4-H Cooking Club/SNAP-Ed Kitchen Renovation Project (Washington): Washington County Extension sought funds to renovate the kitchen in Frank Turner Hall to ensure that 4-H and SNAP-Ed could maintain educational programs, specifically cooking club and in-school educational programs that require food prep for lessons. The old kitchen space was unsanitary and unsafe due to rodents and mildew. Extreme cleaning measures were required before any counter space could be used. Storage was very limited, and cabinets were not safe for storing food or any items that would come directly in contact with food. (Read more)
Aggie Acres Outdoor Classroom Renewal Project (Clarke): Jackson Middle School is renovating its original outdoor classroom courtyard which was established in 2017 with three garden beds. We have determined that this area needs restructuring to accommodate the ever-changing educational landscape that has been greatly impacted by the global pandemic. This learning space will function as a flexible area that can be used across all academic disciplines enabling teachers of all subjects to use the learning zones. We envision this newly designed outdoor learning space as one that will accommodate all students to offer accessible paths, and sensory zones with hands-on, exhibit-type features for exploration at various academic levels. The space will include learning stations outlined by the Alabama Wildlife Federation/Alabama Outdoor Classroom program: cardinal direction and weather station, decomposition station, pollinator hotel station, songbird sanctuary, and sensory garden. We seek to create a multipurpose, flexible teaching and learning space that will promote cross-curricular instruction with our horticultural garden program at the center of project-based learning. (Read more)
Alabama-Tombigbee SenioRx Prescription Assistance Program (Wilcox): ATRC Aging provides many services to the senior and disable population of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties. We advocate for this population and help 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 which assists qualified individuals with obtaining free or low cost prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies. Those who qualify must be 55 or older or disabled, with no prescription drug coverage and have a chronic medical condition. They must also meet specific income limits. (Read more)
ALJ Softball (Marengo): The Amelia Love Johnson Softball Team was successful in their first season as declared team in Marengo County. The team finished as a Second Runner-Up in the Class 1A Area 5 Area tournament. The young ladies on the team received new uniforms and equipment that was needed to have a successful season. The field was also managed by a landscaper in order for them to have practices and games for the season. They are scheduled to play in the Regional Tournament in Montgomery, AL. This program enabled the Lady Eagles of Amelia Love Johnson High School to have a successful season as a first year team and with the continued support of this grant program, the softball program will continue to grow and excel. (Read more)
ARLINGTON RECREATIONAL PARK (Wilcox): THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO SECURE THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDERN PLAYING IN THE PARK AREA. THE PLACING OF A FENCE ALONG THE PARK PERIMETER WILL KEEP THE CHILDREN FROM RUNNING INTO THE ROADWAY. (Read more)
Audio/Visual Upgrade to GHES (Clarke): The audio/visual upgrade to Grove Hill Elementary School replaced a 20-year-old system. This has allowed for a more pleasant experience during assemblies, meetings, and school-related activities. (Read more)
Butler Police Department Drone (Choctaw): This Drone will be used by the police department to assist with investigations and during times of search and rescue of lost individuals. The use of the drone will help the efforts of the department greatly. (Read more)
Child Abuse Prevention & Mandatory Reporter/Internet Safety Training (Dallas): (Read more)
Child Abuse Victim’s Services (Dallas): The Central AL Regional Child Advocacy Center provides services to child abuse victims, their families, law enforcement partners, the Department of Human Resources and the District Attorney’s Office in Dallas, Perry and Wilcox Counties. Their programs also include child abuse awareness events and Mandatory Reporter trainings throughout the year. (Read more)
Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassador program (Choctaw): As an organization dedicated to promoting our community, its businesses, and its residents, we have long been aware that many of our young people lack a true picture of the value of our communities, our county, and the businesses that serve them. We put together this program out of a desire to give those students the opportunity to take part in projects that would further their knowledge of our community and businesses, and to give back to the hometown that has vested much time and effort to help them succeed. The program brings in students from local schools to serve as ambassadors at chamber-sponsored events, to provide service opportunities, and to give students a greater appreciation for the community. Students are selected based on established criteria to serve as ambassadors through the school year, and they are awarded scholarships using the grant funds during their graduation ceremonies. (Read more)
Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassador program (Clarke): My organization works with businesses, local officials, schools, and other organizations to provide resources for economic growth, development of the local workforce, and promotion of countywide events that draw visitors to our county. Part of those efforts include leading our local young people to more community involvement and the development of skills that will not only help them in their future search for employment, but also grow a more skilled and motivated local workforce and give our younger generation a greater appreciation for their community. One of the problems that we have noted among our young people is the lack of knowledge of their county history, the need to develop better skills to deal with the public, and the lack of confidence when dealing with residents of all ages. The need to address these issues led my organization to form the Junior Ambassador Program. Grant funds were used to provide scholarship opportunities for local high school seniors who display a commitment to community service. This year, we included the requirement that the applicants submit essays describing how growing up in their home county has affected their childhood and how they felt that it would impact their future. By doing so, (Read more)
Choctaw County Rescue Squad Safety Equipment 2023 (Choctaw): This project is to better equip Choctaw County Rescue Squad with additional Safety Equipment. We need equipment to put adequate awareness on a traffic accident scene such as cones and bright flashing lights. We also need more technical equipment that will help us in locating a missing person at night. We never know when we will be called out at night to look for a lost person and we want to have the needed equipment that could reduce the time in the search. (Read more)
Clarke County 4-H Program 2023 (Clarke): The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking to enhance the quality of life for the young people of Clarke County through its 4-H activities and programming efforts. To achieve this goal, it involves increasing the number of youth and families participating in the Clarke County 4-H Program through offering a variety of delivery modes that is attractive, innovative and fun. Through providing these programs, the youth will be able to have valuable life changing experiences that will help them acquire the skills needed both indoors and outdoors to become productive members of today’s society. The Clarke County 4-H Program is partnering with community organizations, school systems, businesses, and the Alabama 4-H Foundation to help with funding to support these programs, however, more support is needed to help these programs going, growing and sustainable. (Read more)
Clarke County 4-H Program 2023 (Clarke): The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking to enhance the quality of life for the young people of Clarke County through its 4-H activities and programming efforts. To achieve this goal, it involves increasing the number of youth and families participating in the Clarke County 4-H Program through offering a variety of delivery modes that is attractive, innovative and fun. Through providing these programs, the youth will be able to have valuable life changing experiences that will help them acquire the skills needed both indoors and outdoors to become productive members of today’s society. The Clarke County 4-H Program is partnering with community organizations, school systems, businesses, and the Alabama 4-H Foundation to help with funding to support these programs, however, more support is needed to help these programs going, growing and sustainable. (Read more)
Clean Conecuh Roadside & Streams (Coneuch): The soil and water along the roadsides and streams in Conecuh County are in a dismal state. Trash (bottles, bags, & various subjects) is thrown out regularly. The visual pollution is bad. However, other pollutants often leak out into our soil and water. Conecuh County SWCD would like to join our County leaders in cleaning up our roadsides. This will involve partnering with our County Commission and landowners in protecting our soils and water from roadside and stream contaminants. (Read more)
COFFEEVILLE GYM ROOF (Clarke): Thanks to Ala-Tom RC&D Council we were able to repurpose the use of the grant funds to repair the hard-wood floor, replace the sub-floor in the gym and replace broken windows and doors since the gym roof had already been replaced. Now that the gym has a new roof and these repairs we are looking forward to the building being put back to good use for our Community. Clarke-Impact and Sky Boxing are thrilled to be able to host new events this coming year. Thank you so much for your help in restoring this center and we plan to make it available for our community to use. (Read more)
Conecuh County 4-H, HIPPY and PAT Enrichment Programs (Coneuch): The first project proposed is for HIPPY/PAT Group Meeting supplies. These are family events sponsored by HIPPY Conecuh and Parents as Teachers Conecuh for every enrolled family every six weeks. Therefore, we will host six group meetings and an End of the Year Program. These events are held to help bring the families together to educate them further on topics such as Money Management, Behavior Studies, and developing literacy in the home. A meal and a program are provided to the families. Adult programs are held for the parents and there are separate activities for the children. Each event is given a special theme. This funding will help provide decorations, props, books, and a small care package for each family attending. In the past three years, our HIPPY group meeting attendance has increased from an average of 12 in 2017 to 75 plus currently. With the addition of the Parents as Teachers Program, we are expecting even more families to attend. The amount in funding we have requested will help to provide these families with programs that they would not be able to experience without HIPPY Conecuh and Parents as Teachers. The second project is for the Conecuh County 4-H (Read more)
Cool breeze (Choctaw): (Read more)
