4-H Cooking, Arts, Health Rocks (Washington): The Ala-Tom RC&D grant was used for the Washington County 4-H program. Supplies were purchased to provide research based education and programming to youth age 9-18. Covid did cause a strain during the 2021 program year, however may youth were still provided programming opportunities. Health Rocks/Tobacco education material and supplies were purchased. These supplies were used on May 10 to provide a county wide Tobacco education program for ALL 6th graders in the county. The W.C. superintendent has already voiced concern about the need for tobacco education and wants to partner to reach even more youth during this next school year. Supplies and materials will be used continuously for this program. Arts and Cooking supplies were purchased with grant funds. 4-H offered a Christmas 2020 Art club for 18 youth. We also delivered art programs into the schools, including the Chatom Elementary 1st grade and the Soil Sam project. Day Camps were delivered to both public libraries this summer where supplies reached 50+ youth. Our office also provided a cupcake workshop and 2 separate day camps where cooking and art were the primary focus. Youth in Washington County are actively engaged in 4-H, and we are so excited to offer (Read more)
4-H Utility Trailer (Washington): On June 9, 2021 Washington County 4-H purchased their 4-H Utility trailer. Due to Covid and hurricanes in our area, Utility trailers have been very hard to find and the price had increased tremendously since our 2020 quote. Fortunately for WC 4-H, we were able to find and purchase a utility trailer from G & D Farms in Grove Hill, Alabama. This trailer was found just in time for our office to transport 51 campers luggage and supplies to Columbiana on June 28-30, 2021. (Read more)
ALL 4 PAWS TNR Program (Clarke): ALL 4 PAWS is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Clarke County Animal Shelter (CCAS) in Grove Hill, Alabama. Due to limited county funding, ALL 4 PAWS plans projects that will be beneficial for both CCAS and the local community. One such program is a TNR program which stands for Trap, Neuter Release program to control the ever increasing stray/feral animal population in Clarke county. The name given to our program is SNYP which stands for Spay Neuter Your Pet program. In our first year, ALL 4 PAWS formed a close collaboration with Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) to help spay/neuter animals at a reduced cost for our SNYP program. Many citizens have since brought stray animals to be spayed/neutered which has helped control the animal population in their neighborhood. As such, the TNR project directly benefits CCAS due to the fact that the more animals are fixed, the lesser the number of animals will be brought to CCAS by animal control and/or citizens. Over time, the TNR will help reduce overcrowding at CCAS, especially felines. (Read more)
Aquaphonics/Hydro/Crawfish Phase I (Coneuch): The project is to educate the students on a alternative way of raising vegetable’s and fish. One method of the project will teach students on using solar power instead of using standard electricity. Second method will use the cat fish to fertilize the vegetables, and the vegetables will filter the water for the fish. If for any reason we are worried about bugs being a pest on the vegetables , we raise ladybugs to get rid of the pest problems. When Phase I is up and operational, the fresh vegetables and fresh meat will benefit not only the school, but also the community. This will allow for the growth of not only the school and community, but may also provide room for further programs and projects due to the fund raisers which will be possible thanks to those assisting in the same. (Read more)
Arsenal Community Development Center (Dallas): The building will be the future home of Arsenal Place, and serve as a one stop for people who are in need of work readiness skills and employment opportunities all under one roof. The building will soon be the home of many of the work-related programs of the DCCPC. (Dallas County Children’s Policy Council). Programs including: Fatherhood Initiative Youth WOIA Adult WIOA (Job Court) ..and more to come. (Read more)
Assistance for Choctaw County Rescue Squad (Choctaw): The awarding of this grant will enable us to purchase much needed equipment to help with our safety as well as the safety of others. We purchased safety equipment to protect us while preforming extrication duties with the jaws of life equipment. We purchased safety signs (warning f accident ahead) this will help make the entire scene safer for all responders. We purchased a winch for the truck to help in extreme conditions in case a vehicle is off an embankment and we purchased a cordless sawzall to help with removing parts of the vehicle without having to use electrical power. (Read more)
ATRC SenioRx Prescription Assistance Program (Region-Wide): As part of a national aging network, Alabama Tombigbee Area Agency on Aging provides many services to the senior and disabled population of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties. We strive to reach older individuals with the greatest economic and social needs with particular attention given to low-income minority elders, individuals with limited English proficiency, individuals with disabilities, individuals at risk of institutional placement, and individuals residing in rural areas. The Area Agency on Aging advocates for seniors and helps them plan and manage their lives through a system of home and community-based services to maintain a lifetime of independence and dignity. The SenioRx program is a prescription assistance program offered by the Area Agency on Aging. The goal of SenioRx is to assist qualified individuals to obtain free or low-cost brand name prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies. Those who qualify must be 55 years of age or older or disabled, with no prescription drug coverage and having a chronic medical condition. They must also meet specific income limits. Persons with insurance coverage who fall into the Medicare Part D coverage gap may also qualify for the program. (Read more)
