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EDITOR’S NOTE At my door the leaves are falling. No, this is not a Johnny Cash song; it’s actually true. At this time of year, we can’t help but turn our thoughts to reflection and gratitude. Perhaps even more so considering the kind of year it has been. This month I was so fortunately reminded of all the great people who make Birmingham what it is. We decided to create a special “Thanksgiving” issue to highlight the good deeds that everyday folks are doing through various nonprofits and their own efforts. So please join us in gratitude for the ones helping others during these trying times In “Room at the Table” (p.22), you’ll learn how West Homewood neighbors are sharing food and joy with each other to weather the challenging economic times created by COVID-19. And in “Beating the Odds” (p.26), we hope you’ll find inspiration from a woman who has turned her personal health challenges into an opportunity
to find strength and resilience. Among the many stories I heard while working on this issue, another one that stands out is the excellent work from the leaders at The WellHouse, who are giving young women and men who have been trafficked a chance at restoration and a new hope for living through God’s love (“Never Thirst Again,” (p. 12). It’s amazing what kind of a difference we can make when we all pull together; here’s hoping you find a story that speaks to you in this issue and lend your own help and support to one of the worthy causes you’ll read about in these pages. In gratitude,
Jeana Durst Content Director and Mom
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURE STORIES Room at the table Homewood neighbors come together to create a sharing table, creating a unique community amid these trying times. p.22
Just for Dads Ward Williams discusses the power our words carry with children. p.8 Events Veterans Day tradition started here. p.8 Healthy Living Girls on the Run focuses on social, emotional, and physical health. p.10
Beating the odds How one woman is keeping her fighting spirit amidst possible lung, heart transplant. p.26
Faith The WellHouse rescues and empowers trafficking survivors by showing them God’s love. p.12
Let the children come A Trussville organization is giving families affected by special needs a place to worship. p.28
Arts Bare Hands brings cultural understanding through art, experiences. p.16
Schoolhouse Updates from The Hoover City School District.
Food Review Six local restaurants serving up Thanksgiving on the go. p.18
24 Education Kulture City educates others about individuals with sensory needs across the globe. p.20 Medical Smile-A-Mile delivers hope and supports the entire family dealing with childhood cancer. p.24 Kids Who Shine Seniors partner with Birmingham Urban League to launch free tutoring service for students in underserved communities. p.30
Vineyard Family Services Feeding Kids in Need, Promoting Responsible Fatherhood, and Helping Families in Crisis Donations help us: Feed children in need and provide other essential items Deliver family emergency food boxes Aid fathers and mothers with parenting programs Support incarcerated families and children Provide at-risk teens important life skills
www.vfsdads.com
Bham Family November 2020 7
Veterans Day tradition started in Birmingham Did you know that Birmingham is home to the nation’s oldest Veterans Day parade? This year will mark the 73rd year, and although it will look much different than years past due to COVID-19, we thought it was a good time to pause and reflect on this important Birmingham tradition. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson established Armistice Day to honor veterans of World War I. However, after the massive deployments of World War II, it became clear that we needed a day to celebrate all of our veterans, and one WWII Navy serviceman from Birmingham led that charge. Raymond Weeks had an idea to expand Armistice Day to include every veteran from every war. In 1947, Weeks led a delegation to Washington, D.C., to urge then-Army Chief of Staff General Dwight Eisenhower to create the national
holiday that we now celebrate. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation establishing November 11th as Veterans Day. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan granted Weeks the Presidential Citizenship Medal, recognizing him as the driving force behind the national holiday and the “Father of Veterans Day.” Weeks led the first National Veterans Day Parade in 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama, and he continued the tradition until his passing in 1985. In order to honor social distancing and to overcome other impediments to holding a parade this year, there will be a live, online only National Veteran’s Day celebration. It begins late in the afternoon of November 11 around 4:30 p.m. and culminates with fireworks shot from Region’s Field. To learn more about this event and how to support it, visit www.nationalveteransday.org.
JUST FOR DADS Twenty years ago, while serving as a youth pastor, I took our youth group on a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. We worked hard and heard many important messages while on that trip, but one conversation with a pastor Ward at a church has replayed in my Williams mind since that day. He told our group that by far the most important important activity we could do while in Mexico was pray and speak positive words of blessing aloud over the children in his church. When we asked why this was so important, Mario told us that words of blessing can give hope for a better future because they counter the negative words that the children hear constantly. I know we as parent want to protect our kids, but what we may not always remember is the power of our words over them. Our words have the power to build up them up or tear them apart. This point was driven home when I was watching a documentary 8 Bham Family November 2020
produced at UAB about youth violence in Birmingham. Researchers found that three-year-old children in a local housing project knew an average of eight hundred words, the majority of them with a negative connotation. In contrast, the average threeyear-old in a two-parent household knew twelve hundred words and the majority of them were positive or neutral in connotation. Words have a lifelong impact of the quality and direction of children’s lives. I believe some children are fully convinced they have zero to little chance to accomplish their dreams by the time they enter school. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Think about the idea of your words being seasoned with salt. Three of salt’s popular uses are to preserve, to thaw, and to give flavor. I think this is good guidance for our words. Do your words preserve relationships and restore wilting situations? Take the challenge to make of most each conversation, daily encourage those around you, and remember the power of your words.