Dallas Lake Enhancement (Dallas): The picnic tables and benches were acquired to bring about a new healthy and fun-filled environment to this recreational lake site. The equipment was purchased to provide attendees to the lake with safer sitting and lounging tools as they fish and fellowship with families and friends. (Read more)
Depot Day Giveaway (Wilcox): The Pine Hill Volunteer Fire Dept gave away 200 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the annual Depot Day Oct. 21, 2023 in Pine Hill, Al. Included in the bags were the smoke detectors, literature on smoke alarms, reminder magnets, and items for children. This is the first project of this kind for the fire dept. We hope to do something like this at Depot Day in the coming years. We use this event to educate the community on fire safety. Thanks to RC&D Council of Thomasville our projects have been a great success. (Read more)
Eat, Play, Learn Backpack Program (Choctaw): This is 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 eleven thousand pounds of food through this program. (Read more)
Elevation (Wilcox): The Elevation program engages students in a powerful learning and training experience for lifelong growth. We offer a range of career-based healthcare certificate programs (Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, & Medical Billing & Coding) that meet the needs of the black belt communities. (Read more)
Excel Senior Center (Monroe): The Senior Center is used for meal for the elderly and small events. We requested 5000. from Ala-Tom RC&D to repair rotten boards and paint the building. With partnering with Ala-Tom RC&D, the town can preserve the building. (Read more)
Facility Improvement, SNYP “Spay Neuter Your Pet”and amendment later added for Staff Salaries (Clarke): A portion of a 60″ x 40″ play/exercise yard for dogs, was covered so that it can be used in all types of weather. Work was completed by a local contractor. The SNYP program served approx 300 pet owners from the community as well as 18 shelter animals to facilitate their adoption or transfer out of the shelter to a rescue organization. The SNYP programfacilitated the spay neuter of 398 animals in calendar year 2022 and has considerably raised awareness in the community of the need to spay neuter pets and strays to reduce overpopulation. Shelter staffing became a serious problem in the last year. All 4 Paws pays the salaries of two part time shelter employees. To promote their retention, we gave them a pay raise to match a county paid position for someone with the same duties an years of experience. (Read more)
FAWN – Forest Awareness Week Now (Washington): In the two-day event, sixth grade students from Chatom, Fruitdale, Leroy, McIntosh, Millry schools, and home-school students, visited seven stations where they learned about wildlife habitat, forest management, forest history, soils, Project Wild, tree identification, and forest products. At the end of each day as the students were preparing to return to school or home they thanked us and expressed how much fun they had. Our hope remains that this program will create a love for conservation in students! (Read more)
Fire Equipment (Marengo): To purchase much needed new equipment that will help our personnel put fires out quicker, safer, and by using less water. (Read more)
Girl Scout Leadership Program In School (Washington): This program also served girls in Dallas County. GSSA offered the Girl Scout Leadership Program to girls at Meadowview and Chatom Elementary at no cost to their families. Girls participated in activities that were centered around STEM, financial literacy, outdoor skills, and goal setting. (Read more)
Greenhouse Continuation (Clarke): This project was a continuation of our greenhouse project. In this project, students built tables for the greenhouse from lumber and power tools. There were two types of tables. One table was built to hold the seedling trays. The other table served as a potting table, where soil was placed and the seedling trays were filled and then placed onto the holding table. Seeds were planted and nurtured by younger students until their sprouts reached enough maturity to plant in the garden. Older students constructed four raised beds using materials on hand and purchased lumber and power tools. The seedling sprouts were then planted in the raised beds in “The Garden”. Watering took place by hand until the older students created an irrigation system that watered the plants using a timer. Lettuce has already been donated to the local senior center in town. The same idea is for the vegetables we have growing now: tomatoes, carrots, okra, cucumbers, squash, potatoes, and water melon. (Read more)
Growing Together the Evergreen Community Garden (Coneuch): Growing Together in the Evergreen Community Garden is a cooperative collaborative effort which provides communal open space where city and county residents share in the planning, preparation, planting, maintenance, ad produce of a community garden. Planting was done in assigned raised beds in a beautiful, safe, and fun space, with a diversity of people participating. This project utilized in-kind services from a variety of sources around the area and included neighborhood leaders, churches, clubs, city and county elected officials, housing authorities, local agencies, local newspaper, and individual volunteers. All of the above shared their skills, donated time, and work effort to help to build, sustain, and maintain this Evergreen Community Garden Project An irrigation system and safe walkways were installed in the garden between the raised beds. In addition, more raised beds were built and some repaired. Soil and amendments were added to the raised beds before planting. The project made it possible for the community garden to be used year round. Workshops and classes for planting in raised beds according to the seasons were held and we were able to have a fall planting. The winter months wee used to maintain the garden and workshops were held to prepare (Read more)
