POWERGRAMS

7 There's one thing Joanna Brand knows she can depend on "hands down": the Alabama Power Service Organization's Miller Chapter, whose members are her "go-to gang" for special projects. "APSO always comes through when we call them," said Brand, senior vice president of the Arc of Walker County in Jasper. "The Miller APSO group has partnered with us for several years." During 2014, Arc staffers grew accustomed to seeing an incomplete, 10-foot by 10-foot beach scene mural in the main hallway. What was planned as a cheerful, scenic view was just a pencil sketch after aid promised by another volunteer group didn't materialize. Arc employees couldn't complete the project because of the daily demand of clients. "We serve 80 adults with intellectual disabilities in our day program," Brand said. "We provide day services to help increase our students' independent living skills and enhance their interaction in the community." Then it hit Brand to call Jamie Driver, president of Miller APSO, whose group is a longtime Arc partner. "Jamie had reached out earlier and told us to call whenever we needed help," Brand said. She explained that the background was finished but the mural was missing the integral elements – a palm tree, beach ball, sand and seagulls. Driver said Miller volunteers would supply the paint, brushes and artwork. "We always do a yearly service project with the Arc," said Driver, Miller employee development coordinator. Driver, Carla Chandler, Yolanda Guerra and Judy Beavers, now retired, volunteered but instead of taking on the entire job, they worked alongside Arc students. "When we first arrived, the individuals couldn't wait to get started," said Chandler, administrative support specialist. "They started coming out of their classrooms and talking to us before we could set up the paint and brushes for them. We all had an absolute blast. The experience was unforgettable." Guerra, materials assistant, said, "Their eagerness to help made my experience uplifting and it left a lasting impression." Brand said Miller APSO's help "means the world" to Arc. In 2013, volunteers from APSO and Hands On Birmingham built four raised gardens on the Arc grounds. The waist-level beds allow people in wheelchairs to tend plants. Within this sustainable garden project, many of the plants have re-seeded the past two years. "The gardening is such a great tool to have – it's a fantastic building block for independent living skills," Brand said. "We go in and seed the beds, and when the vegetables grow, we pick them and do cooking classes using the produce. This project provides us a two-fold advantage." With Miller APSO's help, Arc clients have experienced joy and new friendships, Driver said. Brand agrees: "It is things we do with others that are cherished the most. From these individuals' smiling faces, you can tell they enjoy the mural. It's a refreshing thing to see as you go down the hallway. These projects enlighten their day." By Donna Cope Plant Miller employees join hands, lift brushes and spirits at Jasper Arc 100% CONNECTED With Arc clients, APSO members in red shirts are Chandler, standing, Guerra and Driver. Photo by Wynter Byrd

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