“WeConnect” (Choctaw): This is a global youth citizenship curriculum modified to meet the needs of the youth in Choctaw County. Our best and brightest students are leaving Choctaw County at an alarming rate. The youth left behind will be the workforce of tomorrow. The majority of these students come from a low socioeconomic background, live in abusive environments, are exposed to drugs at an early age, and are being raised by grandparents or great-grandparents. These youth are continually being told that they won’t ever amount to anything because they are no good. You hear that enough and you begin to believe it. For the 2017-2018 school year, this will be our pilot project. We will develop an application and any student wanting to attend our Global Youth Academy will have to submit an application. They will be chosen solely on the content of this application. We do not want input from the school as to how good or bad they are perceived to be, what their grades are – we want the students who are failing and don’t believe they have a chance. This is a project in the power of goodness and caring. Students will meet twice a month at the (Read more)
4-H Educational Programs (Monroe): 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, “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)
After School Youth Development (Clarke): The monies were used to help pay the salaries on two different employees. Without this grant these two people would not of been hired for our after school program as my budget is really tight. These two employees helped to tutor our children that were struggling with grades. One worked with elementary students and one worked with middle school students. (Read more)
Amelia Love Johnson High School New Baseball/Softball Field (Marengo): The purpose of this project was to provide the funding to purchase the equipment needed to provide the foundation for a new baseball and softball field and teams at ALJHS. The funding has helped us get the foundation started as documented by the invoices and cancelled checks that shows that we were able to purchase baseball uniforms, catcher protection equipment for the the boys and girls, bases and a home plate, bats, catcher gloves, practice baseballs, a pitcher safety screen, and aluminum bleachers for the actual field. We will receive in-kind donations of the necessary dirt and labor to prepare the field for play. We anticipate starting our first teams during the 2018-19 school year. The grant has provided ALJHS the needed funding to start these extra-curricula activities that will boost the school-spirit of the entire school. We anticipate new students enrolling in our school as a result of these additional sports opportunities. (Read more)
Camp Grist Enhancement Project (Dallas): The project this grant was used for was maintenance of the roads leading to the primitive camping area, pressure washing the building, restrooms, picnic pavilions and equipment. (Read more)
Choctaw County Chamber Welcome Sign (Choctaw): The Choctaw County Chamber Welcome Sign project was conceived as a way to help promote a more vibrant image of Choctaw County to travelers when crossing into the county. Previous “Welcome Signs” has rotted into disrepair and this project was created to help give the county a “fresh look.” (Read more)
Community Enhancement (Monroe): This project was to increase the quality of life for the residents of Monroe County, Alabama and its surrounding areas by providing reliable broadband services to the Monroe County Public Library, the Monroeville/Monroe County Community Development Corporation (MMCCDC), and the Monroeville/Monroe County Economic Development Authority. (Read more)
Community Enhancement with Broadband (Monroe): This project was to increase the quality of life for the residents of Monroe County, Alabama and its surrounding areas by providing reliable broadband services to the Monroe County Public Library, the Monroeville Monroe County Economic Development Authority (MMCEDA), and the Monroeville Monroe County Community Development Authority (MMCCDC). (Read more)
Craig Fence Project (Dallas): The Dallas County Board requested funds to erect a nine(9) gauge galvanized chain link fence between Bruce K. Craig Elementary School and the adjacent lumber yard. The fence is 6′ in height and 540 feet in length with two vehicle gates with locking capability to allow vehicles from the lumberyard to enter and exit. (Read more)
Disc Golf Course (Washington): An eighteen hole disc golf course was installed at the St. Stephens Historical Park. The course layout stretches through the historical site of the territorial capital of Alabama, and each hole features a historic fact about Old St. Stephens. The historic facts correspond with the hole numbers, and they provide insight into the lives of the people of the early 1800s in south Alabama. Our goal was to provide an additional recreational opportunity while promoting an awareness of the historical importance of the town site. The course officially opened on July 31, 2018, but it has already attracted significant interest from the disc golf community and from park guests. We plan to host an inaugural tournament in the spring of 2019. The expectation is that the course will create a stream of income for the park through tournaments and through increased lodging revenue from guests who want to play the course. We have a selection of discs for sale in the park store and an assortment of discs that are available for rent. Both of those options should provide income to the park. (Read more)