Heritage Village Fence Phase 2 (Dallas): The project at Heritage Village was installation of additional fencing around the perimeter of the Heritage Village property, continuing on from the prior year’s fencing project. The purpose of the project was to protect people and property and make the site more amenable for community events. (Read more)
Hillcrest Evergreen High Football Team (Coneuch): This project will help pay for players equipment and Spirit packs. It will also keep the athletic program out of debt and help from having parents pay from their pockets during these hard economic times. (Read more)
Hillcrest High School Band Uniform Support (Coneuch): This project was initiated to solicit support to help fund the purchase of new band uniforms. The band program have not had new uniforms in over 20 years. In order to instill pride for the school and entire communities within Conecuh County we were in need of your support. The band students serve as ambassadors for our school and community and want to always put our best foot forward in exemplary fashion when traveling and performing. Your support has been and will continue to be a beacon for our school and community. (Read more)
HVAC (Monroe): (Read more)
Imagination Playground (Perry): The Imagination Playground for our young children has allowed the children to be immersed in a rich environment of free play as well as collaborative play all while building creativity, innovativeness, and cooperative problem solving team building. These blocks have also provided an opportunity for higher-order thinking skills and problem solving in both reading and math. These life size blocks are open-ended and have provided opportunities for so much creativity and imagination. This opportunity to build together with peers has provided the opportunity of higher level thinking while interacting and collaborating with peers. This type of problem solving play provides opportunities to build teamwork and promote thinking critically. During this play, we have observed development of character skills that have developed grit, resilience and self control. It is amazing to watch and observe these young children develop language and problem solving skills across the curriculum all during a process that most believe to be “just play”. (Read more)
Jones House Renovation (Monroe): Ongoing repairs due to termite damage on the porches, front and back. In addition to termite damage, we had to have structural repairs made to both porches as well. (Read more)
Jones House Renovation (Monroe): Ongoing repairs due to termite damage on the porches, front and back. In additional to termite damage, we had to have structural repairs made to both porches as well. (Read more)
Jones House Renovation (Monroe): Ongoing repairs due to termite damage on the porches, front and back. In additional to termite damage, we had to have structural repairs made to both porches as well. (Read more)
Kids Connect (Choctaw): This has been an unbelievable grant. From a fishing rodeo from upcoming back to school movie, we’ve been able to reach so many children with this grant. Since Evergreen was truly hit by violence, we also pulled in additional motivational speakers at each event to promote a Healthy- Drug Free Lifestyle. (Read more)
Lets Go to the Movies (Choctaw): This has been a true community project. We have now purchased a huge inflatable tv screen, movies, speakers and all of the cords needed to have movie nights at the Evergreen Park. This movie screen will begin this July by showing family movies. This will allow families to come together to enjoy a safe-family environment. We also hope to show you movies at least 4 times each year. (Read more)
Main Street Alabama Resource Team for Demopolis, AL (Marengo): The Team will provide recommendations for action to the newly formed Demopolis Main Street program based on the Main Street Four‐Point Approach. The objective is to recommend a course of action with specific activities for each of the four committees and prepare the organization for their Transformation Strategy. Recommendations will be based on information gathered through a review of written materials, interviews and meetings, and a facilitated community visioning/asset mapping session. (Read more)
Marengo Grain Drill (Marengo): This project will be used to help educate farmers and students to monitor water, soil health, crops, forest land and livestock conditions from the air, to keep watch for any potential problems and help optimize management. (Read more)
Marengo Schools Agriculture Education (Marengo): The vision of our Marengo Schools Agriculture Education Project is to enhance seed and seedling production of horticulcultural vegetable crops. Students will obtain hands on training at the green houses with seedling production. Also, planting on plastic with drip irrigation. The students will be instructed on harvesting the crops and sending them to Deep South Food Processing Facility to be processed for cooking at each schools lunchrooms. This project is ongoing at A.L. Johnson High School, Marengo High School and George P. Austin Middle School. We are working hard to get this project in all schools. (Read more)