Building Bridges with Summer Enrichment (Coneuch): This project will assist students with academic continuation of class subjects and introduction to fall class preparation. Laptops, accessories and supplies was purchased updating technology access for online use (Read more)
Can You Hear Me Now? (Coneuch): With this funding, the Conecuh County Jr. Cattlemen was able to purchase a nice PA speaker system. The PA system included several sets of speakers and two sets of wireless microphones that can be used year after year for the Conecuh Steer and Heifer Show or any Jr Cattlemen event. (Read more)
Chamber Ambassador Scholarship (Choctaw): The Chamber Ambassador program is designed to encourage student participation in public service through assisting the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce in various projects throughout the year. This program also offers a monetary scholarship in the amount of $500 to eight senior students, specifically two students from each of the county’s four high schools, for their willingness to serve their community. (Read more)
Choctaw County Elementary Library Improvements (Choctaw): This project will improve the appearance of the Choctaw County Elementary School’s Library by making it more suitable for collaborative learning. The new furniture will give the students the flexibility to work comfortably in groups with other students. The new collaborative activity tables are suitable for a more modern appeal in the library space. The primary colors add a vibrancy to the library that is surely to attract the young minds and make them eager to learn and read books. The library improvements will hopefully make the library the most visited and sought after place within the school. (Read more)
Clarke County 4-H Program (Clarke): The Clarke County 4-H Program is seeking to enhance the life skills and opportunities for youth of Clarke County. By providing hands-on educational programs, youth can attain life skills and become productive citizens by participating in “hands-on” educational activities and events. The Clarke County 4-H Program also seeks to help our youth to better citizens by teaching them leadership and life skills and to give back or contribute to their community. This year, Clarke County 4-H sought funds to be able to purchase supplies and provide opportunities for educational programs. Due to Covid this year, Clarke County youth were not able to attend face-to-face meetings. Hurricane Zeta also destroyed the new archery shed completely. We were able to use the funds to purchase a new archery shed to replace the one destroyed by the hurricane and be able to get ready to offer the archery program to local youth. (Read more)
Classroom Technology Project (Perry): As a new school and Alabama’s second rural charter school, Breakthrough Charter is working to ensure students have access to much-needed technology to help prepare students for success in the 21st century. To support effective teaching and learning with appropriate technology integration, we are purchasing Promethean smart boards for all teachers. This grant will help us purchase this necessary tool for teachers. These smart boards allow students to interact with curriculum in a more hands-on, technologically-conscious manner. Note: The image below is an example of how Promethean smart boards will look in the classrooms. We are currently waiting for the devices to arrive in Fall 2021. This backorder issue is directly tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Read more)
Cogongrass Control Assistance (Coneuch): Cogongrass is a world class weed that is invading Alabama. It covers a lot of uncultivated land. Cogongrass stops productive use in forest lands, pastures, pecan, and other orchards and impacts crops and right of way management. Cogongrass is highly flammable and presents high risks to rural homeowners and firefighters. (Read more)
Computers for Students (Choctaw): Last summer, the previous Guidance Counselor, Kristi Williamson, submitted a grant application for Computers for Students. We purchased 50 Dell Chromebooks and 50 Dell Academic /Education licenses from Clear Winds Technologies. I have attached an invoice, check stub, and pictures of the computers that we purchased. Kristi requested $9500.00. We were granted $3,779.57. Our school spent $13,555.50. We appreciate your support of our school. Thank you so much for your help with this project. Emily Martin, Guidance Counselor (Hired May 2021) (Read more)
Conecuh 4-H Clubhouse & Enrichment Opportunities (Coneuch): Our main project this year is to provide materials to our 4-H Clubhouse. In Conecuh, we are being provided with a building by the city where we will conduct 4-H enrichment programs and after-school clubs. This building is an amazing addition to our program. However, the building is empty. We need tables and chairs, along with art materials, cooking supplies, and a variety of program materials so that the building may be stocked and ready for our 4-Hers. ● We would like to provide 4-H Leadership enrichment programs to Juniors and Seniors across the county. Supplies are needed for curriculum, supplies, and transportation. ● We would like to offer little/no cost day camps to our youth. The day camps will consist of programs from the curriculum grid such as S.T.E.M. (Robotics, Virtual Reality, Drones, Ozobots), JMG, Archery, Cooking, Sewing, Art, Copper Tooling, Basket Weaving, Dog Training, etc. We will need to purchase materials for these day camps/enrichment programs as well as snacks for the youth and adult volunteers. (Read more)
