The Heritage Community Foundation, operated by The First Bank, recently awarded over $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the bank’s operating footprint. Founded in 2014 by Heritage Bank prior to the bank being acquired by The First, the Heritage Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports local nonprofit groups by making a difference in the lives of people within its communities. In 2023, Heritage Bank was acquired by The First, providing the opportunity for the foundation to extend its service area into other areas of Georgia and Florida, as well as into the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

“As a result of our bank’s growth in recent years, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the footprint of our Heritage Community Foundation and the resulting impact on local communities,” said Hoppy Cole, chief executive officer and president of The First. “Giving back to our communities and supporting local economies is integral to our mission as a bank, and our foundation is a pivotal part of how we support and execute that strategy.”

Today, the foundation is primarily funded by employees of The First with all operating costs funded by the foundation. To date, the foundation has awarded over $1,174,000 in grant awards to more than 150 nonprofit groups, donated more than $22,000 to disaster and emergency relief, as well as provided over $23,000 in support to The First employees experiencing hardships due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances.

“Now celebrating 10 years of making an impact in our communities, the Heritage Community Foundation’s recent efforts this year to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations with over $250,000 in grant awards speaks volumes to the generosity of our bank and our employees who donate their time and resources to ensure the foundation’s success,” said Jerome Brown, president of the Heritage CommunityFoundation and executive vice president and chief community officer at The First. “I am grateful for the bank’s support of the foundation and the continued impact the foundation has made on local communities surrounding our bank operations.”

In 2024 alone, the Heritage Community Foundation supported 130 nonprofit organizations with grant awards including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, Inc.; Dynamic Dyslexia Design; Jacobs Well Ministries, Inc.; Petal Children’s Task Force; Africatown Redevelopment Corporation; Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, Inc.; Prodisee Pantry, Inc.; City of Bay Minette; Swamp Elite Retreat, Inc.; Northshore Food Bank; Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra; NewCorp, Inc.; The Villages of Hope, Inc.; Called to Care, Inc.; GZL Educational Foundation, Inc.; Big Bend Cares, Inc.; Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc.; Hands of Hope Clinic; MASA Take by Force Ministries, Inc.; and United Way of Coastal Empire, Inc. From education and job training to hunger relief and health care, the nonprofit organizations supported by the foundation’s grants are making a difference in their own unique way within communities throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

“It is such a joy to work with my fellow board members who give their time to manage the resources of the Heritage Community Foundation,” stated Stacy Hammons, chair of the Heritage Community Foundation Board of Directors. “The way our foundation serves the five-state community and our own team members is truly remarkable, and I am honored to contribute to such an impact.”

ABOUT THE HERITAGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Heritage Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports local nonprofit organizations by making a difference in the lives of people in its communities. The nonprofit entity is funded primarily by employees of The First Bank with all operating costs funded by the foundation. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded over $1,174,000 in grant awards to more than 150 nonprofit groups.

ABOUT THE FIRST BANK

Founded in 1996, The First Bank was formed by a group of business leaders who had a vision for creating a bank that would support the communities it served and build sustainable, long-term relationships with clients in those communities. Now, that dream has grown to an $8 billion asset, multi-state financial institution with operations spanning Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. As one of the largest certified Community Development Financial Institutions in the nation, The First employs over 1,000 team members in 115 locations throughout the five-state region. Since receiving the CDFI certification in 2010, the bank has awarded over $72 million in community investments to support economic growth, job creation and affordable housing projects in economically distressed areas. The company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol, FBMS. For more information about The First Bank, visit thefirstbank.com.

Jonesboro, Ga. (November 7, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $5,000 grant to Rhonda Miller, the President & CEO of United Food Force on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. The grant purchased a 53-foot trailer used for storing and transporting food and household supplies for those in need in our community.

United Food Force’s mission is to fight hunger through united efforts and partnerships. The non-profit organization distributes a million pounds of food per month to local groups and agencies. These resources are used to support the many churches and non-profit organizations that have ministries focused on meeting the needs of individuals and families struggling with hunger in our area.

“United Food Force is doing tremendous work and they make a real difference in our community,” said Jenny Smith, Board Member and Treasurer of the Heritage Community Foundation. “We are so pleased to continue our partnership with them and support their efforts to combat hunger in our area. This grant for the purchase of a semi-trailer will help them better meet the needs in our region.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (October 23, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant for $2,830 to Nancy Meaders, President and CEO of the Fayette Senior Services Center on Monday, October 23, 2017. This grant provides funding to support the organization’s support for senior citizens in Fayette County through their food services department and their educational outreach programs.

The Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center offers a broad scope of life-enhancing services to Fayette County residents’ age 50 and better. The services include Meals on Wheels, transportation services, homemaker services, in-home respite services, personal-care and care management services and variety of education and wellness activities.

“We are pleased to partner with the Fayette Senior Services Center organization so they can continue their important work in Fayette County,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This is a special organization for our Foundation because the very first grant we provided in 2015 was to this group to help them purchase a van. They continue to offer meaningful services to the seniors in the area and these funds will help them purchase a LCD Projector and also support their food services department.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (October 11, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant for $2,500 to Susan Crumbley, Executive Director of Connecting Henry on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. This grant provides funding to support the organization’s program focused on assisting at-risk young adults with the skills and academic resources necessary to be successful in the workforce.