Marion-Perry County Library Children’s Programing (Perry): The Marion-Perry County Library received three grants for its largest, most expanded Summer Reading Program in history. This year we planned two sessions a day on each Tuesday and Wednesday. The sessions are to be divided by age, with the small children coming in the mornings for fun activities and educational programs. The older children, age seven and above, will come for a book oriented reading club format in which they actually read, and read, and read. Every day we will have presenters, such as Memo the Clown, wildlife experts, woodworking projects, crafts and an entire petting zoo for a whole day. There will be crafts, movies, books, music, dancing, art, and refreshments. (Read more)
Marion-Perry County Library Shelving (Perry): For the past few years we have received grants for children’s books. We have gradually run out of room on the shelves for all of the new books, even though we have weeded our collection on a constant basis. It has become very difficult to shelve the books, as they are squeezed in so tightly, and the children cannot browse the shelves because they are so tight on the shelves. With this grant from RC&D we have been able to purchase three shelves, which are double faced (books on both sides), as well as three cabinets for children’s materials such puzzles, board games, arts and crafts, and toddler toys. This has expanded the area of our children’s library and made it easier for everyone to access the books. (Read more)
Marion-Perry County Library Utilities Grant (Perry): This grant was used to pay utilities for the Marion-Perry County Library. It paid approximately one half of the annual amount of utilities. By having this grant pay such necessities, it allowed us to use more of our budget for such things as children’s programming and new books. The library paid ATT, Alabama Power, Marion Water, Quick Books/Intuit, Jackson Security and Dex Imaging (Printer). (Read more)
Mobile Pantry Program (Dallas): Mobile Pantries are a truck load of various items that are taken to areas in our four county service area and distributed to those that are in need. Although we can not specifically and individually verify any individual’s financial status, we are able to identify and target the communities showing the greatest needs. (Read more)
Monroe County 4H River Kids Covered Trailer (Monroe): 4H River Kids is a new program that Monroe & Conecuh County 4H has started this year. Youth ages 9-18 are invited to participate in the 4-H RiverKids Program to learn basic paddling skills, water safety, and more about outdoor recreation. By working closely with our partner, Alabama Scenic River Trail Association (ASRT), our goal is to increase the use of Alabama’s waterways, increase the knowledge and awareness of environmental and resource management issues, and incorporate service projects into our fun. We were able to aquire kayaks, paddles and life jackets, but needed some way to transport the equipment as well as provide storage when not in use. This trailer will be used to transport the River Kids equipment, and it will be housed at the Monroe County Extension Office when not in use. (Read more)
Monroe County Conservation Education (Monroe): From August-May, our education cooridnator teaches a variety of conservation lessons in the classrooms and at the Monroe County Conservation Eduation Center. With each lesson there is a craft or activity that pertains to the lesson. Students were able to learn about the importance of conserving our natural resources. (Read more)
MONROE COUNTY FAWN PROGRAM (Monroe): TO EDUCATE ALL FIFTH GRADERS IN MONROE COUNTY ABOUT AGRICULTURE! EACH FIFTH GRADER IN MONROE COUNTY WAS GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE HANDS ON WITH 7 DIFFERENT TOPICS ABOUT MONROE COUNTY AGRICULTURE: SOILS, DENDROLOGY, BEAR GAME (TEACHES THEM ALL ABOUT THE AMERICAN BEAR), WILDLIFE, FIRE/BURN MANAGEMENT, URBAN (EDUCATES STUDENTS ON WHY TREES ARE SO VALUEABLE IN THE TOWNS THEY LIVE IN) AND FORESTRY. EACH OF THESE STATIONS ARE PRESENTED TO THE STUDENTS WITH HANDS ON EXHIBITS AND A 20 MINUTE TALK SESSION ABOUT EACH TOPIC. BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, WE ALSO PROVIDED THEM A ‘HAPPY’, WHICH CONTAINS SEVERAL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES THEY CAN COMPLETE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK. WE ALSO CONGRATULATED THEM FOR PARTICIPATING IN FAWN AS WELL AS PASSING 5TH GRADE! (Read more)
Monroe County Public Library Art Education Classes (Monroe): Although the class was on hiatus for a time, for the third consecutive year, since opening back up after COVID, the Monroe County Public Library has hosted Crafts & Coffee Adult Art Education Classes. Recently, we added a second class that meets every other month called pART2 . pART2 is geared toward those adult art students who have a basic grasp of most techniques and need more challenges. This class is a more advanced class than C&C. And proof that with the help of Ala-Tom RC&D, we are growing! Students in the adult art education classes, combined, created a 24-foot-long plywood framed Christmas mural last October, November and December. The mural was displayed in front of the library for the month of December and through the first week in January. Together, they created an entire village scene representing their ideas of what Charles Dickens would have referenced in A Christmas Carol. The library provided solar lighting for the mural, and it garnered quite a bit of attention from residents of Monroe County. No one had done this in the past, and we were pleased and proud to thank Ala-Tom RC&D on the signage we placed in front of the beautiful creation. (Read more)
