Our HISTORY
More than 20 years ago, Walton Rehabilitation Health System asked: What happens to people with disabilities after acute and rehabilitative care? Where do they live? How do they work? What is their quality of life like?
Thanks to the tireless support of staff, volunteers and donors, we answered this vital need in our community. Today, Walton Foundation for Independence continues to provide unique programs and affordable, accessible housing for those with disabilities in the CSRA (via Walton Community Services). Now independently operated, Walton Foundation has made a commitment to bring those with physical challenges closer to independence and a meaningful life with family, friends and communities.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR MILESTONES:
Timeline
1988
WALTON REHABILITATION HEALTH SYSTEM OPENS.
Today, Walton Rehabilitation Hospital is owned by HealthSouth, but the hospital’s
long history made Walton Foundation for Independence and Walton Community
Services what it is today.
1996
WALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES IS FOUNDED.
Walton Community Services opened its first independent living community on Monte Sano Avenue in Augusta in 1996. From this single community, comprising three accessible 2-bedroom units, WCS has grown to 15 independent garden apartment communities throughout Augusta, Thomson, North Augusta and Harlem, providing homes for hundreds of persons with disabilities and their families in the CSRA.
1998
WALTON FOUNDATION FOR INDEPENDENCE IS FOUNDED.
Walton Foundation for Independence was founded as a separate 501c3 nonprofit organization in 1998. Today, the foundation continues to inspire donors to support the work of Walton Community Services and Walton Options for Independent Living—a nonprofit partner that provides work readiness programs and adaptive equipment to help those with all types of disabilities reach their highest level of independence. The foundation also offers its own programs, including adaptive sports such as wheelchair tennis and golf, as well as Camp To Be Independent.
2000
CAMP TBI IS FOUNDED.
In the summer of 2000, Walton Foundation for Independence began offering a unique camp for children and young adults with traumatic brain injuries, Camp To Be Independent. That first year saw 16 children and 20 volunteers. Today, thanks to the help of 60-plus volunteers, Camp TBI continues to serve 50-plus children and young adults every year, offering a free, week long summer camp experience in a safe, medically supervised environment.
2013
WALTON FOUNDATION FOR INDEPENDENCE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.
With the sale of Walton Rehabilitation Hospital to HealthSouth, Walton Foundation for Independence continues to work with the community to inspire giving and support programs and housing (via Walton Community Services) for those with disabilities in the CSRA.
2016
CHAMPIONS MADE FROM ADVERSITY MERGES WITH WALTON FOUNDATION FOR INDEPENDENCE.
The merger forms the area’s largest nonprofit offering sports and leisure programs specifically designed for people with disabilities.
2019
WALTON FOUDNATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ESTABLISHES CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP WITH WALTON OPTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
The partnership establishes more opportunities to provide resources for the disability community in the CSRA and beyond.
2020
GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW CENTER FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS & RESOURCES
WFI joins Walton Options for Independent Living as they break ground for the new Center in downtown Augusta
2021
PROJECTED RELOCATION TO CENTER FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS & RESOURCES ON WALTON WAY
WFI will be moving into the new Center in downtown Augusta with Walton Options. The new space will allow for more service opportunities as we BOLDLY serve the community.
