POWERGRAMS

8 there will be a focus on promoting SHARE through social media to reach a wider audience. Customers and employees will be given other opportunities to pledge their support. "Historically, we've given customers the option to sign up for Project SHARE through their power bill three times a year," Burnett said. "But starting in 2017, we are planning to add the Project SHARE checkoff option on power bills all year round." In 2015, 7,350 families, consisting of 11,745 people, benefited from Project SHARE, receiving $1,303,713.28 in utility assistance. Since it was established 34 years ago, the program has provided $38,403,713.28 in assistance to 385,834 families. Every day, Project SHARE is continuing to ease financial burdens for people like Dustin Murray-May. It has afforded independence for this young man with cerebral palsy, allowing him to recently move from his parents' home into a place of his own. "It's organizations out there like Project SHARE that help people like me pay our bills," said Murray-May. Jeff Bowman, a social worker for Urban Ministry in Birmingham, sees how much Project SHARE means to his clients. Urban Ministry is one of many agencies that act as a liaison by informing their clients of available social services. "The need is so great," Bowman said. "Many low-income elderly and disabled persons in Alabama rely on programs like Project SHARE. As temperatures rise during the summer and utility expenses go up, it is hard for them to meet their household budget, which is required to maintain housing stability. Thanks to Alabama Power for creating this vital safety net, many low-income elderly and disabled people are currently able to avoid disconnection of utilities and maintain economic stability." Signing up for Project SHARE is easy. Employees and customers can pledge to make a monthly donation of $1, $2, $5, $10 or any other whole- dollar amount. Customers can enroll through the checkoff option on their power bill or by calling Alabama Power at 1-800- 245-2244. Employees can also pledge their contribution through payroll deduction. For more information about Project SHARE, visit www.alabamapower.com. Bowman and Sumlin praise Project SHARE for aiding people in need. Bowman with Sumlin

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