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HEALTHY LIVING
CHANGING LIVES
Girls on the Run focuses on social, emotional, and physical health BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE While the name might be Girls on the Run, there’s so much more to this program than a focus on fitness. Established in Charlotte, N.C., in 1996, Girls on the Run came to Birmingham nearly a decade ago. With 700 girls involved here last year, Girls on the Run is for third through fifth grade, and there’s also a middle-school program, Heart & Sole. The program gives girls a place to learn, grow, talk about their feelings, and become more confident, says Rebecca McWilliams, executive director of Girls on the Run. Though they are holding virtual meetings now because of the pandemic, the girls used to meet after school with volunteer coaches, many who taught at their schools. A typical meeting for a Girls on the Run team would include a dynamic discussion — like about negative and positive self-talk — activities, and a physical activity. In addition to working on their emotional, physical, and social wellbeing during the meetings, the girls also participate in community impact projects. As a team, they think about who and what they’re grateful for and how they can give back to them. The group at Mountain Brook Elementary made cards to thank the environmental services janitorial staff. “They had a great time putting notes out and decorating them, and the staff felt so appreciated,” McWilliams says. Other groups have done service projects for the homeless, children in the hospital, nursing home residents, rescue
10 Bham Family November 2020
animals, and more. “The girls feel good about themselves when they do something for someone else,” McWilliams says. Another important part of Girls on the Run is their annual 5K event, something the girls train for during the program. “I watch each girl cross the finish line, and they are so proud of themselves — and their families are so proud of them,” McWilliams says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the first girl or the last girl to cross the finish line.” None of that would be possible without the volunteer coaches. “It’s not about the running or the competition,” McWilliams says. “The coaches say they want to be part of someone’s live to help them feel good about themselves.” Besides being a coach, there are other ways community members can support the group. About 70 percent of the girls involved are given financial aid to participate, making donations of all sizes vital to the organization. They’ve even had children hold lemonade stands to help raise money for Girls on the Run. “We couldn’t do what we do without donations from people,” McWilliams says. “No matter the size of the donation, it makes an impact.” Registration for Girls on the Run normally opens in August and January, with seasons running from September to November and February to April. The organization would also like to launch a summer camp, but all of the details will depend on the status of the pandemic. For more information or to donate, visit Gotrbham.org.
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FAITH
NEVER THIRST AGAIN The WellHouse empowers victims of human trafficking
BY LAUREN DOWDLE A woman trapped in the world of human trafficking can feel hopeless, lost, and like there is no way out. But The WellHouse is there to show these women God’s love by rescuing them and giving them the opportunity to restore their lives. The vision for this ministry began when a survivor of human trafficking recognized the need for a place of safety and trust for other victims. After working with women in the Woodlawn area close to the I-20 corridor — considered the sex trafficking superhighway — she realized there were no shelters solely for trafficked victims. And that’s when The WellHouse was born. The name for the ministry came from the Bible story of the Samaritan woman at the well because The WellHouse is a place where women will never have to thirst again. Founded in 2010, The Wellhouse received its first human sex trafficking victim in January 2011. Now, nearly a decade later, the 24-hour shelter has about 55 victims who enter the program and receives more than 250 crisis calls each year. They see survivors that are from across the United States and even outside of the country. From providing emergency shelter and meeting their basic needs all of the way to securing them full-time employment after they finish the program, 12 Bham Family November 2020
the staff and volunteers at The WellHouse are there for the women every step of the way. Last year, The WellHouse expanded its offerings by building a Transitional Living apartment building, says Carolyn Potter, CEO of The WellHouse. Graduates of the 12-month program can apply to live there for up to two years. One apartment is also designated as a trauma center used for the stabilization of new survivors. Their current residents are 18 years old and older, but they have launched WellHouse Child for underaged victims. They plan to offer residential living to this age group in the spring. No matter their age or current circumstances, Potter says they have found the survivors share five commonalities: They were first victimized as children, struggle with substance use, experience complex trauma, need to improve their education, and need life and employment skills. In addition to meeting those needs, The WellHouse also assists the women with getting medical care, regaining lost documents (ex. Social Security cards and birth certificates), reconnecting with appropriate family members, and therapy. Women of all race, color, and religion are given a place of love and acceptance in the program. They offer shelter with no prerequisites or requirements, which can keep victims from CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