Drug Elimination, Search and Rescue (): This project will be able to help our Sheriff Deputies rescue citizens from dangerous grounds whenever it’s needed. Being that Perry County is a rural county, we are mostly dealing with activities in wooded areas. (Read more)
ECI Greenhouse Project (Washington): Thanks to Ala-Tom RC&D, the ECI Greenhouse project in Washington County has flourished by the way of renovations to improve the greenhouse, educational classes to engage clients, and continuous maintenance. Assorted veggies and flowers including tomatoes, squash, herbs, petunias, and marigolds were purchased for the clients to help raise as well as to assist in nutritional classes with the center. We have been fortunate in the fact that some of the clients have shown interest in our local farmers market and have brought out some of their flowers to the market. Of course when it comes to raising veggies and flowers, you must have all the essential components such as lots and lots of potting soil, fertilizer, and a watering system to keep plants good and hydrated on hot summer days! With the purchase and installation of a watering system, upgrades were made to the ECI green house in an effort to work more efficiently for years to come. We have purchased garden tools such as trimmers, safety glasses, shovels, watering can, and more in order for the clients at ECI to be able to lend a hand in this educational project. With the purchase of veggies and herbs, several nutrition classes (Read more)
Evergreen: Let the Fun Begin (Coneuch): This grant was to promote events in the city of Evergreen. A generator and a PA System were the main items ordered. These items will be used year after year during special events in the City of Evergreen. (Read more)
FAWN (Forestry Awareness Week Now) (): Forestry Awareness Week Now is an educational program established as an outdoor classroom for all the sixth graders in Clarke County including public, private, city and home schooled students. The instructors, who are resource professionals from local agencies and timber producers, provide seven lessons, which are forest management, soils, environmental history, wildlife management, project wild, tree identification, and forest products. As the schools arrive they are divided into seven groups according to homerooms and color of t-shirts (each shirt has sponsors names) that are provided by FAWN coordinators. The seven groups are then guided by trail guides and rotated accordingly throughout the day to each station. The event is held for three days to accommodate all of the schools in Clarke County. (Read more)
HIPPY Conecuh (Coneuch): Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is an evidenced-based program that works with families in the home to support parents in their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. HIPPY strengthens communities and families by empowering parents to actively prepare their children for success in school. Parents are provided with a set of carefully developed curriculum, books and materials designed to strengthen their children’s cognitive skills, early literacy skills, social/emotional and physical development. HIPPY programs serve families from diverse ethnic and geographic groups across the nation, particularly those most at risk because of poverty, parents’ limited education and social isolation. (Read more)
Jefferson Community Club Kitchen Renovation (Marengo): Jefferson Community Club’s kitchen was in desperate need of repairs and upgrades to continue to accommodate the many functions that take place at the facility throughout the year. In fact, outlining a time frame for construction posed a challenge because of the growing number of events on the calendar. We planned for many months, fine-tuned our budget, and made preparations for essentially gutting the small kitchen to replace its materials and fixtures with commercial food service grade furnishings that would allow for better traffic flow, functionality, energy efficiency, and a clean, safe work space. After those months of planning, we completed the work of the project from demolition to completion in less than two weeks, with the commitment of approximately 10 volunteers who gave nearly 300 hours of community service. The construction and repair work includes demolition, replacing rotting floors with new plywood and overlay of roll vinyl, removal of old bowed paneling, addition of insulation and new wall sheathing, updated and upgraded electrical outlets and plumbing, refinished ceiling, installation of fiberglass reinforced panels on the wall, and approximately 40′ of stainless work tables and double sink. The outdated and out of service appliances have been replaced with energy efficient (Read more)