MOWA Choctaw Veterans Park (Washington): The purpose of this project is to construct a Veterans Park to honor our tribal members who have served in the military. In conducting an informal survey, we learned that we had tribal members who had one or more family members who have served in the military. We wanted to construct a Veterans Park rather than a Veterans Memorial so those still living could visit and enjoy the park. The park will be constructed in four phases. The first phase will be the foundation with our seal embossed in the center of the foundation. Phase II will be the monument with bronze inlays of each branch of the military. Phase III will be the cenotaph and the tiles with each members names inscribed along with the branch and the years they served. The last phase will be to beautify the area with landscaping, picnic tables, benches, and flags. (Read more)
Operation Grow – Hardware & Equipment Loan Project (OG-HELP Initiative) (Perry): Operation Grow provides special emphasis on the training needs of military veterans interested in any sector of agriculture to promote self-employment and mental health. This project supports grassroots educational and networking efforts that are inclusive of all veterans and their families with universal access to information and resources. The Equipment Loan Program aspect of Operation Grow focuses on purchasing equipment (listed in the budget) that is critical to beginning veteran farmers to be used for hands-on training and loaning out for actual farming. We will develop standardized loan protocols and equipment brochures to make it easy for veterans to loan. Use, and maintain the farm equipment. We will acknowledge RCD funding to raise awareness about the project. In cooperation with the County Extension Coordinators and Regional Extension Agents in Chilton and Perry Counties. We anticipate parking the equipment at the Chilton Research and Extension Center (CREC) with direct supervision by David Lawrence and Matthew Price (CREC Director). (Read more)
P. J. Carmichael Community Center (Monroe): This project is to develop a community center in honor of Mr. Patrick J. Carmichael, founder of the Perdue Hill Industrial School in Monroe County. The site is listed on the historical register of the state of AL and a historical marker is present. The funds for this year were used to upgrade the wiring and to enclose the exposed ceiling which greatly enhanced the safety and aesthetics of the facility. (Read more)
Packer’s Bend Times (Monroe): The newspaper project is a joint effort between the Packer’s Bend community local PACERS chapter and Dr. John Shelton, Executive Director of the PACERS Cooperative, a non-profit organization whose objective is, and has been for the past thirty-seven years, to support and strengthen rural schools and communities. Our goal is to publish 3 or 4 paper each year. Our local papers are still being authored by community residents, both current and past, and it is printed by The Monroe Journal, the county’s newspaper. (Read more)
Pine Apple Park Playground Phase I (Wilcox): This project will provide a public playground in Pine Apple. This park will serve tourist as well as East Wilcox County. We hope to encourage outdoor activity and a fun social environment. Plans are being made to expand the park in the future. (Read more)
Playground (Choctaw): The project funding provided our pre k program at Breakthrough Charter School to have a storage facility for the outdoor/indoor fine motor and gross motor play equipment. Things such as life size exploration blocks, tricycles, little tikes cars, balls, ropes, and other misc items will be stored in this facility. Without the storage facility, our play materials would be open to the variety of weather elements as well as the possibility of them not being secure from theft. As the teacher of a pre k classroom, I can say that we are very grateful to have this storage facility and have it in close proximity of our playground. (Read more)
Pleasant Hill VFD Equipment Upgrade (Choctaw): To replace out of date equipment and adding additional lifesaving equipment to our inventory. (Read more)
PORTABLE WATER SUPPLY (Washington): We currently are in need of new equipment to help with water supply while operating at fire related calls. We currently do not have a portable drop tank to deploy while working fire related calls. This piece of equipment allows us to have extra water on scene (so we don’t runout) while our tanker goes back to the nearest hydrant to refill (which could be miles away). We are also in need of the suction hose, strainer, and rubber mallet used to draft water from the drop tank to truck our current suction hose, strainer, and hammer are old and outdated. (Read more)
Rebel Scientists (Choctaw): Students in grades K through 6 will actively investigate and collaborate with their peers as they dig deeper into science with these hands-on STEM units. Students will conducted investigations starting with the basics of science and then building and extending their knowledge as they dig deeper into these units. Teachers are also more prepared and confident as these kits provide all items needed to carry out this learning process instead of feeling overwhelmed. Students explore specific topics and investigate processes. Students are given active hand on learning opportunities. Using what they have learned in the unit, students work together with their peers to implement solutions to a given problem. (Read more)
Remote Television for Zoom Meeting and Pig Brig Trapping System. (Perry): Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District Board- Mission is to provided service, leadership and reach out to all farmers we serve in Perry County, to give the farmers and District Board opportunity to see other views and ideas when farmers not able to attended meetings at different location The Board can reach out to the farmers of Perry County during, meeting for Out Reach Programs or Education Projects. The Pig Trapping System, there or many wild pigs in Perry County. The trapping system help the farmers in Perry County to trap wild pigs that is destroying their land and crops. Also there or farmers that cannot afford a system. This system will be beneficiary to Perry Counties farmers. (Read more)