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obtaining the assistance they need. “Too often victims — to include the homeless — cannot access needed help in a timely manner because they lack important documents such as an ID, driver’s license, or Social Security card,” Potter says. “The WellHouse sees the importance of receiving victims as soon as possible and seeks those documents at a more convenient time,” Potter says. They also don’t charge an entrance fee or a fee for the program. “We are a place of grace, and the God-sized assignment given to us is taken seriously by a group of dedicated staff, board of directors, volunteers, and community partners,” Potter says. “We get to see miracles.” The goal for all of the women who enter the program is to find healing that allows them to become independent and live successfully without the fear of the past. There are countless stories of women who have done just that after spending time at the WellHouse. One survivor who graduated from their program had previously turned to night club dancing after becoming a mother at 16. She lost custody of her son, started using recreational drugs, and found herself trapped in a life of
sexual exploitation. After months of slavery and sexual trauma, she was rescued and introduced to The WellHouse. That’s where she found love, healing, a new way of life, and is working toward regaining custody of her son. She is just one of the many women who have worked to overcome their pasts with help from The WellHouse. “Success is measured differently for everyone,” Potter says. “For The WellHouse, a success is a night away from a trafficker and forced sexual assault in a safe environment.” For Potter, her favorite part about working with this ministry is witnessing the amazing transformation that takes place in broken lives that were thought to be forever lost. “We love our survivors,” she says. The WellHouse requests prayers, funding to operate, and volunteers to support their efforts. They also need donations like paper towels, toilet paper, snacks, drinks, clothing, and gift cards. Volunteer opportunities include teaching Bible studies and life skills classes, mentoring, house sitting, organizing and delivering donations, and more. Before volunteering, people must complete an online application and training. To learn more about the ministry and how to get involved, visit The-wellhouse.org.
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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
Dr. Murphy leaving Hoover for Gadsden State
Hoover High student dominates quiz competition
Dr. Kathy Murphy, who has served as Hoover’s superintendent since mid-2015, has agreed to become the next president of Gadsden State Community College. She will begin the new position January 1, 2021.
Kapil Nathan, a junior at Hoover High School, was the top scorer in his level during the National Academic Quiz Tournament. The quiz, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured more than 150 students from around the country.
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S C H O O L H O U S E NEWS FROM HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
RRES principal featured in Forbes magazine Dr. Dilhani Uswatte, principal of Rocky Ridge Elementary, was featured in a story on forbes.com about the power of a penny, and what it can teach kids and adults alike about positive inspiration and leadership.
Trace Crossings counselor recognized Terri Coleman, a counselor at Trace Crossings Elementary School, earned the coveted “Program of Distinction” award from the Alabama School Counselor Association. The award recognizes school counseling programs that demonstrate an exemplary level of implementation of a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program.
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ARTS
Scenes from the annual Dia de los Muertos Festival.
Celebrating life and death Nonprofit brings cultural understanding through art, experiences
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Residents can get a glimpse into other cultures and create meaningful memories thanks to Bare Hands Inc. and its volunteers. The communitysupported, nonprofit arts organization, Bare Hands, is dedicated to cultivating creativity and innovation throughout the Birmingham area, says Keri Lane, executive director of Bare Hands. One of the main ways they do that is through their annual Dia de los Muertos festival, which is inspired by Mexico’s sacred Day of the Dead tradition. The Alabama Dia de los Muertos festival was founded in 2003 by local artist Tracy Martin. She built an installation in honor of her father, the noted civil rights photographer James “Spider” Martin, who died earlier that year. “Spider’s memorial was eagerly embraced by a small group of artists and friends, and thus began the event that has become a cherished multicultural celebration of life — and death — in Birmingham,” Lane says. Bare Hands will hold its 18th annual Dia de los Muertos (DDLM) celebration at Pepper Place Nov. 1-7 from 5 to 9 p.m. With 8,000 attendees last year, the event traditionally has large gatherings with music, food vendors, and art. However, due to COVID, this year’s event will be spread out across an entire week. Lane says they are focusing on the Altar Site and not encouraging lingering. “We will be honoring the heart of our festival with a large altar/art installation that will offer a chance to come together and grieve the many losses our 16 Bham Family November 2020
community has experienced, not only from the pandemic, but from the social injustices that have stolen too many lives,” she says. Thanks to sponsors and the community, they plan to offer the event for free. It has become one of the largest and most popular events in the region because of its attention to tradition and the cultural significance it celebrates. “In past years, our celebration has combined flowers, music, food, stories, friends, family, and memorials in honor of those who have gone before,” Lane says. “Our festival has grown to be one of the largest Day of the Dead Celebration in the United States of America and highlights the vibrant cultural diversity of our city.” In addition to the festival, Bare Hands also offers art education and outreach programs, like their Art Club. It’s a mostly volunteerrun organization with the YWCA of Central Alabama that provides free art supplies and teaching to underserved communities. “We strive to bridge cultural understanding through art and experiences,” Lane says. Behind all of their outreach, events and programs are the people involved with Bare Hands. “Everyone has a story that has led them to be a part of Bare Hands and the Dia de los Muertos Festival,” Lane says. “As much as I admire the end product of the festival and the outreach that the festival offers to artists in the community, I most enjoy the people that are the fabric of this organization.” To volunteer, donate, or learn more about Bare Hands, visit Barehandsinc.org.
