Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Augustin.
Hi Shawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A.C.E.S. was created on the foundation to be an opportunity for resources to individuals like myself; suffering from various forms of chronic stomach diseases. After years of misdiagnoses and numerous unanswered questions; I was determined to find resources to help not only myself but others like me. In the midst of finding resources along with lifestyle changes; we decided to bridge the gap through community outreach. Given our family’s history in community service and outreach, the opportunity to give back to our community was the only right thing to do. Over the past 3 years we have given away over 500 backpacks and school supplies to middle class working parents like ourselves; with the assistance of small businesses and organizations. A.C.E.S. continues to provide literature and online resources to children and adults who are struggling with chronic diseases like Crohn’s.
We have local businesses like Apollo Pharmacy, Horne Law Firm, Dr Brent Acker, Empire Community Program, Southeast Sarcoidosis Group, The Gunn’s, Backstage Production, QuadE and so many more gracious donors that have supported us throughout the years. Also, national business-like Jessica’s Natural Foods, Dude Wipes and BUOY have donated healthy foods and supplies. A.C.E.S. partners with our family’s organization; Empire Community Program, in which we provide community service to the seniors; as well as, help middle and high school students get their community service hours. Our team consists of myself (Shawn Augustin), Lakisha Augustin (my wife), Tonya Harris (my mother in-law), Tiona Ellis (my sister in-law). We are family focused and put our hearts into all that we do; as we strive to do our best to aid community needs with information and connections that can help improve, expand and reach ours as well as surrounding communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have had obstacles and struggles like any other non-profit organization. Everything comes with trial and error as you try things a little different every year. Getting grants and sponsors each year is sometimes tough; which we know comes with time for being such a new organization. We use 95% of everything donated towards community service and the other 5% towards maintenance. Another obstacle is finding a location that can eventually become consistent for our reoccurring events. Our goal is always to provide more and better than we did before in order to bring more awareness to Crohn’s and the unspoken effects it has on our community with adults and children alike.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A.C.E.S. is an organization that specializes in educating and sharing the different resources of digestive chronic diseases. This is a disease that is steadily increasing and many people don’t understand what to do, and the different resources available to them. So that’s where we come in to bridge that gap and help ease that fear of the unknown. I once had that same fear.
However, we are well known for our resources, for our community service of giving back to the youth and elderly seniors; as well as, partnering with other organizations to do what we can for our community. We interact very closely with other small businesses in order to help them grow. We work with health organizations and providers to bring into the community as resources.
What sets us apart is; we love seeing when the kids open their backpacks and see all the supplies as well as the parents seeing all the resources we have for them. We take pride in seeing the senior community get the help they need and the volunteers interact with their community.
I feel pride and enjoyment in the process; from receiving sponsorships to getting vendors for the events, all the way to those smiles.
We are different because it’s not about us, it’s always about those in need as well as showing the future of this world the importance of the community. The youth will grow one day and we want the legacy to continue for community, family, giving back, and being selfless.
Any big plans?
Future plans are to always grow the non-profit eventually down the road with a physical location where individuals will be able to come and not only get information of resources, but also talk to an advisor. We are looking to set up a community group where we can sit down and talk about the digestive issues individuals are having, because this disease can be life changing and depression can set in. A.C.ES. is in the process of setting up more community events like father daughter dances, lunches for the elderly seniors, community Bingo, and eventually scholarships for our community high school seniors. We want to be an asset to the community in the resources we offer and the way we give back.
Pricing:
- Donations of any kind is accepted and appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://augustinscrohns.wixsite.com/2022
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CN1TUCDk4/
