POWERGRAMS

Barry employees celebrate St. Mary's kids' birthdays Most children – and older folks, too – know that a slice of cake and ice cream is coming their way on their birthday. It's hard to grasp that many youngsters who enter St. Mary's Children's Home in Mobile have never had a birthday party, Stacy Simmons said. The Barry Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) is a game-changer for these children, who are in protective custody from domestic violence, abuse or neglect. For 18 years, a team of smiling APSO members has swarmed St. Mary's "Blue Room" on the second Monday of every month to celebrate children's birthdays. They bring cake and candles, ice cream cups, juice and birthday cards. Above all, Barry employees bring a spirit of family, sharing smiles and hugs with hurting kids. "We put a 'Happy Birthday' banner across the room and a tablecloth on the table," said Simmons, administrative support specialist. "It's fun to get to know the kids and bring them a little bit of laughter and joy. Plant Barry means a lot to these kids." APSO members take photos of each birthday boy or girl, providing them a scrapbook with pictures of their day. "Some kids there had never had a birthday party before, and they look like, 'For me?'" Simmons said. "They are shocked someone is doing something for them." Meeting the needs of more than 25 abused and neglected children keeps staff members busy, said Andy Rehm, Volunteer Services director at St. Mary's Home. He said St. Mary's depends on limited federal funds and community gifts. The facility assists children and young adults. They are fed, housed and attend school and activities. "Barry APSO has done so much for us," said Rehm, who has worked at the facility 20 years. "APSO members installed porcelain tile at our entry, they've redone floors, built shelves and painted bathrooms. They bring us Christmas dinners and toiletries, and work during the Day of Caring. When you're a nonprofit and have to beg for everything – this is awesome to be able to count on APSO." Barry APSO member Tami Williams said the faces of the children change but, unfortunately, the stories do not. "Their stories are incredible – not in a good way," said Williams, who has missed only three birthday parties since 1996. She coordinates each party, supplying all the goodies. "What keeps us coming back is the staff and the children." For Williams, the connection is intensely personal: Her mother grew up at the facility during the 1930s and '40s, when it was an orphanage. Tami joined APSO and began assisting at the monthly birthday parties with her husband, Ken Williams, Barry instrumentation and controls specialist. He has served on the board and taken many leadership roles with APSO in his 26 years with the company. "My mom was 5 years old when her mother passed away," said Tami, owner and proprietor of Tami's Mask & Mirror Studio, a salon and day spa in Fairhope. "My grandfather knew that he couldn't care for five daughters. "APSO afforded me the vehicle to give back to St. Mary's Home," Tami said. "I have wonderful memories of visiting there with my mother. I am so grateful to be a part of APSO." The St. Mary's staff centers their lives on caring for the children, Ken Williams said. He said their efforts are why so many of the children become successful as adults. "St. Mary's Home is literally the last chance for these kids, who are so innocent," Ken Williams said. "We definitely have a passion about this, and we get that from the staff of St. Mary's." Ken and Tami Williams and other Barry APSO members are determined to give the children new, happier memories – and the knowledge that people really care. Rehm said the APSO parties and assistance brighten children's lives. "APSO is our family," Rehm said. "They let them be children, with no cares, and be happy. I could write a book about all the good things I've seen Alabama Power do in Mobile." By Donna Cope 100% CONNECTED 3 Photos by Dan Anderson Barry Steam Plant employees have helped at St. Mary's Children's Home for 18 years.

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