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FOOD REVIEW
THANKSGIVING TO-GO BY JULIA SAYERS GOKHALE
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with your family and remembering what you have to be thankful for. However, the stress of cooking for the holiday often overshadows what’s most important. This year, why not let one of Birmingham’s many local restaurants do the cooking for you? Here are six places where you can get Thanksgiving and all the trimmings to go (Menus subject to change). ASHLEY MAC’S Ashley Mac’s is one of Birmingham’s favorite places for grab-and-go dinners, so it only makes sense they’d offer a Thanksgiving menu. Although they don’t do turkeys, they have pans and pans of sides to choose from, including dressing, green beans, sweet potato casserole, and more. Don’t forget dessert —Ashley Mac’s strawberry and carrot cakes are famous, and they also offer seasonal desserts like pecan pie and red velvet cake. REAL & ROSEMARY Real & Rosemary—now with two locations— is known for its homestyle meals with an upscale twist. You know that you’ll be getting allnatural ingredients and a healthy meal at R&R. Thanksgiving is no different. Real & Rosemary offers turkey by the pound as well as a host of trimmings, most of which are larger servings of their already popular sides: charred carrots, macaroni and cheese, and Brussels sprouts slaw, as well as seasonal items like sweet potato casserole and cornbread dressing. You can also order gravy and cranberry relish. IZ CAFE Iz Cafe is another Birmingham staple for take-home items. The original Iz Cafe is still located in Vestavia Hills and offers a menu of sandwiches in addition to a monthly rotating schedule of to-go dinners. At
18 Bham Family November 2020
Thanksgiving they’ll offer turkey and sides, but the good news is you can get a taste of Thanksgiving even earlier. The cafe regularly offers a meal of turkey, cornbread dressing, and green beans as one of their take-home dinner options. SMILEY BROTHERS Smiley Brothers in Alabaster is a butcher shop and specialty foods store that makes a killer burger and offers family meals to go. Regular family meal offerings include items such as chicken and rice casserole and bacon mac and cheese. For Thanksgiving, the store will offer turkeys and seasonal sides in addition to sides from their main menu, including Criss potatoes, gravy, and casseroles. HOMEWOOD GOURMET Homewood Gourmet’s Thanksgiving menu is broken down into starters; gravy, sauces, and soups; casseroles; and pies and desserts. That means you just handle the turkey and they’ll take care of the rest. You’ll find New Orleans influences in Homewood Gourmet’s menu, including praline sweet potatoes and homemade boudin that’s suggested to stuff into your turkey. JIM ’N NICKS Of course a barbecue restaurant is always a great option to get a to-go Thanksgiving meal. Jim ‘N Nicks offers smoked turkey breast and ham, as well as a number of seasonal sides— think green beans, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. You can also get larger orders of their standard sides, as well. Plus, a basket of Jim ‘N Nicks’ famous cheese biscuits is always welcome on the Thanksgiving table.
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EDUCATION
Creating a new ‘Kulture’
Nonprofit raises awareness for individuals with sensory needs BY JEANA DURST Kulture City is the nation’s leading nonprofit when it comes to those with sensory needs. Founded in Birmingham about six and a half years ago by Doctors Michele Kong and Julian Maha after their eldest son was diagnosed with autism, it has now grown to work with more than 600 venues in five countries. We caught up with Uma Srivastava, who began with Kulture City as a volunteer and is now their COO, to learn more. “The community can be very isolating, and six years ago not much was out there to serve those with sensory needs. We thought that Kulture City would be a Birmingham thing, but we never envisioned the tremendous growth,” Srivastava says. One in 5 individuals in the U.S. has a sensory need. “Often times when folks hear the term sensory needs, they think of children with autism and, yes that’s correct, but it can also include adults with autism, individuals with PTSD, early onset dementia, ADHD, cystic fibrosis and a whole host of other conditions where individuals can become overwhelmed by their environment,” Srivastava says. Some may be triggered by loud sounds, bright lights, crowds, smells, or a combination of these. They might have difficulty going into a venue like a zoo because the environment could be overstimulating. In the beginning, they worked closely with The Birmingham Zoo and invited families with varying sensory needs to come to better understand what they could modify and what kind of training they could provide staff. That was the genesis. Now Kulture City works with science centers, museums, baseball parks, barber shops, restaurants, and even more. 20 Bham Family November 2020
“The goal when we work with a venue on certification is to make them more inclusive so they are more accepting of all individuals,” Srivastava says. With Regions Field, for example, they trained staff to be familiar about how to interact with an individual going through an overload. “In all 600 venues we have sensory bags available for checkout at no cost. The bags include noise canceling headphones and fidget tools,” Srivastava says. These kinds of tools are especially helpful at Birmingham’s Urgent Care medical centers, where children with sensory needs may already be overwhelmed when they walk in the door. You can walk into any venue and ask to check out a Kulture City bag with no questions asked about a diagnosis. “It’s a private thing—it’s very personal and the last thing we want people to do is feel awkward when asking for help,” Srivastava says. Other things in the bag include a “visual thermometer” that an overwhelmed individual can use to point to a feeling in order to communicate as well as a lanyard that says KC VIP. This allows staff at the venue to know how to accommodate the individual. During the time of COVID, this has been especially useful for individuals who are unable to wear a mask. Currently, Kulture City is developing special COVID-19 training that they are providing to venues—one more way they are creating a culture of acceptance. For those looking to support the cause, community members can engage with KC Fit and raise funds to run to support the organization. To learn more about services, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, visit www. kulturecity.org.