Conservation Education (Monroe): Due to Covid-19, we had to get creative in ways to use our grant. Our original purpose was to use our funds for educational lessons used in classrooms across Monroe County in grades K4-4th grade. We were not able to enter the schools this year, so we decided to find a way to reach out to students in different ways. After reaching out to teachers we made “kits” throughout the year that went along with conservation lessons. This included: The Lifecycle of a Butterly (227 kits), The Water Cycle(480 kits) and Seeds(262 kits). We also did an Earth Day Giveaway with activity books and other prizes. Our organization also partnered with the Monroe County Forestry Committee in their FAWN program and donated items for the (250) bags that were given out to the 5th grade students in Monroe County. Over Christmas break we hosted an event called “Christmas at the Conservation Center”. We held 3 different classes for ages Kindergarten-6th grade and had lessons on conservation, experiements, played games, made crafts, etc. (Read more)
COVID 19 Recovery Technology (Dallas): Like any small business, when COVID-19 pandemic hit, it affected the day to day operation of the Chamber of Commerce. It had been over 5 years since we upgraded our software and computers. We were unaware of ZOOM and realized that we could not participate virtually as we did not have cameras or microphones. By receiving funds from ALA-TOM RC&D Council we are now able to successfully operate day to day, participate virtually, connect, inform, advocate, and promote, our community working selflessly to improve the quality of life throughout Selma and Dallas County. (Read more)
Disabled Veterans and 1st Responders Events (Choctaw): This project was to purchase seating for the shooting houses and tree stands on the Iron Horse Farm property where the St. Michael Iron Horse Charity events occur. These are used during the events for disabled veterans and 1st responders who attend different events during the year at St. Michaels Iron Horse Charities/Iron Horse Farm (Read more)
Eat, Play, Learn Backpack Program (Choctaw): This is a yearly program that runs concurrent with the School calendar. We provide nutritious supplemental food each weekend for children who have been identified as being “at risk of hunger” on the weekends. Each week we pack bags with 6 small meals, a minimum of 2 snacks, shelf stable milk, and occasional extra treats. On Fridays we deliver these bags to the school to distribute to those students who have been identified as “at risk”. Each month we include a handout that contains coloring sheets, puzzles, etc. that help teach children about nutrition and making wise food choices. This past school year we distributed over twenty thousand pounds of food through this program. (Read more)
Education Outreach (Monroe): Pioneer Days at Rikard’s Mill Historical involves living history demonstrations where visiting school children may see how rural Alabamians lived. They observe the working gristmill, blacksmith shop, cane-syrup making and pioneer cabin life. It is the goal of the Museum to instill an appreciation of the diverse group who have contributed to the history of Monroe County and this area. Also, we strive to provide students with the opportunity to observe the everyday lives of early pioneers through demonstrations of life skills. Having experienced the demonstrations, we hope to help develop critical thinking and problem solving skills through interactive activities with resource people and scholars. (Read more)
Ever-Hope Farm (Clarke): This was an absolute blessing to me and others at our little vegetable farm. Some of the monies were utilize to procure educational classes that will be available to us for a lifetime. Organic farming is challenging to say the least and this proven successful methodology will be completely beneficial to not only us but others that will be taught. Other monies were utilized to procure irrigation equipment to be used in and environmentally friendly application. Well conserving water and controlling any erosion possibilities. We cannot thank ALA-TOM enough for this huge shot in the arm. (Read more)
Evergreen’s Winter Wonderland (Coneuch): Through the funding of this grant, Evergreen will start a downtown Winter Wonderland that will consist of decorated tiny houses in the downtown area. These tiny houses will be put on display for the entire Christmas season. Families will be allowed to enter and there will also be interactive toys to match the theme inside. These tiny houses will be used for years to come. Through the year, we hope to continue to add more and more tiny houses to create a true Winter Wonderland in the downtown of Evergreen. (Read more)
FAWN (Forestry Awareness Week Now) (Washington): FAWN is an educational program directed at young minds to increase their understanding of forestry and the use of forests and woodlands. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we were unable to have the FAWN field trip days in 2021. We did though hand out FAWN drawstring bags with information that would have originally been given at the FAWN field days to all 6th and 7th graders at the 5 schools in our county. The reason the 7th graders were included in this years program was they didn’t receive anything last year. Within the bags were Web Soil Surveys, Snake identification & fact sheet, Tree cookie information and activity as well as an actual tree cookie, seeded paper in an envelope with instructions to be planted at home, FAWN plastic cup, Alabama Farm facts pamphlet, Food and farm facts pamphlet, Farming feeds Alabama plastic bracelets, Pollinator pamphlet, Today’s wildlife identification guide, Eastern Indigo Snake pamphlet, Smokey’s Friends plastic bracelet, Smokey’s friends pencils and erasers. Please see attached picture of bag and contents. The educational projects taken into the Washington County schools are to educate students of all ages on conservation. Over the years many projects have been created to reach students of (Read more)
