Metro Birmingham Living
THE
GIVERS
Young philanthropists create a caring city THE PIZITZ
A landmark building reborn
SWEET SENSATIONS Flavors of the season
TAKE MANHATTAN Sip a wintry cocktail
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Lawrence Sheffield, Magic City Woodworks
Birmingham has always been known as among the most charitable of cities with strong organizations offering care and services and generous benefactors creating opportunities for healing the wounds of disease, despair, and poverty. Much like the people it serves, philanthropy almost feels like a living thing that has to be nurtured. And like living things, the spirit of giving is renewed generation after generation. On the pages that follow, we chronicle that sense of renewal by profiling some young people carrying on the giving nature of the city into a new generation of young philanthropists. Beeland and Grace Nielsen
Beeland and Grace Nielsen are busy, that’s the easiest way to describe. Beeland works for Coca-Cola Bottling Company United. Grace stays home to raise the couple’s young children, two girls and a boy, ages 6, 4, and 2. Grace was born in Mobile, one of five children. Beeland was born here in Birmingham into a tradition of bottling Coca-Cola products (his father is chairman of the bottling company) and philanthropy (his mother, Kate, formerly ran the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham). For these young philanthropists, giving is key. “Very simply put, it’s the right thing to 96
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do,” Beeland says. “Emotionally, I am very thankful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my life. Many people don’t have those same opportunities. The folks that live in our community drive the success of the community. Any opportunity to enhance their education and experiences benefits us all.” The United Way and the Community Foundation are major assets to the couple as they decide how to allocate their giving. “They help us understand (or make the allocation decisions on our behalf to) the charitable entities that are most in need and are doing the best work in the community,” Beeland says. “They also help
us find the organizations that align with our passion points (education, health and wellness, etc.).” The most difficult aspect of giving for the Nielsens is finding the time to do more than financially contribute to causes. “I think that we have done an okay job of squeezing in philanthropy through financial support,” Beeland says. “One thing that we want to do better about is giving our time. I have a tremendous amount of respect for people that give their time. To me, it is far easier to write a check than to carve out and give your time. I also think that the gift of time can be far more impactful for all parties involved because it isn’t a faceless gift.”
Beeland and Grace Nielsen
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Lawrence Sheffield
Amid the sawdust and woodworking equipment Lawrence Sheffield is teaching the art of work. The founder of Magic City Woodworks, Sheffield works out of a building downtown “teaching men the basics of work: showing up on time, having a teachable attitude, and taking pride in who they are in Christ and the work that they are doing for Him.” Working through paid apprenticeships, Magic City Woodworks functions as a quality woodworking shop with a heavy
emphasis on hands-on job training. “We believe that through our program we are helping young men become leaders in Birmingham, their communities, and most importantly their families,” Sheffield says. “We build beautiful pieces in our shop, and through this our team is able to take pride in a job well done. We teach our guys to treat work as a blessing and not as a mundane task. People can support Magic City Woodworks through purchasing our beautiful handmade goods or donating to support our mission.”
Born in Birmingham, Sheffield attended Hoover High School and after graduation he became a firefighter and started a small woodworking business. “In 2011 I became a Christian, and that is when my life truly changed,” he says. “I began to see things in a different light and felt the Lord leading me to walk alongside young men who wanted to work with their hands. Woodworking was always a passion of mine, and through lots of prayer from friends and family, Magic City Woodworks was created.”
