Finance and Administration gives back to Athens residents
(L to R) Chris Martin, Sophie Raboud, John Gagliano, Virgil Stephens, Ashley*, Britney Green. The UGPD supported Ashley’s family during the 2024 F&A Holiday Outreach Event.
In December, Finance and Administration (F&A) wrapped up its fourth annual Community Holiday Outreach initiative, raising a record-breaking $16,133 in monetary and physical donations—the highest total in the event’s history. These contributions supported nine families and four seniors in Athens-Clarke County, providing essential items and holiday gifts.
Each division and central office within F&A sponsors one or two families or seniors through the program, which runs from October through December. This year, the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration supported two seniors, including 77-year-old Dorothy*. The team was able to provide Dorothy with winter coats, orthopedic shoes, sweaters, home furnishings, and other necessities to help her through the colder months.
“I feel really honored that I got to participate,” Dorothy said. “I’m really grateful for the items that I got—they’re very important to my long-term well-being.”
Dorothy*, an Athens resident, was sponsored by the UGA Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration during the 2024 F&A Holiday Outreach Initiative.
Dorothy*, who has lived in Athens since 1994, moved into the Athens Housing Authority 13 years ago due to ongoing health challenges. As a wheelchair user, she says people sometimes treat her differently. One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience was the way F&A staff treated her with dignity and care.
“The whole process was respectful and kind,” she said. “The people saw me and talked to me for who I am.”
Since its inception, the Community Holiday Outreach initiative has raised $49,618 to support Athens residents facing financial hardships. The program’s impact continues to grow, thanks to the generosity of F&A staff and the dedication of the F&A Culture & Belonging Committee, which organizes the event in partnership with the Athens Housing Authority.
The ongoing collaboration between F&A and the Athens Housing Authority has been a source of joy and relief for many local families, said Tammy Howard, Director of the Resident Support Department at the Athens Housing Authority.
“This annual commitment to supporting our community has brought immense joy and brightened the lives of many families,” Howard said. “The dedication demonstrated through this enduring act of kindness is genuinely heartwarming.”
This year, many F&A divisions exceeded the needs of their sponsored families and seniors. Among the families supported was Ashley*, a mother of three young children who was sponsored by the UGA Police Department.
“I feel like it was a blessing for me and my family,” Ashley said. “What I wasn’t able to get or do, I received through the program.”
Her family received clothing, shoes, cookware, cleaning supplies, and a bike for her son, making a meaningful difference in their holiday season.
“There are a lot of mothers and fathers out there that need help,” she said. “I’m more than thankful for what this program has done for me and my family, and I think it should continue.”
The F&A Culture and Belonging Committee, which includes representatives from all 12 units within Finance and Administration, plays a key role in the program’s success each year. The initiative not only supports families and seniors in need but also strengthens the bond between F&A staff and the Athens community.
“Athens is a small community, and many of our team members are from here,” said Danielle Bouton, Associate Director for Learning, Development & Engagement for Auxiliary Services and vice chair for the committee. “By helping our team members give back to their community, we are also supporting them and the local organizations that are important to them.”
This connection between F&A staff and the community is a driving force behind the program’s continued growth. Each year, employees go above and beyond to meet the needs of their sponsored families, demonstrating the deep commitment to service that defines F&A’s culture.
“Every year, we see firsthand how much this initiative means to our community members,” said Bernard Thomas, Director of Culture and Belonging for F&A. “It’s not just about the donations—it’s about showing people that they are valued and supported. Seeing the generosity of our colleagues and the impact on these families is incredible.”
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