Five Points Community Development Center Food Bank Project (Dallas): Our project provides food on a monthly basis to low income persons that live in Dallas County, Perry and Wilcox Counties who live in a food insecure areas of Alabama. They are given nutritious food to feed their families on a monthly basis. (Read more)
Fork Lift Project (Dallas): In Communities across the country, the lines at food pantries are stretching longer and longer with no end in site. According to The Food, Research and Action Center, 1 in 4 households experienced food insecurity in 2019. Even before the pandemic hit, 10.5% of all U.S. households experienced food insecurity. That equates to more than 35 million Americans uncertain of where their next meal might come from. In post pandemic economic crisis, this number has tripled to 29.5%. Son Light Center feeds more than 5000 families each month through food distributions throughout the Blackbelt area. Son Light Center operates a food pantry located at 497 Oak Street, Selma, AL but distributes food to 28 churches and non-profit groups throughout the Blackbelt. We are so appreciative to AL-TOM RC & D Resource Conservation & Development Council for the donation of $7500.00 grant to purchase a much needed forklift. The purchase of this forklift enables Son Light Center to be more efficient by loading and unloading food trucks faster for deliver to communities across the Blackbelt. The completion of this purchase means that there will be fewer families going to bed tonight hungry. (Read more)
Furniture Refresher (Choctaw): This grant allowed for new furniture to be purchased replacing our heavily used and broken pieces. Much of our furniture was from the late 50’s and early 60’s. The sofa, four individual chairs, and table with a magazine rack added both to the attractiveness and functionality of the library. Computer work stations were purchased to ensure privacy as well as acknowledging patron safety due to COVID. Colorful bean bags were purchased to liven up our children’s room and make it comfortable for them to use. A rolling book rack allows for displays to be changed and various locations adjusted as needed. Desk chairs which were missing pieces and/or not operating properly were replaced. (Read more)
Garden at Pecan Loop: A Community Teaching Garden (Clarke): The City of Jackson will partner with Clarke-Washington Community Food Alliance (forming) and Jackson Middle School to create a community teaching garden. This community garden will serve as a teaching, learning, and demonstration garden with gardening, culinary, and nutrition education at the core of its mission. Engaging market vendors, local residents and market patrons, the teaching garden will connect people to their food, addressing issues surrounding food access and equity, health and nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Upon completion, the community garden will feature raised beds to be leased or sponsored each season. There will be a wheel-chair accessible growing area, a children’s sensory play garden, composting and pollinator areas. Perimeter fencing will create vertical growing opportunities. The site will have a structure that will house a tool storage area, single use bathroom, and small office. An outdoor demonstration, food preparation, and produce handling area will be built off this structure. (Read more)
GHASA Greenhouse (Clarke): GHASA (Grove Hill After-School Adventure) is a 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). We serve students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades. Students are housed at one cost center and that is Grove Hill Elementary. Students receive remediation services, STEAM activities, nutritional and physical fitness opportunities, and exposure to community service learning projects. Upon receiving a greenhouse, one of our goals was accomplished. We strive to provide aid to the Grove Hill Senior Center. The students worked in conjunction with the Clarke County Extension Agency to plant several plants in container beds. The plants were taken care of by students, and they journaled their progress through the duration of growth. After the plants were mature, the students donated the harvest to the Senior Center. Our representative Christine Dickinson was on hand to receive the harvest. (Read more)
Helmet Upgrade (Washington): The $4,000 allowed us to get 13 brand new F-7 helmets for our football team. The safety of our kids is our number one priority. Thank you so much for being a part of our community and generously helping protect our kids with the best helmets on the market today. The helmets are good for 10 years and will provide the safety needed to compete on an optimal level. Thanks, John Carpenter Fruitdale High School (Read more)