Jones House Restoration (Monroe): The restoration of the historical Jones House in Frisco City has been an on going project of Revive Frisco City for sometime now. We are nearing completion of this project now. Ala-Tom has been a big supporter of this project. The roof, outside siding, windows, and exterior painting was our first phase after that was completed we have repaired the interior walls, ceilings, repair and refinish floors, and relocated and finished a bathroom. This $2000 grant was used to paint the interior of the house. The job is nearing completion as we work on a few odd jobs and purchasing furniture we plan to be finished by the end of 2018. Thanks to our many volunteers, Ala-Tom, Georgia Pacific, United Bank and many other supporters. (Read more)
Mill Village Community Garden & Food Park (Dallas): Grow Selma is a program focusing on extra-curricular education at Mill Village Community Garden & Food Park, where getting to know food from start to finish and providing a diverse setting by grouping children from different backgrounds, schools, and neighborhoods at a young age, is the core mission. With our new tractor we will be much more efficient at maintenance and upkeep, and we will be able to teach the children about the benefits of technology, when farming. (Read more)
Monroe Co. Conservation Education Center (Monroe): The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) is an organization that promotes conservation education in Monroe County through education lessons for students in grades 4K-6th grade. The MCSWCD hired, Joan Wilkins, a retired teacher, to teach conservation lessons to the children of Monroe County last July. In August 2017, MCSWCD held the open house for the Monroe County Conservation & Educational Conference Center. Mrs. Wilkins has taught a total of 1805 students conservation lessons in Monroe County since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year in the classrooms and held field trips at the education center. With each conservation lesson there is a craft included that relates to the lesson. Because of the grant ALA-TOM RC&D Council so graciously provided, it allowed us to purchase many craft, office, and food supplies for the lessons. In Conclusion, you were the reason all these students were able to learn about conservation and enjoyed making their crafts that went along with each lesson. The teachers and students were so appreciative of us being able to share in the classrooms and on field trips. It was truly a success in everyone’s eyes. (Read more)
National Library Week Celebration & Brochure (Monroe): Our National Library Week Celebration was a huge success with over 80 individuals attending the 91st Monroe County Public Library Birthday Celebration. The library was founded in 1927 and is located in the former La Salle Hotel where Academy Award winner Gregory Peck stayed while preparing for his role in the “To Kill a Mockingbird” movie. The Monroe County Library Board purchased the property from Dwight Harrigan in 1981 for $125,000 and Harrigan donated the remaining $104,000. The library is located in the Monroeville Downtown Historic District and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Attendees toured the building, visited Phillip Ward’s Photographic and Graphic Art Exhibit, enjoyed refreshments as they reminisced. A Pound Cake Contest was also a part of the celebration. Surprisingly 43 pound cakes were entered in the contest. The Pound Cake Queen was crowned prior to Sean Dietrich’s presentation later in the evening Roughly 50 children attended a book reading held in the “Tween Room” of the Library. The author of “Goodnight Mobile,” Ms. Abby Grodnick Kennedy, was a featured speaker at the Birthday Celebration. The first 30 children to arrive received free autographed copies of Goodnight Mobile and all listened intently as Ms. (Read more)
Perry County Raised Bed Garden Project (Perry): This project will provide fun outdoor activities for senior citizens utilizes the adult day care in the City of Uniontown. The project will also give the students at the Marion Elementary School a fun outdoor activity where they can learn how to grow their own food and learn about plant science. The total cost of this project was $7,169.79 but the benefit of this project is priceless and will last for years. (Read more)
Playground Project (Coneuch): Southside Preparatory Magnet Academy’s inaugural year began 2018 completed. Because we were established in an existing building that was built in the 1950’s, there was dire need for everything, including playground design and equipment. With the funds we received from ALA-TOM, we were able to purchase a basketball system, ethafoam target, flag football set, and other items like balls and frisbees. The students were excited to engage in fun physical activities each day, both in and outdoors because of the grant. (Read more)