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ROOM at the
TABLE
When neighbors start helping one another, amazing things can grow BY JEANA DURST Something is happening in West Homewood. And it’s something very unique. At Mary Liz Ingram’s front yard, the neighbors (and even people from other areas) gather each Friday to commune and share in a free store. It’s called The Sharing Table, and it is literally a table on her lawn, where those who are in need come to get free food and other goods each Friday. Even on other days of the week, it’s where people stop in to donate items and swap goods. Around this table, neighbors talk with one another while masked and socially distanced, share treats that 22 Bham Family November 2020
Ingram’s daughter passes out and generally support one another while gathering. Back in March when COVID-19 began in full swing, Ingram and her close friend Mollie Erikson started noticing that a lot of their friends and neighbors were out of work. “We started giving out sack lunches to some folks we knew,” Ingram says. They were packing tons of food in the driveway for seven different locations when Ingram’s home organically grew into a hub for their efforts. “I just drug a table out to my front yard and put food out—one tiny table,” she says. Gradually as more people found out, they CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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started bringing food by her house and would stop by to give her money to buy things. “We just started asking if anyone needed food to come by, no questions asked,” Ingram says. As it grew bigger, she painted a table with the words “sharing table” to mark the spot. “This is just neighbors helping each other,” she says. Today, 40 to 50 families come on Fridays and leave with fresh food and other items like books, clothes or household items. (They buy fresh food on Friday and distribute donations of milk, eggs, and produce from churches like Canterbury Methodist.) By late spring Ingram had to add more tables and a pop-up tent. Many things have been the result of neighbors pitching in. “When I come home, there are just things out front,” she says. They even had someone leave a picnic table. “If I find out someone needs a microwave, I just asked on Facebook, and by end of day I have three,” Ingram says. In the welcoming environment that’s created people feel free to have conversations about particular needs, and Ingram and friends then work to meet the particular requests using monetary donations. And her family gets in on the efforts too. Everybody has a job. “My son sets everything up and my girls would sort the produce. My little one who is eight years old comes out and gives out
popsicles or cookies while everybody is waiting,” Ingram says. She says she can see a difference in her kids; they don’t even question if they are supposed to give. “A lot of people coming are their friends from school, and they don’t have a feeling of separateness from them—this is what we do and we are all family,” Ingram says. The giving spirit is pervasive among all people. “There have been times when we’ve had two things left and two people there, and they both voluntarily take one. It gives you hope,” Ingram says. Everyone wears a mask and they try to stagger things outside. You can count on them to be there in all kinds of weather too. In fact, when a storm took out their pop-up tent, all the neighbors pitched in and replaced it. Ingram had this to say about her experience with The Sharing Table: “It’s been so amazing to watch how generous and giving people are. I’m really just the middle woman. The community aspect of this just gives me chill bumps just to be reminded of how much goodness there is the world.” The Sharing Table is open every Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and families who want to volunteer to help pack and set up from 1:45 to 2:30 can contact Ingram. They gladly accept monetary donation or any items and are particularly in need of diapers, wipes, toilet paper, bread and cereal. To find out more about how to help, visit www. communitysharingtable.com and check out Mary Liz Ingram’s Facebook page for updates. Bham Family November 2020 23
MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT
CONSTANT HOPE
Smile-A-Mile supports families affected by childhood cancer BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, it affects the entire family. That’s why Smile-AMile’s mission is to provide hope, healing of the spirit, and love for the whole family during the childhood cancer journey. Created in 1985, the organization serves more than 1,500 families throughout Alabama each year, says Kellie Reece, COO of Smile-A-Mile. “If you want to get a glimpse of strength, tenacity, love, acceptance, kindness, and all things encouraging, one need not look further than Smile-A-Mile,” she says. “In a world that seems so hard on so many fronts right now, Smile-A-Mile strives to be the one constant in the chaos for our families and volunteers.” These families participate in their hospital outreach program, camps, one-day special events, regional programming, young adult survivorship programming, and also bereavement programming. Families can find a safe haven outside of a hospital setting at Smile-A-Mile Place in downtown Birmingham. The organization also takes its programming on the road to places across the state to reach even more families. Before COVID, their events included tickets to the National Peanut Festival, dinner and a show at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and opportunities to attend Alabama and Auburn sporting events. Now, most of their programming has gone virtual and includes events like family game night and home camp sessions. While some things have changed, there are plenty of things that haven’t — like how all of their programming is provided at no cost. And there continue to be many incredible, full-circle moments within the organization. Reece, who 24 Bham Family November 2020