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Mauri Robinson
Mauri Robinson believes the central importance of a life is the impact it has on others. “A meaningful life is not about being rich, being popular, being highly educated, or being perfect,” he says. “It is about being real, being humble, being strong, and being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others. I’m fortunate that every organization I’m blessed to be a part of truly embodies those guiding principles.” That statement from Robinson sums up his view of philanthropy and the nonprofit experiences the financial/banking executive has had. He has been a board member of Hands On Birmingham, an organization supporting United Way of Central Alabama, since 2012. Hands On Birmingham’s mission is to connect people with organized and meaningful volunteer opportunities to improve their community. Robinson is currently the advocacy and policy manager for Growing Kings Inc., a male enrichment program for students in the Birmingham City School System. A native of Birmingham and a graduate of Shades Valley High School, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business marketing and graduated cum laude from Morehouse College in 2008. He serves on the board of governors for the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives and as executive board treasurer for the Jackie Robinson Alumni Association Foundation and vice president for the American Diabetes Association Young Professionals Leadership Council. He is also on the Hands On Birmingham Board, Junior Achievement of Alabama Junior Board, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Young Professionals Board, and Rotaract Club of Birmingham, and he is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Monique Shorts
Monique Shorts has dedicated her life to serving others. At the age of 14, she created community programming to show youth the importance of serving their community, and at 26 she became the executive director of a nonprofit that engaged, empowered, and inspired children, youth, and families to become leaders in their community. Now an employee of the American Red Cross as the Armed Forces Division manager 100
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Monique Shorts in the Southeast and Caribbean region, she helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service worldwide. Shorts joined the Red Cross in 2011, starting her career as the recovery planning and assistance coordinator, and then Project SHARE coordinator. In 2014, she was selected as the Service to the Armed Forces director for the Alabama region, taking a virtually unknown program and transforming it into
one of the best-known Red Cross programs within the state. That same year, she led the long-term recovery efforts for the April 2014 tornadoes for the American Red Cross and the United Way. Shorts holds both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bethel University, is a graduate of the 2016 Leadership Shelby County class, and is active with the Rotaract Club of Birmingham and the Young Philanthropists Society of the United Way. She is married to LeMar Shorts, and they have a 5-year-old daughter, Kelsey.
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GIVING Whatever your special cause, you can find a home for your passion project among the nonprofit organizations of Birmingham. On the pages that follow, we present profiles of some of the region’s leading nonprofits, their impact, missions, successes, and connections. When it comes to getting involved in a charity, it’s not hard in Birmingham. Just find something you are passionate about and step up to the plate. It is a giving place that just needs some giving people. ACCESS PROFILES IN GIVING YEAR-ROUND AT B-METRO.C OM/LISTS B-METRO.COM
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PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
HOPE FOR AUTUMN
OUR MISSION Hope for Autumn Foundation provides financial ASSISTANCE for families of Alabama battling childhood cancer, supports innovative childhood cancer RESEARCH through the Developmental Therapeutics Program at Children’s of Alabama, a cutting edge research and treatment program for children with incurable cancers that provides treatments unavailable to most while developing innovative and less-toxic treatments, and increases community AWARENESS of childhood cancer through the #givehope program in schools and businesses.
DETAILS *190 children will be diagnosed this year in Alabama. Over 500 children receive cancer treatment each year in Alabama. *A family battling childhood cancer can lose up to 40% of their household income while caring for their child. *84% will be cured of their illness. 16% will not. *Only 4% of federal cancer research funding is dedicated to childhood cancers as a whole. *Childhood Cancer is the number one disease related cause of death in children. *Families need financial help, research needs funding, and the public needs awareness. *Hope for Autumn Foundation gives hope to these families.
3 7 2 2 C H A L Y B E WA L K HOOVER, AL 35226
Denise, 14, had been staying full time in medical housing with her mother as she recovered from her second battle with cancer. Once they returned home to Mobile, her mother struggled with a stable living situation, as she had not been able to work the past 3-4 years while they were in Birmingham fighting cancer. They did not own a house, and after residing in Birmingham for so long, they no longer had an apartment. The two of them lived with friends as she tried to find a job and an apartment she could afford. At one point they had no housing options and a shelter was not a possibility, as Denise was still immunocompromised. Fortunately, Denise’s mom applied for financial assistance through Hope for Autumn Foundation. Hope for Autumn Foundation provided the family with funds for three months rent and utility assistance, enabling Denise’s mom time to catch her breath after such a difficult 3-4 years. She found a job and an apartment with a reasonable rent and was able to get back on her feet. Denise is now doing well, started back to school, and is back to her life. GIVE HOPE by visiting www.hopeforautumnfoundation.org Hope for Autumn Foundation
PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
CHILDCARE RESOURCES
OUR MISSION ...to make quality care and education of children happen by providing information, education and assistance to families, providers of child care and the community.
