On Saturday, July 19, the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority (CGACAA) hosted its first annual “Rise and Thrive” community event in Pembroke, welcoming all families across Bryan County.

The event sought to support and uplift local families ahead of the academic school year.

“Our mission at Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority is simply to help our families move to a place of self-sufficiency," said Alneata Kemp, the Community Services Director at CGACAA. “And we do that by offering various programs to our families.”

The event featured a wide array of local vendors and service providers such as Savannah Technical College, Park Place Outreach, Goodwill, Coastal Health District, and WorkSource Coastal. These organizations provided valuable information and services for visitors—ranging from college enrollment assistance to workforce development resources. 

In addition to these resources, CGACAA distributed free backpacks and school supplies to children in need, helping families prepare for the upcoming school year.

The CGACAA serves nine different counties in Coastal Georgia, including Bryan. To learn more about CGACAA, visit https://www.coastalgacaa.org/.