began volunteering with Smile-A-Mile in 1998 before being on staff, has seen her share. “I think the most special for me is seeing campers come through our program and then return as volunteers and give back to an organization that poured so much into them,” Reece says. “Also, when parents of a newly diagnosed 5-year-old child look into the eyes of a 22-year-old survivor who is now a volunteer working with their child, it is one of the most hope-giving moments a parent can experience.” It’s easy to see why Reece’s favorite part about working with the organization is the people, both the families they serve and the volunteers. “SmileA-Mile is an organization that lives out its mission each and every day,” Reece says. But that mission doesn’t end when a child completes treatment because their physical, social, and emotional needs continue. “It is our commitment to be there for our families no matter what their journey looks like,” Reece says. “While the goal of the medical care team is to help heal the body, ours is to help heal the spirit of these children and their families.” “With all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, fundraising is more difficult than ever,” she says. “But, the needs are stronger than ever as childhood cancer continues to impact the families we serve. So, we welcome donations no matter how big or small. The opportunities to change lives are significant — including our own through blessing others.” Families interested in supporting Smile-A-Mile have several options, including helping with their year-round programming, summer camps, and fundraising events. To learn more about volunteer and giving opportunities, people can visit Smileamile.com or email kellie@smileamile.com.
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BEATING
the odds
Woman maintains fighting spirit through possible lung, heart transplant BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE To say Christy Turnipseed’s life has been full of twists and turns is an understatement, considering she’s currently facing a possible double lung and heart transplant. But through it all, this Homewood native hasn’t lost her positivity and drive. Her medical journey began 17 years ago on Christmas Eve. The then-9-year-old Turnipseed was diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia and put on a ventilator. Her parents were told she probably wouldn’t make it, but after discussions, her doctors decided to try an experimental treatment that was mainly used on newborns.
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She started to improve with the treatment, but her organs began to fail when taken off of it. So, her doctors tried another experimental treatment, and following 94 days in the PICU, Turnipseed was moved to a room to start her recovery. After nearly four months in the hospital, she was able to come home. She had to learn to walk again, but through hard work and physical therapy, she returned to a somewhat normal life. “I was able to keep up with school while in the hospital and was able to rejoin my original class in the fifth grade the next school year,” Turnipseed says. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
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But, two years later, she kept getting infections, and doctors said it was due to part of her right lung being damaged from the pneumonia. So, they performed a lobectomy of the right lower lobe of her lung. Again, that treatment seemed to help until her senior year of high school. After multiple stays in the hospital for infections, doctors removed the right middle lobe of her lungs. Through her determination and focus on rehabilitation, Turnipseed was able to walk across the stage and graduate with her classmates. For the next several years, she enjoyed the college life as a student at UAB, staying involved around campus and with her sorority. She studied art history and psychology and managed a local art gallery, which showed Turnipseed she wanted to become an artist full time. Her pieces mostly incorporated vintage paper and glass, as well as mixed media. Turnipseed decided to go to culinary school at Jefferson State Community College in 2018. But then last year, Turnipseed became sick with pseudomonas in her lungs, and her doctor transferred her to the cystic fibrosis team at UAB. “My lung function started to decline rapidly as well, to now having only 26-percent lung capacity where most people have 90 to 100 percent,” she says. “It was then that discussions were had about a possible double lung transplant.” Turnipseed underwent an evaluation in January for a transplant, but when COVID hit, some of her tests had to be postponed. So, she’s not currently listed for a transplant, as she awaits kidney tests. “My condition is a little bit complicated as my heart has now shifted to my right side where my lung was and is being held by scar tissue, which makes it difficult to break free and move it to its correct position giving a lung transplant,” she says. That might mean she will have to receive a double lung and heart transplant. However, her heart is still healthy, making it possible for her to donate it — meaning she would be a living heart donor. “Most people can’t say that, and I find it very cool,” she says. “I will be receiving life but also giving it, and that mentally helps me in this process.” Throw in a global pandemic, and that has made the past few months more difficult. “To know that there is a virus out there that could kill me is very scary to think about,” Turnipseed says. “I am constantly quarantined to keep myself healthy