DETAILS
PARENTING IS CHALLENGING.
WE CAN HELP.
Resource & Referral By phone, in our office or via our website, families depend on us to learn about QUALITY child care options.
Child Care Provider Training Central Alabama’s child care teachers depend on us for continuing education.
Parent Education @ Work Local businesses depend on us to enrich employees’ parenting skills.
Supplemental Child Care Program Working parents who meet eligibility requirements depend on us to assist with the high cost of child care.
As a single parent, I am not only a full-time mother but a full-time worker as well and with that being said my little girl has attended daycare, or as we call it ‘school,’ since she was 6 weeks old. Since the day I found out I was pregnant, putting my little one into a safe and great learning environment has always been my first priority. Because I work long hours and have to be away from her most of the day during the week – her school has been like a second home to her. I have never been able to qualify for any assistance (WIC, food stamps, etc.) as I have a really great job. But times really started getting tough, between paying monthly bills, rent, groceries, daycare, etc. A friend mentioned Childcare Resources to me and I applied for financial assistance. After being on the waiting list for a while, I was interviewed by Childcare Resources’ Financial Assistance Coordinator. When I was told I was approved for SCCP, tears of joy fell down my face. I was so happy that I didn’t have to start looking for other options and making sure my little one was in good hands all over again. The struggles of a single parent seem as if they will never end but Childcare Resources has helped me in so many ways but mostly because I am able to afford child care for my daughter. If it wasn’t for the help I receive monthly from them, I’m not sure what I would do.
Make quality child care happen by visiting w w w. c c r - b h m . o r g a n d s e l e c t D O N AT E
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THE JIMMMIE HALE MISSION
OUR MISSION To minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the men, women, and children in our community by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
ORGANIZATIONAL FACTS: 1. Just $1.95 provides a complete meal to someone homeless and hungry. 2. Serving those in need since 1944. 3. Last year alone, more than 198,000 meals were served at the Mission’s three shelter facilities. 4. Since 2006, more than 1,100 men and women have secured employment through the Mission’s learning center. 5. The Jimmie Hale Mission is a family of ministries that includes Jessie’s Place for women and children, Shepura Men’s Center, Royal Pines, after-school Bible clubs called Discovery Clubs, and three learning centers for education remediation and job readiness.
The Jimmie Hale Mission started out in 1944 as a storefront chapel in Birmingham and has grown to include a 160-bed homeless shelter for men which serves an average of 13,000 meals a month, a shelter for women and children, a 16-week, in-residency recovery center for men, learning centers for education remediation and job readiness, as well as four fundraising thrift stores that help fund operations. Jimmie Hale was known as the town drunk before his Christian conversion. He immediately set out to extend his newfound hope to homeless men. In March of 1944, he and his wife Jessie founded the Mission. Eight months later, 39-year-old Jimmie died and Jessie made sure that Jimmie’s dream carried on. Today, the Jimmie Hale Mission serves a seven county area. About 150 employees and more than 7,000 volunteers are committed to assist needy people at our three residential facilities and through our various programs, providing thousands of meals, nights of lodging, clothing, GED preparation and other educational services, and assistance in finding a job.
3 4 2 0 2 N D AV E N , BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222 205-323-5878
Whether you feel led to give of your time, treasure or talent, there are many ways you can help men, women and children in need.