Connecting Henry’s “SWAG” (Students Working to Achieve Greatness) program serves Henry County residents aged 16-24 with free personalized GED classes and program services. Last year, the program helped 44 young adults earn their GED.

“This important program provides High School drop-outs the opportunity to further their education in a supportive environment,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “These young adults compete this program better prepared to succeed in the workforce because of the focus on job readiness, personal financial literacy, leadership and entrepreneurial development. These program components are all in addition to the GED preparation classes. We are pleased and proud to continue our partnership with Connecting Henry.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 27, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $1,400 grant to Crosswalk Ministries USA on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Heritage Bank branch on Eagles Landing Parkway. The grant will be used to fund needed photography equipment and art supplies for the organization’s successful “ARTreach 180” program.

Crosswalk Ministries USA is a non-profit group that works to reduce juvenile crime and address the underlying causes of teen criminal behavior by providing Christ-centered preventative and aftercare programs for at-risk teenagers.

“Crosswalk Ministries USA works hard to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk teenagers,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Crosswalk USA so they can expand the impact and influence of the important work they do.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 27, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $3,500 grant to Priti Griffin, the Executive Director for the Raise Me Up Foundation on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at the Heritage Bank branch on Eagles Landing Parkway. The grant will be used to support the organization’s education program designed to help adults recognize the signs of and impact of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. In addition, the grant will provide funds to provide local educators with supplemental supplies for their classrooms.

The Raise Me Up Foundation is a new non-profit group in Henry County. Their mission is to provide awareness, education for adults as well as collaborative resources for raising children in a safe and healthy environment.

“We are pleased and proud to support the work of the Raise Me Up Foundation,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This new local non-profit organization is working to improve the lives of children by providing focused resources for parents and educators.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 21, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $2,650 grant to Nan Jenkins, the Director of Development for A Friends House on Thursday, September 21, 2017. The grant will be used to purchase clothing and supplies for children temporarily placed at the facility.

A Friend’s House operates as a home for children in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services. The children stay for an unspecified period of time until the best course of action is determined based on a child’s needs. The organization has served over 2,000 children since opening its doors in 1998.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is excited to support the important work of A Friend’s House,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This local non-profit organization continues its tireless efforts to improve the lives of children placed with the agency by actively addressing the child’s physical and emotional needs. They provide a loving, caring and safe home environment for children that are abused, abandoned or neglected.”

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 24, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $2,500 grant to Brenda Rayburn, the interim CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The grant will be used to provide financial educational materials for approximately 50 program participants.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is pleased to support the important work of our local Habitat for Humanity organization,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This non-profit organization continues its tireless efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families in our area through their home ownership program and home-repair program. Habitat’s comprehensive approach includes helping home-owners develop habits that promote financial wellness”.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (September 7, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $3,000 grant to Becky Davenport, the Executive Director for Bloom Our Youth in Fayetteville, Georgia on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The grant will be used to support their ongoing work with Foster families with the purchase sturdy storage bins for their year-round clothes closet and for the purchase of car seats to loan out to foster families.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is proud to partner with BLOOM and support the important work they do to support children and foster families,” said Mark Dose, Executive Director of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This non-profit organization has an impressive track record of improving the lives of children and supporting foster parents as they navigate the foster care system.”

Bloom Our Youth, Inc., was founded in 1986 and provides safe shelter along with physical, educational and emotional support to children and teenagers who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or other tragic circumstances. BLOOM provides these children an opportunity to achieve their personal best, despite difficult circumstances.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 18, 2017) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $2,000 grant to John Uesseler, the CEO of the Academy for Advanced Studies / The Henry County College and Career Academy on Friday, August 18, 2017. The grant will be used to purchase specialized equipment and resources for their “Culinary Arts” program.

“The Heritage Community Foundation is pleased and proud to partner with the Academy for Advanced Studies to support their fantastic Culinary Arts program,” said Jenny Smith, Board Member and Past Board Chair of the Heritage Community Foundation. “This focused education program is making a huge difference in the lives of students in our area and it is important for the program leadership to have resources to expand and continually improve their program. We know how important it is for our educators to be innovative and challenge students to achieve more.”

The Academy for Advanced Studies is a charter program of choice, providing innovative and flexible learning options for high school students. The program’s mission is to ensure each student graduates high school with the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for college and career success. The program offers a variety of “Career Pathway” tracks that include Architecture and Construction, Business Management & Administration, Education & Training, Health Science Careers, Hospitality and Tourism, just to mention a few. The “Culinary Arts” program is in the Hospitality & Tourism pathway and prepares students through knowledge in diet, nutrition, food preparation, cost and budgets and the science of food.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” Heritage Bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

In addition to the support from Heritage Bank, a number of other local businesses support the HCF through their partnership in the HCF Community IMPACT Club. These businesses include Harding Plumbing, Brent Scarbrough & Co., C & C Fence Co., Heritage Cadillac, Lincoln Insurance, Paragon Alarm Systems, Central Station Monitoring, The Dockery Group, Waldrop & Trite, LLC.,, JR Davis Tools, Griffin Insurance, New South Package and Emmett J. Arnold Law, P.C., and David Curry.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Mark Dose, Heritage Community Foundation Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.