and to not expose myself to anyone that could possibly give me this virus because that would be it for me.” While it’s difficult for anyone to stay positive during the current pandemic, Turnipseed said her faith and family have helped her through this journey. Another motivator has been remembering her childhood friend, Sheena Ayers, who had cystic fibrosis. “As I was healthy, I saw her go through her treatments and hospital stays not knowing that one day I would be in her place going through the same thing. Unfortunately, she passed away years ago, but her fight and her smile keep reminding me to keep fighting,” Turnipseed says. “I have always been a fighter after what I have been through, and I plan to keep fighting. She is a reminder to me always to keep doing that.” For others dealing with chronic illnesses, Turnipseed wants them to know they aren’t alone. “There are others that feel exactly like you do, and we can all help each other get through this together,” she says. Supporting her community seems to be second nature to her. As an artist, Turnipseed got involved with several local art festivals, including Magic City Art Connection, Birmingham Artwalk, and Moss Rock Festival. Her passion for the arts extended into her volunteer work, as well. She was one of the main people involved with starting the Alabama Theatre Junior Board, which is now with the Lyric Theatre. Turnipseed also volunteered with the Sidewalk Film Festival and was a screener for the shorts programming. “It’s one of my favorite events of the year in Birmingham, and now with the new cinema, we can really expand our programming to all year instead of just a festival,” Turnipseed says. “Obviously, I love the arts and the arts communities in Birmingham, and I have a continued love and passion to help these organizations thrive as much as possible.” She says she’s ready to get back to working with these organizations and her friends when COVID allows. “I miss being involved in art festivals because we are like family,” Turnipseed says. “The people that help organize and my artist friends look forward to being with one another each year.” There are plenty of things still up in the air, from her tests and possible transplant to the virus and its effects. But after all of the curveballs life has thrown at Turnipseed, it’s fair to say she’s ready for just about anything. To follow Turnipseed’s journey, find her on Twitter and Instagram at @Cturnip. Bham Family November 2020 27
Let the children come
Giving families affected by special needs a place to worship
Our Place offers a ministry tailored toward children with special needs.
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE Having a child with special needs often keeps families from attending church because they don’t feel like there’s a place for their child. That’s why one church created a program specifically tailored for these children. A ministry of First Baptist Church Trussville, Our Place’s mission is to follow God’s call in serving families and individuals affected by special needs. The program’s goal is for each child to feel loved and included, while also learning how precious they are to God. Because as the Bible says in Matthew 19:14, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Putting those words into action is Carrie Jones. She got involved with Our Place in 2018, becoming the special needs ministry coordinator at the church — though the ministry started a few years earlier. Our Place was created when a mother of a child with special needs was looking for a way for her daughter to participate in the children’s 28 Bham Family November 2020
ministry. She worked with the children’s minister to figure out what that type of ministry would look like. Now, the program provides tailored activities and learning for children, teens, and adults with special needs. For those with more significant needs, they meet in a self-contained classroom using a curriculum, arts and crafts, music, Bible study time, and activities that are uniquely designed for them. Others go with a buddy their age to regular Sunday School classes, with the buddy volunteer helping with small things they might need. “The youth are always really eager to help and be a buddy,” Jones says. “They like having someone sit with them in their normal Sunday School class.” They had about 20 participants in the Our Place ministry before COVID, not including the many volunteers — and everyone is welcome to join. “People with all ability levels have a place in the church to learn about God in their own unique way,” Jones says. “A lot of people have the desire to go to church, but they aren’t attending CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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because they’re not sure if there’s a place for their child who has special needs. We’re so excited to have this program at First Baptist.” Being involved with the ministry has been a blessing for Jones and the other volunteers. And once someone meets the people in the program, it’s easy to see why. Not only are they interested in being involved with their peers and giving back to the community, but they also have a desire to learn about Jesus. “It never ceases to amaze me,” Jones says. “They have such an innocence and pureness of their hearts, and they love that Jesus loves them.” For anyone who has heard about the ministry and thought about getting involved, Jones encourages them to give it a try — whether it be a husband and wife, an entire family, or someone who wants to volunteer on their own. “We’ve had some people who have said, ‘I never knew how awesome it would be,’” she says. “You never know who you’re going to meet and how they’re going to impact your life.” Jones works with new volunteers to go over the basics of working with the group in Our Place. But, most are surprised to see they come away from the experience with a lot more than they expected. “As a volunteer or teacher, you think you’re the one who’s serving,” Jones says. “But, you’re the one who’s learning.” Jones has a long history of working with children, teens, and adults with special needs — though that wasn’t her initial intentions. Originally an English major, Jones wanted to teach at a college level. However, God had other plans for her life. She’s now been working in special education for 26 years. “I love it. No two days are ever the same,” Jones says. “I get to help students and their families. God has presented me with an awesome opportunity.” Jones teaches the life skills academy for special needs at Hewitt-Trussville High School, coordinates the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Recreation/Leisure programming, and is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Independence Place. Though not a ministry of First Baptist Church Trussville, Independence Place uses some of the rooms and facilities at the church to meet the social and recreational needs of adults with exceptional needs. Our Place also had an extension program called Fun Friends, which ran quarterly. The