HHS Varsity Girls Basketball Spirit Packs (Coneuch): The Varsity Girls Basketball Team has a rich tradition of winning. We were AHSAA Class 3A Regional Runner-Ups. In the last six years; they have a 97-39 record, 3 Area Championships, 1 Final Four Appearance, 1 Regional Championship, 1 Sweet Sixteen, 2 Elite 8’s, 2 Sub-Regional wins. However, with all of the great accomplishments that have been made by the girl’s basketball team, our budget does not allow for the purchase of new uniforms. With the success of our basketball program, our girls deserve new uniforms. Many of these players participate in multiple sports, therefore, sometimes causing a strain on the parents/guardians. In the past, although we have had numerous fundraisers, parents and coaches have still had to contribute money from their own pockets to help cover team expenses. This year we are anticipating another year of success. The players are young, but they are looking for an opportunity to be powerful and represent our school with pride. They are eager to make a difference and continue the storied tradition of our basketball program. There is a saying that goes, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play well. If you play good, you win!” (Read more)
HIPPY Conecuh (Coneuch): HIPPY Conecuh is a home visiting program that focuses on parent-involved and parent -directed early learning. HIPPY services are offered to parents, who then work with their 2 year old-through 4 year old. HIPPY helps parents prepare their children for success in school and beyond. HIPPY supports parents as their children’s first teacher by providing them tools, skills, and confidence to teach their young children at home. HIPPY is a 30 week program of activities, with a Parent Educator visiting the home once per week. Each week the Parent Educator will deliver and role play with the parent one curriculum packet. The curriculum has the domains, Literacy, Language, Science, and Math. All props and supplies are provided for each family. A group meeting (2 Hours) is held every six weeks that will cover an adult educational program and a program for the children. Everyone is served dinner due to the lateness of the meeting. The meetings are held at a community building outside of the Conecuh County Extension Office. (Read more)
K9 Unit Project ROCKY (Clarke): K9 Unit Project ROCKY is an ongoing, ever evolving project that was created to build and maintain a state of the art K9 unit. This unit currently employs three K9 Officers and each has a dual purpose K9. The dual purpose K9’s are able to detect narcotics and apprehend. Equipment can be an enhancement tool used to make this unit more efficient and transparent. All Thomasville Officers have a body worn camera and now our K9’s do as well. The MOHOC camera is a helmet mounted system that can be remotely viewed from a mobile device. K9’s are able to search a facility or area while keeping the handlers safe and at a distance. (Read more)
K9 Unit Project Rocky (Clarke): Project Rocky is a community effort to help with the purchase of a new canine for our department. Unfortunately, we have retired our K9 Officer, Ana. She has served our department for over 6 years and has been a true asset. Her health is our deepest concern and it is important that we do what is best for her. Therefore, we are happy to say that we have acquired a new K9 to serve as Ana’s replacement. Choosing a new canine was not an easy task. Rocky, a dual purpose (narcotics and apprehension) K9 has been a great fit for the department. He provides extra protection to his handler as well as the community. Project “Rocky” is proactive enforcement that will benefit us all. (Read more)
Lets Take A Walk (Choctaw): Through this grant, we were able to beatify the downtown of Evergreen. Decorative flags, a Christmas tiny house, birdhouses and two benches were placed in the downtown of Evergreen. We also were able to order 4 tents that will be used throughout the year. This grant truly made a difference in the downtown of Evergreen. (Read more)
Listen Up (Choctaw): The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce recently purchased a dilapidated building in the downtown of Evergreen. This building had been in bankruptcy but was one of the main buildings in the downtown of Evergreen. After countless hours of hard work, this building will soon be Evergreen’s Community Hall. This will be used for community meetings, after school programs, weddings, and as other venues. (Read more)
Macedonia Community Educational Food Project (Dallas): The Macedonia Community Educational Food Project has been able to provide children with the educational tools needed for success in their studies. The center allows children between the ages of 3-17 access to computers, tablets, reading material and supplies. Many children are in need of WIFI access to operate their personal devices as well. This gives them the advantage they need to complete there school work during the pandemic due to school closings. The center also host classes on Monday nights to a program call SAAF which focuses on teen between the age of 12-17. Meals are provided on behalf of the community center. The center has workers that help serve the meals to the children and a administrator that oversee the day to day operations of the center. (Read more)
Marion-Perry County Library Summer Reading Program (Perry): The Marion-Perry County Library was busy all spring getting ready for the Summer Reading Program. Because of Covid and the uncertainty of having large groups in the library, we decided to work with the Head Start Program, Horseshoe Farm Project and Main Street Marion to plan a program that would reach out to the children in small numbers at a time. Beginning in March, we went to the Headstart classrooms and presented programs based on their curriculum. These were conducted by Mrs. Hansen and Mrs. Nail, and would ordinarily have been in the library. At the same time, our children’s librarians began purchasing and ordering books, puzzles, games, treats and other educational materials to give to the children in the summer. We have spent most of our money to place hardback educational books in the bags, with an emphasis on the graduating Head Start classes to promote literacy during the summer. We have had six in-house reading and story times, with children receiving bags at each visit. We have also coordinated with the Head Start teachers to distribute bags to the children who were unable to come into the library (this is still ongoing as the summer progresses. None of (Read more)