Learn more about how you can help today at www.jimmiehalemission.com
PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
BIRMINGHAM ZO O
OUR MISSION Inspiring Passion for the Natural World...through emphasizing Conservation, Education, Scientific Study and Recreation in all aspects of the Birmingham Zoo’s exhibits, programs, facilities and activities.
DETAILS The Birmingham Zoo…
Is a leader in elephant management, with the only all-male African elephant herd in North America. Was the first Zoo in the country to implement a sensory-friendly experience for guests with special needs. Is the only Zoo in Alabama accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Provides formalized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) based educational programs for children up to 14 years of age.
This is Kumar, a magnificent 17-year-old Malayan tiger, who lives at the Birmingham Zoo. Malayan tigers are critically endangered. In the 1950s, there were an estimated 3,000 Malayan tigers in peninsular Malaysia. In 2013, the tiger population in the wild was estimated at only 250-340 adult individuals. We need your help! FACTS: •Malayan Tigers, such as the Birmingham Zoo’s Kumar, are classified as Endangered. •The tiger is the largest of the big cats, and the only cat with stripes. •Similar to a human fingerprint, each tiger’s stripe pattern is unique. •Unlike most other cat species, tigers like to swim. •The Zoo’s new Malayan tiger exhibit is part of the Asian Passage and Arrival Experience Capital Campaign. Kumar will enjoy a larger, more stimulating exhibit home, where guests will see keepers caring for him. Your gift will help build this new exhibit and teach Zoo visitors about the importance of saving this stunning animal species from extinction. T H E M A L AYA N T I G E R D E S P E R AT E LY N E E D S Y O U R H E L P.
P l e a s e m a ke a d o n a t i o n t o t h e n e w Ti g e r E x h i b i t ! Vi s i t w w w. b i r m i n g h a m z o o . c o m / g e t - i n v o l v e d / d o n a t e .
2630 CAHABA ROAD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35223 205-879-0409 BIRMINGHAMZOO.COM
PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
POSITIVE MATURITY, INC.
OUR MISSION To enhance the lives of older adults through social services and civic engagement.
DETAILS • RSVP Volunteers have flexibility in their schedules, what types of opportunities they would like to participate in and where they would like to volunteer. • RSVP Volunteers are a part of a larger network of volunteers that together provide over 200,000 hours of community service to Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties each year. • Volunteers can elect to volunteer in their homes or in a variety of community settings. • Each volunteer opportunity is tailored to fit the strengths and the needs of the volunteer. • Volunteer benefits range from free supplemental accident insurance (while volunteering) to recognition events and Presidential Awards.
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Services for Seniors
It’s 10:00 AM….Do you know what your parents are doing? Life after retirement can be a fulfilling one. Many adults explore encore careers, education, and passionate hobbies. They serve on boards, help with community projects and sometimes spend their time spoiling their grandchildren. Other retirees go through difficult life changes: loss of income or spouse, declining health or chronic illnesses. When these life changes hit, many find it hard to find purpose; they become isolated and their lifestyle becomes sedentary. That’s where Positive Maturity and our Retired and Senior Volunteer Program comes into play. Individuals 55 and older from all walks of life are encouraged to join our volunteer team and start finding ways to keep their once-busy days active while giving back to their communities. Volunteers can choose from over 100 volunteer stations with numerous opportunities, or they are welcome to choose their own volunteer opportunities. RSVP is different from other programs because we provide several recognitions and incentives for our volunteers on a yearly basis. We also provide liability auto insurance for volunteers as they are traveling back and forth between their volunteer stations. Are you or someone you know looking for ways to remain active and give back to our community? If so, please contact us today.