program provided activities for people with special needs, giving their parents the chance to go on dates or spend time with their other siblings. Jones said they hope to restart it monthly when it’s safe to do so. “Their parents get excited anytime there’s a fun, scheduled activity with volunteers who are happy and willing to serve,” Jones says. “It’s designed just for their kids.” All of these faith-based ministries — Our Place, Independence Place, and Fun Friends — exist to serve the entire family. Jones hopes anyone who has thought about working with those with special needs will consider getting involved. Whether someone is looking for a church home, a place to worship, would like to serve in Our Place, or has a family member with special needs, they can find that all at First Baptist Church Trussville. “We welcome volunteers from the community who don’t have a church home or want to be involved with a special needs program but aren’t members,” Jones says. First Baptist Church Trussville is located at 128 North Chalkville Rd. Both members and non-members of all ages are invited to get involved with Our Place and Independence Place. For more information, email Jones at carriej@fbctrussville.org. To learn more about Independence Place, visit Iptrussville.org.
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KIDS WHO SHINE
KARIM MIKHAIL, TYKIE SFAKIANOS, 12TH-GRADERS
Tykie Sfakianos
Karim Mikhail
BY JEANA DURST Two Hoover High School students bring a whole new meaning to helping others with the free TS tutoring program they’ve launched this year. TS stands for “teach to succeed” tutoring, a program they started developing in March through a partnership with the Birmingham Urban League. Their goal is to serve underserved communities, though they tutor and help any middle school or high schooler who needs it. Currently, TS Tutoring operates 100 percent virtually, but in the future they will look at going in-person. The idea grew out of a desire to make a difference. “We are both involved in service opportunities at the high school, but during this time we found ourselves without those usual fulfilling opportunities, so we were thinking that virtual tutoring could be something we could provide,” Mikhail says. He and Sfakianos agreed to partner and as the summer progressed and they thought more about the pervasive challenges of racial inequality in our country, they focused on minority underserved communities. They sent a cold email to the Birmingham Urban League, and the relationship just grew from there. Both young men had been informally assuming a tutoring role for a while. “I’ve had experience with math tutoring,” Sfakianos says. Mikhail, on the other hand, loved to help his friends with chemistry. “I found myself naturally gravitating to that teaching approach and found a lot of pleasure just helping my friends,” he says. Though they have interest in both math and science, their tutoring extends to all subject matters. 30 Bham Family November 2020
An example of the Google Jamboard that TS Tutoring implements to serve students while social distancing.
Tutoring sessions are scheduled through their website, and they use Skype and Google Jamboard, an online interactive whiteboard platform which allows them to draw together in real time, to tutor students. Right now, TS Tutoring predominantly serves students in the Birmingham City School district. With the backing of Birmingham Urban League, they never have to charge any student for sessions. “We are trying to maximize our output with minimal resources,” Mikhail says. Currently, they serve four to five students each week in slots from 30 minutes to two hours. As it turns out, they are learning as much as their students from this experience. “We both have developed pretty good time management skills,” Sfakianos says. Additionally, they have appreciated those moments when the light bulb comes on for the students they work with. “When you see this kind of energy within them where they want to repeat everything you just said and when they are asking questions and are curious— that’s the most fulfilling thing. To hear from them that this really helped them in class is just an unbelievable feeling. There are a lot of growth opportunities for us as well, not just for tutoring, but for interacting with people more effectively,” Mikhail says. Both students have their sights set on attending medical school in the future – Sfafkianos wants to be an emergency medicine physician and Mikhail aspires to focus on neuroscience. One thing is certain: wherever they land, they will continue to impact the lives of others in a positive way. To learn more or schedule a session, visit www. tstutoring.net.
Ask a child what he dreams of doing in the future. His answer brings everything into focus for us. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233
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TEEN TALK LINE (205) 605-1830
PARENT TALK LINE compact2020.com (205) 605-1827
TEENS — Have questions? Concerned about things? Just need someone to listen? Talking helps. Whether you are having a great day or a tough day, give us a call. We are here to listen. PARENTS — Think your teen might be involved with substance abuse?Have questions? Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Talking helps.
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