Repton Junior High School Garden (Coneuch): Garden beds are in the process of being installed at Repton Junior High School. These beds will be utilized in all grade levels and managed by a trained Master Gardener, provided by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The garden will consist of 14 raised planter boxes, which will grow vegetables from seeds provided by the students. While engaging in this gardening project, students will receive lessons in agriculture (4-H) and healthy eating (Snap-ed). When harvested, the vegetables will be used in the school cafeteria, as well as utilized in the Grow More, Give More Extension Program. This program allows students to give back to their community by weighing out their harvested vegetables and providing them to people who are food insecure. (Read more)
Restoration of the Ackerville Baptist Church (Wilcox): The $10,000 grant from the RC&D Community Development Grant Program was used for the purposes of restoring the Ackerville Baptist Church, located in Wilcox County, AL. The historic Greek Revival church dates from 1848 and has been maintained by the Stuart family since it was relocated to Ackerville in 1886. The church and adjacent cemetery were individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Alabama Register of Historic Places in 2003 due to the importance of the architecture and contribution of the church to the overall history of Alabama. In 2021, a tornado impacted the site and caused a large tree to fall into the church, severely damaging the structure. As a result, the Alabama Historical Commission listed the property on the 2022 Places in Peril. This annual list consists of historic structures and sites in Alabama that are in danger of being lost forever if immediate restorative action is not undertaken. Grant funds were used to stabilize the structure, install a new roof, repair and replace wood siding, paint the exterior, restore original wood windows and doors, and repair brick piers. The project was a complete success and the material and labor costs were covered by a (Read more)
Saints on Stage (Choctaw): The funds given for this project will help improve our theater arts program at Patrician Academy. New curtains were purchased and installed and this has already enhanced our stage. We hope to continue to this project with the purchase of a new sound board and other sound equipment through donations from stakeholders at Patrician Academy. We appreciate your continuous support of our school and community. (Read more)
Selma PAL After School Enrichment Program (Dallas): The Selma PAL is a recreation-oriented juvenile crime prevention program that relies heavily on athletics, recreational activities and education to help kids go right and stay . Through our crime prevention programs, our mission is “Filling Playgrounds, Not Prisons”. (Read more)
Softball Program (Marengo): The grant was used to purchase uniforms and softball equipment. It also was used to get the field ready for our softball program. (Read more)
Sowing Knowledge, Growing Leaders (Choctaw): FFA officers and qualifying teams attended the National FFA Convention and Expo attended workshops related to animal welfare, job skills, and leadership. The knowledge and experience gained was used to create activities and training for other FFA members, elementary students, and the community. We worked with other schools to host a county wide Living to Serve Day, taught students at SCES about Alabama agriculture, hosted a Chapter Leadership Day for all FFA members, and worked to rebuild our school animals pens that were damaged in last year’s tornado. (Read more)
STRUCTRAL FIRE FIGHTING GEAR (Choctaw): WITH THE MONEY AWARDED TO LUSK VFD WE ARE ABLE TO BETTER PROTECT OUR FIREFIGHTERS WITH NEW PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR. WITHOUT THIS MONEY FIREFIGHTERS WERE WEAR NON NFPA COMPLIANT GEAR. (Read more)
SUMMER CAMP 2023 (Dallas): As you are aware, our primary goal is to provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for our campers to play in and have fun. This year, we made the decision to extend the use of the gymnasium during the summer months, allowing the campers to engage in various activities indoors. To ensure their comfort, we have relied heavily on cooling units to regulate the temperature and adequate lighting to create a safe and vibrant atmosphere. Although we understand the importance of minimizing utility costs, we believe that the exceptional experience we can provide for our campers outweighs the associated expenses. By utilizing the gymnasium for extended periods, we can offer a wider range of activities and accommodate more campers, thereby fostering a sense of inclusivity and promoting their physical and mental well-being. However, it is essential to acknowledge that this decision has resulted in higher utility costs, primarily due to increased electricity consumption. We recognize the YMCA’s commitment to prudent financial management and the need to allocate resources wisely. Therefore, we are requesting that the budget be adjusted to cover the additional utility expenses incurred during the summer months. By reallocating the budget to cover these increased costs, we can (Read more)
Sustaining Our Youth Academically (Coneuch): Instructors engaged students to compete for excellence in math, reading , science, crafts and exercise. At the end of the project, students were able to exhibit knowledge of performing adequate science experiments, create vision boards, understand germination of seed to become plants, increased reading skills and importance of exercising body and mind. (Read more)
