Connections

4 M any APSO members have learned firsthand that offering love and support, and sometimes a teddy bear to hold in one's arms, can soothe a child's wounded spirit. That's true for Beverly Silas, who quickly volunteered to buy 24 teddy bears for displaced youngsters who live at Tuscaloosa Children's Home. "I see all the good we do with all the projects we're able to support," said Silas, general clerk for Power Delivery- Distribution, Tuscaloosa. By year-end, Western Division APSO will supply 100 plush toys. Later this fall, Silas and other members will beautify the facility on a cleanup day. This work is typical of scores of projects APSO members have performed in the past 20 years for child advocacy centers throughout Alabama. Chapter President Palmer Gatlin enforced the call to serve child advocacy groups during APSO's annual state convention, in honor of Alison Black Cornelius. APSO's featured 2014 speaker triumphed over her own history of child abuse, crediting numerous child protection agencies that helped her heal. Improved environments help to cheer, to heal Cheerful, homey surroundings offer respite to hurting children. With this ideal in mind, Eastern Division APSO's Talladega subchapter is continuing the good work members spearheaded in February and March at the Presbyterian Home for Children. At that time, about 15 APSO members painted and cleaned the children's rooms, kitchen and updated the parlor. Talladega General Clerk Lindsay Smith continued those efforts with a T-shirt sale, earning $1,255 to renovate one of the cottages. APSO members put the cottage in tip-top shape on July 24. Eastern APSO members gave 240 volunteer hours. Eastern APSO members' next project is to paint the interior of Tri County Children's Advocacy Center, which is two blocks from the Eastern Division Office. For two years, members have worked shifts starting at 4 a.m. for a bass tournament on Lake Martin, performing fish weigh-ins, with the funds benefiting Tri County. On Aug. 20, Magic City members similarly revitalized Birmingham's Prescott House, a United Way agency that counsels victims of child and sexual abuse. Heeding the call to service, several volunteers gave Prescott House a fresh coat of paint and performed other chores. "We basically cleaned the home's outdoor courtyard, at the left side patio. We felt this was important because the employees and clients of Prescott House use the patio, and we wanted to brighten up the area for their enjoyment," said GIS Technician and APSO project chairwoman Tammie Griffin. Eight employees served 40 volunteer hours. Southern Division APSO cemented its commitment to Child Protect Organization in Montgomery in 2013. During the holidays, the chapter gave $500 to the organization, so its clients could enjoy breakfast and photos with Santa at Eastdale Mall. Southern members took part in the building's beautification, demolishing a brick sign, painting exterior trim and parking lines, and pressure washing the parking lot and applying tint to windows. "On May 31, Stephen Griffin rode in the Child Protect Whispering Thunder Run," said Montgomery Customer Service Representative Shundra Johnson. Griffin, Power Delivery technician, rode his motorcycle through Montgomery, Prattville and Elmore counties in the fundraiser, and APSO donated $250, as well. This spring, Johnson said, "We donated snacks for children, Clorox wipes and cleaning supplies." Members also collected teddy bears for Child Protect clients, giving nearly 120 hours of service since 2013. Delivering children a happier life Making sure that foster children feel comfortable in new surroundings was the goal of Southeast/Farley APSO. Heather Mims and her husband, Jeff, have an 8-year-old foster son, Helping state's youngest by supporting Griffin and his 2005 Heritage Softail at the Whispering Thunder Run to benefit Child Protect in Montgomery. Magic City APSO's Jennifer Jones was among members who revitalized Prescott House, a United Way agency that counsels victims of child and sexual abuse. Cuddly toys help calm youngsters who arrive for counseling at Tuscaloosa Children's Home, thanks to gifts by Western Division APSO members such as Beverly Silas.

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