Marion-Perry County Supplies (Perry): The Marion Perry County Library had a difficult year in 2020-2021. We had to close several times during the Covid shutdown. We used part of our grant to purchase supplies for cleaning and maintenance that was done during the shutdown since the library was closed. We also used funds from RC&D to help us meet general expenses. This was especially helpful since the county did not fund us for the first 7 months of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. We provide library and technology services to the people of Perry County. We make available to them books, magazines, newspapers, children’s books, large type books, genealogy and reference books. We provide a reference service, fax and printer service, and scanning service. (Read more)
MMI Classroom Technology Upgrade (Perry): Vision 2022: Marion Military Institute will be nationally recognized as the premier leader development college of Alabama with whole cadet enrichment through an immersive and intentional experiential learning environment, a relevant, rigorous and robust academic program and character and leadership education development system. In order to do this MMI realized it must stay on top of the technical curve and began upgrading each classroom last year. Ala-Tom RC&D’s 2020/2021 grant allowed MMI to kick off the upgrade. By the end of the summer (2021) MMI will have upgraded 25 of the 27 classrooms. The MMI Classroom Technology Upgrade Project has provided MMI with the means to upgrade our classrooms with the most up-to-date instructional technology. These upgrades have allowed the MMI faculty to engage students more effectively both in the classroom and with remote delivery. (Read more)
Monroe 4-H Life Skills Project (Monroe): The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experiential programs and a positive youth development approach. The Monroe County 4-H is seeking to enhance the 4-H experience for the youth of our county. It is our mission to provide hands-on experiences and learning as an educational method that directly involves the learner, by actively encouraging them to do something in order to learn about it. In short, it is ‘learning by doing’. In order to provide the students of our county with the best possible education, we are seeking funding to provide the program materials necessary. (Read more)
MONROE COUNTY FAWN PROGRAM (Monroe): This is a great program that each 5th grader in our county looks forward to annually. This year was different, due to Covid and the students not getting to be actively present for FAWN. Our Committee thought outside the box and decided to do a backpack for each student, using many types of materials to educate them about soils, trees, animals and nature. (Read more)
Monroe County Scholarship (Monroe): The Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce was able to award four college scholarships ($3,000 in total) to high school seniors to further their academic careers thanks to the generous funding from the Ala-Tom RC&D Council. Two $1,000 each Good Works Scholarships were awarded to Katelynn Woody (Monroe County High School) and Cal Carter (Monroe Academy). The students were selected through an application process that included recommendation letters, essays, high school transcripts, resumes, and college acceptance letters. The Good Works Scholarship was open to all high school seniors that reside and attend school in Monroe County. The Monroe County Youth Ambassadors Scholarship was awarded to Justin Hollinger (Monroe County High School) and Karlie Welch (J.U. Blacksher High School). Each student received a $500 college scholarship. This scholarship was open to current Monroe County Youth Ambassadors. The application process included essays and volunteer hours. Monroe County is considered an impoverished county and the scholarships will greatly aid these students in pursuing their dreams of college. The Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce would not have been able to award the four scholarships without the generous grant donation from the Ala-Tom RC&D Council. (Read more)
New Additions to Sparta Academy (Clarke): Sparta Academy added a 3 year old program to their existing program. In order for the program to be established, much work had to be completed on the existing room to allow ” new additions” to be able to attend school. Work was completed on sewer lines, water lines and the classroom had to be updated to meet the needs of the 3 year old children. (Read more)
Outdoor Learning Center (Marengo): This Outdoor Learning Center was envisioned as a result of the unprecedented Pandemic that begin in 2020. The objective of this Multi-functional Environmental Education and Community Hub is to serve as an outdoor learning center. This outdoor learning center will provide the outside natural and safe environment as the background for continuous learning for students at Amelia Love Johnson High School and the adjacent community of Thomaston Alabama. (Read more)
Outdoor Reading Activity Center (Choctaw): We proposed a 12×16 foot cedar structure with a metal roof made by Yardistry. It’s a beautiful and spacious wood gazebo with a metal roof and will create the perfect setting for outdoor reading, art classes, paint parties, egg hunts, story hours, birthday parties, and all entertainment needs. (Read more)
