POWERGRAMS

8 Malinda Golden is a trailblazer both on the job and in the community. "Malinda is in the trenches, jumping hurdles, moving obstacles and creating new paths where none have been before," said Lynne Hughes, special education teacher and longtime advocate with Golden on behalf of the Eufaula special-needs community. "When people say we can't do this, she says, 'Oh yes, we can. Just tell me what resources you need, and I'll make it happen.'" Golden's passion for helping improve the lives of children and teens with special needs comes to some as no surprise: Her 20-year-old son, Michael, has Down syndrome and autism. But that's not the only reason Golden spends her time and energy helping in the community. "I don't do it just for Michael. I do it for all the kids," said Golden, field service representative, Eufaula State Docks Road Crew Headquarters. "After he graduates, I'll still be the mother hen for those kids." Recently, Golden helped make it possible for Michael and classmates at Eufaula High School to begin learning to cook. Last year, she saw a posted wish list of small appliances and kitchen items that her son's teacher, Meredith Campbell, had on her classroom door. Golden went into action, promising to have all the items by the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Golden turned to the Southeast Division/Farley Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) Chapter, which donated $450 to help purchase all of the requested items. Among the supplies Golden bought and delivered were a toaster oven, griddle, crockpot, mixer, food processor, waffle iron, pressure cooker and two fryers. e pile of items included measuring cups and spoons, baking dishes, pans and enough potholders for every student in the class. Golden said she "had the best time" shopping for all the supplies for the new Special Cooks Program at Eufaula High. "It's not just about teaching them to cook," said Golden. "ey learn time management, how to measure and how to plan a menu, and it helps them with occupational therapy. Learning to cook hamburgers, assemble pizzas or fry French fries can help the kids prepare to work at a fast-food restaurant, which may be the only job some of them can get." For the first time, the students are taking part in swimming classes at the community center next to the school, thanks to Golden. She worked with the Eufaula School System superintendent, the special education coordinator and city officials to make the lessons a reality, and purchased some of the lifejackets for the students. "ere are no words to express how much Malinda means to our class," said special education teacher Campbell. "Being in a rural town, it's difficult to get the help we need. Without Malinda and her contributions, we wouldn't be able to do what we do." MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE Perhaps Golden's biggest contribution has been her guiding hand behind the restart of the Eufaula Area Special Olympics when it hadn't been held in the community for nearly 20 years. Golden had been volunteering with Special Olympics since 1990 – an interest that developed long before her own special-needs son was born. She had assisted with events in Enterprise and Phenix City but realized there was nothing similar for kids in her community. "ere are no activities for children and adults in the rural area where we live, so why not make one day special for them," Golden said. "It's their day to participate and enjoy themselves without any kind of criticism." Golden approached Hughes, who by then was Michael's teacher, and the adults went to work to make Special Olympics a reality in Eufaula. Golden helped the Special Olympics apply for and receive a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation to help cover the cost of the event. She and Hughes enlisted support from the school system, and called on area businesses to provide donations and volunteers. "I told the companies, 'If you don't want to donate any money, send me an employee that day or come out and volunteer yourself,'" Golden said. "e more we educate people about our children, the better they will understand them, and the better chance the kids will have in the world." at first renewal of the Special Olympics in March 2013 drew 40 children and teens from three Eufaula schools. By 2019, it had grown to include 10 schools in three Alabama and Georgia counties, as well as many adults with disabilities. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Special Olympics in Eufaula was revived with Golden's help. Golden is a longtime APSO member.

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