www.positivematurity.org www.facebook.com/PMSERVICES
PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER Our Story
In 1998, Birmingham’s Discovery Place and Red Mountain Museum merged to create an interactive science museum called McWane Science Center. This state-of-the-art museum is housed in the historic and refurbished Loveman’s department store building in downtown Birmingham. McWane Science Center creates unique, hands-on, science-learning experiences parents and teachers value and kids love. McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors since opening its doors. Explorers — from ages 1 to 100 — flock yearround to see, to hear, to touch and to experience the wonder of science in one of the South’s most unique venues. McWane Science Center has a number of permanent exhibits that are a regular part of the science education experience. These include Itty Bitty Magic City, Explore! Collections Center, Alabama Dinosaurs and Sea Monsters, NatureScope, Fox 6 Weather Lab, Science on a Sphere, High Cycle, World of Water Aquarium, Shark and Ray Touch Tank, and the John W. Woods IMAX Dome Theater. McWane Science Center does not just focus on science. We strive to inspire children through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and we believe that great STEM learning involves inquisition. Students are not learning through lecture at McWane Science Center; they are learning by doing, asking questions, creating their own hypothesis, testing and re-thinking their own ideas and beliefs. McWane Science Center utilizes exhibits, hands-on education, experiments and programs to achieve the following goals: ·Engage children and youth in advanced inquiry-based learning opportunities ·Help create a science and math literate citizenry that encompasses ALL children ·Provide teachers with the tools and support to inspire lifelong learning ·Inspire youth to pursue continued education and career opportunities
OUR MISSION Through its exhibits, educational programming, events and collections, McWane Science Center provides outstanding experiences across the science, technology, engineering and math spectrum that enhance subject matter literacy, creativity and critical thinking.
OUR VISION To excite and inspire inquiry and innovation in our children and our society. 2016 Board of Trustees OFFICERS Chairman: Gordon Martin, Alabama Power Company Secretary: John McCullough, Harbert Management Corporation Treasurer: J. Bowen Thagard, Jr., EBSCO Information Services Past Chair: Scott Adams, Protective Life Corporation TRUSTEES Tracy Morant Adams, Renasant Bank J. Iwan Alexander, UAB School of Engineering Charles A. Collat, Jr., Mayer Electric Supply Taylor P. Davis, Architect John P. Dulin, Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. Charles D. Goodrich, Timberline Investments Company Stephanie Alexander, Honda Manufacturing of Alabam Penney Hartline Lisa Jernigan Bruhn, The Jernigan Foundation/Marathon Corporation Alesia M. Jones, UAB Geeta Lakhanpal, Inverness Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Danny Markstein, Markstein Collin Gaston, WBRC Kavita Vasil, Highlands School Leigh Perry, Southern Company Services Chad Webb, Regions Financial Corporation Nicolas O. Willis, PNC Bank Gary York, Emergency Callworks Shannon Holt, Hugo Black United States Courthouse Jennifer Skjellum, TechBirmingham EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Lynn LaRussa – President, McWane Science Center Board of Endowment
Best of Birmingham – 2 0 1 6 – B e s t Fa m i l y A t t r a c t i o n ; B e s t M u s e u m f o r K i d s
TripAdvisor –
2016 – Certificate of Excellence; #3 of 83 on list of things to do in Birmingham (based on review scores)
2 0 0 19 T H ST R E E T N . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 2 0 5 - 7 1 4 - 8 3 0 0 • W W W. M C W A N E . O R G
OUR MISSION Neverthirst is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean and living water to the poor. Neverthirst serves all people in the areas they work regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender. They are called to bring clean water, health and hope to those who lack access to what many of us take for granted every day. At Neverthirst, they believe where there’s clean and living water…life flows.
DETAILS •Coffee is made of 99.75 percent water. Clean water is obviously essential for good coffee, but it’s also essential for life.
PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
ROYAL CUP COFFEE TO CHANGE THE WORLD Can your cup of coffee change the world? Royal Cup thinks so.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 3.4 million people die every year as a result of unclean drinking water. That’s more deaths than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Royal Cup Coffee and Tea wants to slash that number, so the company recently partnered with Neverthirst, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean water to underserved populations. Since 2008, Neverthirst has completed over 5,800 projects in Sudan, South Sudan, Nepal, Cambodia, Chad, and India. For every serving of Royal Cup’s Roar coffee sold, 2 cents will benefit Neverthirst and help people all across the world get access to clean drinking water. While 2 cents may not seem like much, Howard Chapman, President of Office Beverage Division at Royal Cup, says, “Based on current Roar volume, expectations are for the partnership to generate six-figures for Neverthirst in its first year.” Drinking coffee for a cause? That’s something we can definitely get behind.
•663 Million people globally are without clean drinking water. •Most parents wait to name their children until age four because infant mortality is so high in their region. •Tis the season for giving! Get 15 percent off your Roar whole bean purchase when you use the code “GIFT” in Royal Cup’s online store (Valid 12.1.16 to 1.15.17)
Buy your bag of Roar coffee here: www.store.royalcupcoffee.com 1-800-366-5836
PROFILES IN GIVING SPECIAL PROMOTION
CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY OF ALABAMA
OUR MISSION Changing Lives, Building Families, Strengthening Communities Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS) has served children and families in need or at risk, throughout the state of Alabama, since 1912.
Changing Lives Through Adoption
Currently, there are more than 250 children in Alabama foster care awaiting a loving, adoptive “Forever Family.” Many have never felt the warmth and joy of having a secure home of their own. Most have been placed in agency custody due to parental neglect or physical abuse.
The good news is that a child’s life can be brightened forever by just one person - YOU! Children are awaiting Forever Families in these categories: • Age 5 or older • Sibling groups of 2 or more • Child with significant emotional, mental or physical challenges requiring a high level of care
Open Your Heart. Open Your Home. Become a Forever Family! What We Do: • Prepare and reinforce the path for families touched by adoption • Guide youth in foster care to independent adulthood • Establish safe homes where families stay together • Empower homeless young mothers to build strong and stable homes • Strengthen parenting skills for families at risk of child abuse and/or neglect • Train professionals to better meet the needs of Alabama’s children and youth
It is our belief that children in safe home environments, with their families, are able to thrive when the family is provided critical skills, support and resources. To that end, the foundation of CAS’ services lies with Trauma-Informed Care, a commitment to assist families with problem-solving and processing trauma, providing support and creating healthy, permanent relationships.
Ways You Can Help: • Begin the adoption process through recruitment and training at CAS • Donate online at www.childrensaid.org • Join our Junior Board. Email marketing@childrensaid.org for details • Follow us at facebook.com/childrensaid • Invite CAS to speak to your group about foster care or adoption • Donate personal care items for women and children • Serve as a summer camp counselor and mentor to foster and adopted youth
Visit us online at: w w w. c h i l d r e n s a i d . o r g
C e n t e r f o r Yo u t h & F a m i l i e s 2141 14 t h Av e n u e S o u t h Birmingham, AL 35205 ( P ) 2 0 5 - 2 51 - 714 8 CAS@childrensaid.org
Dell and Dixon Brooke Dell and Dixon Brooke are charter members of the Tocqueville Society and became members of the Deux Million De Dollars Round Table in 2014. “We feel supporting United Way of Central Alabama enables us to efficiently and effectively have a positive impact across a broad range of needs, and in a small way this makes our community a better place to live.”
Maggie and Will Brooke Maggie and Will Brooke are members of the Million Dollar Round Table. In 2013 they served as Tocqueville Division Chairs of United Way’s fundraising campaign. “Getting involved and seeing many of the partner agencies, you can see how big the needs are in our community.”
The Tocqueville Society is recognized as the voice of philanthropy in our state. The Society is comprised of individuals and families who contribute a minimum of $10,000 annually. Tocqueville membership reflects philanthropy at its highest levels and a shared commitment to make our region a better place. The Society is named for the 19th century French diplomat, Alexis de Tocqueville, who admired the spirit of voluntary association for the common good.
uwca.org