Our Roots
On January 29, 1923, the Union Missionary Society of LaGrange met at the First Presbyterian Church for the purpose of forming an association for the handling of charity cases in LaGrange. The name chosen for the organization to aid the needy was "LaGrange Welfare Association"
On our first board of directors were people with locally recognizable names such as Callaway, Boatwright, Dunson,
Traylor, Hudson and Lovejoy.
In 1981, our name was changed to "LaGrange Personal Aid Association" in order to better describe the work we do.
Program History
Dental Program
In January of 1983, United Way of West Georgia allocated $5000 to be used for dental care of indigent school children. Expanded to include working adults and seniors in 1985. This program ended in 2013 when United Way discontinued funding.
LaGrange Interfaith Food Closet
The Interfaith Food Closet is the result of an interfaith dialogue which began on April 11, 1983 with a group of concerned citizens from churches, agencies, schools and organizations in the Troup County area. They gathered together out of common concern for the poor, needy, elderly and hungry people in the LaGrange and Troup County area.
Troup County Unit of the Salvation Army
LaGrange Personal Aid took over the work of the Salvation Army unit in October 1983 when the local unit closed. A variety of assistance such as food, temporary lodging and medical transportation was provided. This program was discontinued in the late 1980’s when the Salvation Army returned to Troup County and a local post was formed.
The SHARE Program
In June 1984, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Peter’s Catholic Church presented a proposal to representatives of the City of LaGrange and Troup County. The approval resulted in the initiation of the SHARE Program. This program provides utility assistance for low-income, elderly, ill and disabled persons who meet income and eligibility requirements. Funding is provided by customers of the City of LaGrange Utilities Department and Diverse Power through voluntary additions to their electric bill. LaGrange Personal Aid assumed responsibility for this program in 1990.
Round-Up Program
In 2006, the City of LaGrange created this program in an effort to provide additional funding to help low-income and needy residents of LaGrange with their utility bill. Utility bills are “rounded up” to the next dollar to provide funds.
Charles C. Maddox Veterans Assistance Program
In June 2013, we realized there was a need for a program to assist veterans in our community. This program is named after a long-serving board member and World War II veteran. Assistance is based on what the veteran needs, with as little paperwork as possible. Utility and Rent payments, prescription assistance and car repair payments are just some of the assistance that has been provided.
LaGrange Empty Stocking Fund
LaGrange Personal Aid provided a screening service for the Pilot Club of LaGrange for many years. We gathered the names of needy families in and passed them on to the club. They distributed toys during the week before Christmas. In August of 2011, the Pilot Club notified us that they would be dissolving. In order to save the Empty Stocking Fund, we applied to United Way of West Georgia for the fund’s allocation. We continued the program and have expanded it to include books and other Christmas items.
Executive Directors
Miss Julia Bradfield 1923-1925
Mrs. Viola Burke 1925-1939
Mrs. Claudia Morgan 1939-1966
Mrs. Jean Daniel 1966-1974
Mrs. Patricia Robinson 1974-1985
Mrs. Tracy Seifert 1985-1988
Mrs. Kay Humphries 1988-1998
Mr. Paul Stedman 1998-
Board Members
Derek Bowen- President
Gary Whitfield- Finance Chairman
Ann Sabet
Judy Price
Pat Barton
Patty Youngblood
Brittany Jackson
Joanna Haralson
Jennifer Bryant
Community Partnerships
Publix Work Day
Wellstar Day of Service
KIA Food Donations
United Way Day of Caring
LaGrange Police Department Christmas Movie & Toy Giveaway
Toys 4 Tots and the LaGrange Empty Stocking Fund
Kiwanis Club
Winter coats and clothing are dry cleaned and donated by the LaGrange Kiwanis Club. This partnership provides warm clothing to people in need during the cold months of the year.