Park Enhancement and Improvement (Dallas): The landscaping rake is used to keep the picnic area and hiking trails clean and free from debris. The boats are for recreation, for the public to come out with family and friends and enjoy their time in the park. (Read more)
Pave parking lot (Washington): Pave the parking lots in front of the Safe Room and Senior building at the Town of McIntosh. (Read more)
Pine City Farmers Market (Clarke): The Pine City Farmers Market project is an on-going community food system project designed to provide the structure and space for local farmers, artists, and craft-people to sell their products directly to the public. As a state-sanctioned market, seventy percent of the products sold at Pine City Farmers Market must be locally produced food within a 100-mile radius of Jackson, Alabama. The other 30 percent may be locally produced arts and crafts. This season our market featured locally produced fruits and vegetables, jams, pickles, honey, baked goods, plants, wooden creations, original artworks, and other items. We consider the Market an essential community destination because it located in a low access/low income tract, which is considered a food desert by the USDA. Our weekly market provided a much-needed access point to fresh food within walking distance to many low-income residents. In addition, Pine City Farmers Market participated in activities to promote garden education and community outreach. (Read more)
Pine Hill Mission Food Bank and Outreach (Wilcox): The Pine Hill Mission Food Bank and Outreach project is about providing nutritious food to senior citizens and needy families. We also provide help to those that have a loss from natural disasters (house fires, storms etc.). Our project is able to help at all times. We can provide food (weeks supply in case of emergency), clothing, shoes and personal need items. We offer workshops on healthy eating and free gym and aerobics class to the public. (Read more)
Post-COVID Career Readiness and Small Business Development (Washington): In light of the current COVID-19 health crisis, the lack of career resources, training, and small business support was an even more prominent challenge in our community. This project was designed to assist job-seekers and small businesses in and around Washington County that currently lack access to development resources and training. WCPL used this grant to provide adult/teen education, including classes and certification for the general public such as GED prep, employable skills certification like Ready to Work, ServSafe, WorkKeys skills, as well as computer skills and digital literacy. WCPL is now partnering with the AL Career Center to provide career readiness assistance to job-seekers needing help with resume writing, job search/application submission, and other challenges associated with online employment opportunities. Workshops on business development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship will now be offered. Through this grant, the local workforce can be more employable and better prepared to gain and maintain employment, which will help employers who currently experience high rates of turnover due to a lack of skills and education. (Read more)
PPE for Choctaw Outreach Ministry (Choctaw): The Choctaw County Outreach Ministry was able to procure and distribute much needed PPE to people in need. This was done through community organized efforts. (Read more)
Project Image (Monroe): The Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce used the funds received from the Ala-Tom RC&D Council to purchase photography equipment. The Nikon camera and equipment will be used for many years to promote tourism, economic development and other community events. The high quality photographs taken with the equipment will be used on the Chamber’s website, social media pages, billboards, magazines, brochures, posters, and other promotional materials. (Read more)
Project Learn & Tutoring (Choctaw): This project was to employee 2 staff to supervise and help the 30 virtual children who attended our Supervised Distant learning all year here at the club and for our after school program which these two staff members stayed and tutored children for the after school program. During our day time virtual program we serviced 12 children from Wilcox County who attended F.S. Ervin School. It was a blessing to have the extra money to help pay for these two staff members. (Read more)
Proper Equipment for Fire Fighters (Wilcox): This project enabled Pine Hill Volunteer Fire Department to purchase two new sets of turn out gear. The turn out gear the Department has is either outdated or soon to be outdated and in need of replacement. (Read more)
Regional Familiarization (FAM) Tour of the Blackbelt (Region-Wide): *Due to the ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions for most of the time period of this grant, approval was given by Ala-Tom RC&D’s Executive Director Marie Lowder to refocus the grant in Spring of 2021. The new focus was around The Alabama Mural Trail development, a perfect fit for social distancing and instate road trips.* The goal of the Alabama Mural Trail is to provide the state of Alabama a sense of community, to drive economic impact, and to bring people together. By inventorying and promoting murals statewide, UACED hopes to encourage both locals and tourists to find some place new and discover the beautiful art Alabama has to offer. Placemaking through murals is a key aspect to the Alabama Mural Trail. Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being. With this new focus the grant supported the following: Photography of 41 murals in the Ala-Tom Region by a professional and published photographer – John Dersham, of murals in the Ala-Tom RC&D Region for The Alabama Mural Trail – #SweetHomeMurals GPS (Read more)