Projector for Monroe County Conservation Education Center (Monroe): The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) is an organization that promotes conservation education in Monroe County through education lessons for students in grades 4K-6th grade. The MCSWCD hired, Joan Wilkins, a retired teacher, to teach conservation lessons to the children of Monroe County last July. In August 2017, MCSWCD held the open house for the Monroe County Conservation & Educational Conference Center. Mrs. Wilkins has taught a total of 1805 students conservation lessons in Monroe County since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. This would not have been possible without the help of the ALA-TOM RC&D Council. Because of the grant they so graciously provided it allowed us to purchase a projector and the rolling cart for the projector, a podium, batteries for the microphone, and cleaning & paper products for the education center. Also a utility cart to provide a way to carry the education supplies to and from the classroom and wooden storage unit for supplies. Along with poster board for crafts. In Conclusion, you were the reason all these students were able to learn about conservation and enjoyed making their crafts and watching videos that went along with each lesson. The teachers and (Read more)
ROUND EM UP (Coneuch): “ROUND EM UP” was a grant in which we were able to purchase livestock panels through the help of ALA-TOM RC&D Grant. These panels will be used during livestock shows. The panels will keep the animals safe as well as the people supporting the show. (Read more)
Senior Ambassador Program (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 $250 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)
Sports Complex (): The Sports Complex at Southern Choctaw High School needs concession stands for the baseball and softball fields. Visitors and players need drinks, snacks, and food to help enjoy games held at the fields. (Read more)
The Bogue Chitto Revitalization Cultural Enrichment Project (Dallas): The Boguechitto Community Development Foundation, Inc. (“BCDF”) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation organized in Dallas County, Marion Junction, Alabama, for the purpose of general development of the community to include building and running a community center, running senior citizen nutritional and activity programs, youth development, after school tutoring, and summer art/music enrichment & literacy camp. The foundation is concerned about the community development. We have partnered with the Dallas County Commission, Dallas County Extension System, and the Ala-Tom RC&D Council for assistance. There is not an educational or activity center, no corner store, gas station, fire department, grocery store nor a community center. Therefore, The BCDF is using the facility at the New Vernon CP Church for summer camp and other activities. The foundation purchased two acres of land to develop for the community. We have had the property excavated, trees and tree stumps removed. We are now ready to begin phase 3 of our project to build the foundation up to build a Regional Cultural Enrichment Educational Campus with a walking trail and volunteer fire department. This facility will provide service for underserved senior citizens and youth in Marion Junction, Marion, Uniontown, Safford, Orrville, Beloit, Alberta, and (Read more)
Thomasville Sports Hall of Fame (Clarke): The goal of this project is to honor natives and/or citizens, past and present, of Thomasville who have brought honor and glory to Thomasville through their achievements in the world of sports. In order to do this, the committee plans to display items recognizing the inductees and related sports memorabilia. It is expected that this display will be a permanent museum with items of interest related to sports, sports heroes of the area, and related local history. We also hope to preserve and foster interest in local history. (Read more)
Town of Butler Summer Activities (Choctaw): We elected to show a selection of seven movies for our summer activities for 2018. The selection consisted of the movie titles, COCO, WONDER, CAPTAIN AMERICA CIVIC WAR, STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI, PADDINGTON 2, JUMANJI WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, and A WRINKLE IN TIME. These movies were shown at our City Park – Zack Rogers Park and admission was free of charge for all who attended. We purchased the licensing right to each movie from SWANK Motion Pictures, LLC. (Read more)
Workforce Development Program (Wilcox): The proposed project will address industry-driven demand for a better-prepare workforce. Wilcox Works is a non-profit organization formed to link workforce development and education together and to address the skills gaps that exists in the Wilcox County workforce. The Wilcox Works Board members, many of whom represent local industry, serve as advisors to ensure the staff is adequately providing the necessary training that address the needs of the citizens and the local businesses. Wilcox Works’ number one strategy is to provide the workforce readiness, basic math, and safety training at the Wilcox Works office, local churches or on-site at industry plants. This initiative will provide valuable job training and assist the companies in Wilcox County, as well contiguous counties, to reliably hire a workforce with basic employability skills (Read more)