Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/292122
13 PowerofGood.com | 2014 Vol. 1 much-needed services to clients." Alabama Power not only helped with the grant, but the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) at Plant Barry also donated blankets right before the deep freeze. "APSO had just delivered 80 brand new blan- kets that we were able to pass out," Emer said. "It was such a blessing and we were very grateful." e Salvation Army provides spiritual, social and emotional assistance for men, women and children who are able to cope with their problems or providing for them- selves. Its centers offer emergency shelter, job training and placement, social services and seasonal assistance for families in need. NEEP grants help nonprofits better serve their clients by providing funds to make their facilities more energy efficient. SACA was not only able to save money on its power bills, but also helped men in one of its programs on their road to recovery. "e grant became more than energy efficiency, it was part of a group of men's rehabilitation," Emer said. e Corps Salvage Rehabilitation Center (CSRC) is a Christian-based program of the Salvation Army, focusing on work therapy and overcoming addictions for men in the rehabilitation program. When SACA received its NEEP grant to upgrade lighting in two buildings, Emer knew just the handymen to install it. "e guys work with us as a part of their therapy, whether it's on our maintenance staff, in the kitchen or in our stores," Emer said. "We were able to use the guys in our maintenance crew to perform the lighting upgrades." Emer said this work therapy gives clients a sense of routine and responsibility again, and ultimately, self-respect. "is became a learning project for them, gaining skills that they'll be able to use when they get back on their feet and re-enter the workforce," Emer said. e two NEEP grants in recent years for lighting upgrades reduced electric lighting use by more than 25 percent. An energy audit in 2011 found savings potential was about $1000 per year. "Our lighting was starting to go bad with the outdated technology," said Larry Vahle, maintenance manager. "e bulbs were burning out and the fixtures were even becoming brittle. So each time one broke, we had to completely replace it." e NEEP grants allowed SACA to save money down the road on power bills, providing the opportunity to give even more back to its commu- nity. For more information on the Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama, visit www.SACoastAL.org. Above: George Malone installs a new light fixture. Bottom: Emer organizes cold weather supplies. POG Q1-2014v2.qxp_Layout 1 3/26/14 11:28 AM Page 16