Teaching Through Technology (Wilcox): Teaching Through Technology expanded the computer lab at the Camden Youth Development Center to better serve youth in the after school and summer education programs. While engaging students in hands-on activities and academics, the Center also offers a small computer lab for students to complete assignments for class, to drill skills that need more work in reading and math. We use the computer lab to teach concepts, to expand knowledge through research and to help students connect with the tools they need to be successful in the 21st century. Tutors also used the lab for student work. (Read more)
Technology Future (Clarke): With this money, I purchased 14 new Chrome & HP laptops, some new computer desks, headphones, and desk chairs. Also, we had to purchase a firewall for security purposes called Titan HQ. I did up grading to the computer lab and items needed for the teachers to be able to work with these kids. (Read more)
The MMI Classroom Technology Upgrade Project (Perry): Since 1842, Marion Military Institute (MMI) has achieved a national reputation for preparing young men and women for successful civilian and military careers. This is accomplished by providing the best possible educational program for its students in a disciplined environment, thereby developing their intellectual, physical, moral, social, and leadership capabilities. Vision 2022: Marion Military Institute will be nationally recognized as the premier leadership 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 and 2021/222 grants allowed MMI to kick off and coincidently complete the upgrade by funding the first and the last of the 27 classrooms of the MMI Classroom Technology Upgrade Project. Ala-Tom along with additional funders provided the classroom technology upgrades which allowed the MMI faculty to engage students more effectively both in the classroom and with remote delivery. (Read more)
Town of Pine Apple – Library AC Unit (Wilcox): Provide an AC Unit and minor building improvements to the public Library in Pine Apple. This will enhance the use of the library and provided a controlled environment that is needed for the moisture control and help with the preservation of the contents of the library. (Read more)
Toxey Library Roofing Repair (Choctaw): The roof has been leaking for months now. The leak has caused major damage on the inside of the library. (Read more)
Toxey VFD Equipment (Choctaw): This project was driven by NFPA Standards and ISO Compliance guidelines. These 2 organizations set guidelines and standards that all fire departments have to meet in order to maintain a ISO classification rating which affects homeowner as well as business insurance rates. The lower the ISO Rating the Lower the Insurance rates are. During our required annual testing last year we had several sections of hose fail the test so we had to replace it. We also were short some vital pieces of equipment that we were able to purchase. Thanks for awarding us this grant because without your help it would have been difficult for us to have made the purchase. (Read more)
TUCCA Community Facility Improvement Project (Marengo): The United Christian Community Association’s (TUCCA) facility is staple in the Taylor Community in Marengo County. It is used for a variety of reasons to meet community needs. Replacing the AC unit will allow for the activities to take place comfortably especially in the very hot Alabama months. The organization is grateful for being able to awarded funds from the Ala-Tom RC&D Council to fund these efforts. (Read more)
Upgrades & AED AFIB (Clarke): This project was to purchase an AED AFIB machine, First Aid kits, Eye wash stations, general improvements for safety in the classroom. Addition for a bathroom that was added to our middle school room. Security Cameras & the IT fees to do the work. Also purchased 2 more fire extinguishers and 2 more smoke detectors. (Read more)
WCPL Bookmobile Improvements (Washington): This grant to renovate and rejuvenate the Bookmobile’s interior and book collection has allowed WCPL to improve the services and resources it offers through its Bookmobile outreach initiatives. Specifically, the project made improvements to traditional collections for books and materials on the Bookmobile and provided new technology/internet access for mobile research, job searches, and resume writing. The results of this grant will greatly increase WCPL’s capacity to offer more relevant, technological Bookmobile resources and services to our most remote and underserved citizens, which will positively impact hundreds of Washington County’s citizens. The goal of this Bookmobile project is to address several specific needs in our rural community by providing the following: 1.Access to improved print collections and materials for all ages. 2.Access to databases and educational websites for personal, academic, or medical research, along with information professionals who can assist with searches. 3.Access to technology, high-speed internet, print services, and assistance in using technology. Although all of these services are available to the general public, this project will target people in our rural county most in need, especially senior citizens, citizens with physical and developmental disabilities, lower socio-economic level residents of remote areas who lack transportation and technology access, and (Read more)
Weather Radios (Wilcox): We received an extra $500.00 from a citizen for this project. We bought 112 NOAA radios to pass out to the elderly in our county. (Read more)
Weather Radios-1765 (Marengo): This project is to assist the elderly and residents in the rural areas of Marengo County with a first alert system for severe and disastrous weather conditions. (Read more)