to see helped over the course of the following year. From those nominations, the top three vote-getters (including ties) are identified, so employees can donate to them per pay period or via a one-time lump sum.

The local charities benefitting from the initiative this year were Haven House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Caring for a Cause, the Henry County office of the American Cancer Society, and A Friend’s House. The “HCWA Cares” beneficiaries in 2023 will be A Friend’s House, Haven House, Caring for a Cause, and Wings for Warriors (Ralph Easterwood, Inc. – Benevolence Fund for Henry County First Responders).

“Our workplace giving program provides a chance for our employees to give back to our community and to help tackle inequality,” said Tamara Woodie, HCWA manager of human resources and risk management. “Whether it’s a dollar per paycheck or 100, there are local organizations that can use that money for good.”