Selma PAL After School Enrichment Program (Dallas): Selma PAL After School Enrichment Program is based on the premise that children and teen want a safe after school environment where they can participate in enjoyable and productive activities is a supportive setting. PAL incorporates proven strategies that strengthen protection factors and promote positive and productive behavior and attitudes. (Read more)
South Side Well Pump (Perry): The south side well pump will provide water to the cattle on the south side property. The sell of these cows the profits goes towards St. Michael’s Iron Horse Charities to help defray the cost of the events we put on each year for disabled veterans and 1st responders. (Read more)
Sowing Knowledge, Growing Leaders (Choctaw): Sowing Knowledge, Growing Leaders was established as a way to help students develop leadership qualities while learning to be advocate for agriculture by helping to bridge the knowledge gap between farmers and consumers. This project focuses on providing hands on, real life opportunities to gain and practice skills that will help students become more prepared, educated, productive citizens of society while striving to ensure that they will be active, quality employees in the career paths that they choose. The pandemic provided some struggles and forced us to alter some of our planned activities from face to face to a virtual platform. However, we made the most of the challenges and encouraged students to adapt. (Read more)
STEAM Activities for HIPPY and PAT Group Meetings (Clarke): HIPPY and PAT are home visiting programs that work directly with parents to help them become their child’s “first teacher”. One of the requirements of both programs is to hold monthly group meetings/connections to offer additional assistance in meeting the needs of the parents and children. During this time the children are worked with on a variety of skills. STEAM activities will allow us to reinforce skills already being taught in the homes through HIPPY and PAT, thus better preparing our children for their future academic success. Our focus is that childen learn through play naturally. Having these activities will allows us to be proactive in their learning by providing the basics of what they will need in their future. (Read more)
Sturdivant Hall Museum Brochure (Dallas): In order for Sturdivant Museum to serve and educate the community and surrounding areas, we needed a brochure to direct traffic to our antebellum museum. Al-Tom RC&D has made it possible for us to financially achieve that goal. By distributing these brochures we are hopeful that the community and surrounding areas will be drawn to our museum. (Read more)
Take A Seat, Please (Choctaw): The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Recently recently purchased a former banquet center. This building had been an eyesore in the downtown of Evergreen because it had not been used in many years. Through an 0pen mind, we have been able to revitalize this building to become community center for Evergreen. This building will be used for community meetings, after-school programs, and as a local venue for our community. (Read more)
Thomasville Alabama Community Garden Improvements (Clarke): The goal of the project is to improve the community garden by adding flowering bushes in the wall of the garden, replacing the pump in the fountain in the center of the garden, and by adding outdoor art to improve the looks of the garden. By making these improvements more people will be attracted to the garden and maybe get involved in volunteering and working together with others in the community to provide vegetables for anyone who may need them. (Read more)
Training Facility Upgrades (Wilcox): This project replaced windows in the Fire Dept Training Room. These windows are more energy efficient than the previous windows. The windows cover a large area in the training room and needed to be replaced. (Read more)
WEEES (Workbooks and Early Educational Enrichment Supplies) (Wilcox): The WEEES Project was initiated as an effort to improve student achievement in grades K-12 and encourage at-risk students to improve themselves through the use of technology and up-dated equipment that incorporates science, reading and math skills. During this project, students were involved in artistic disciplines for six weeks during this summer and a year-round tutorial program that incorporated computer literacy, art, and music. (Read more)
Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassador Scholarship (Revised) (Wilcox): As revised, this project is intended to enhance the WACC Chamber Ambassador Program by providing technology upgrades, training supplies, shirts and nametags. These items will help build a stronger leadership program, create digital training and program content, enhance the guest speaker experience, and provide a more professional and uniform appearance for Ambassadors at Chamber events. The Program was created to help prepare students in Wilcox County by teaching the inner workings of local economy and government, teaching valuable skills, and teaching the importance of contributing to our diverse and rural county in Alabama. (Read more)
Wilcox County Community Guide (Wilcox): The Community Guide is a publication meant to showcase area tourist and cultural attractions, municipalities, lodging and businesses in Wilcox County. Copies of the completed publication will be available at local hotels, camp sites, business, and at festivals throughout the county. Full color photographs with accompanying copy will highlight the best of Wilcox County. The Guide is intended to promote tourism and relocation to Wilcox County as well as promote local businesses. (Read more)