POWERGRAMS

7 Mobile APSO shows support with fun Some kids never go bowling or watch a baseball game from the stands. It's often a sad reality for underprivileged kids, said John Eads, founder of Light of the Village ministry in Prichard. Many members of the Mobile Division Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) have helped change that, most recently by sponsoring a day trip. "We wanted to reward several teens for being good role models and counselors to some younger kids," said Eads, who, with wife, Dolores, has operated Light of the Village since 2001. He said the Alabama Power Foundation helps make the nonprofit's work possible through two grants. On July 11, Mobile APSO's Erin Nelson Delaporte, Clinton Johnson, Sharon Murrill and Beth Thomas hosted an afternoon of bowling for the teenagers. They served pepperoni pizza and soft drinks at Eastern Shore Lanes Bowling Alley in Spanish Fort. Many children told the APSO team it was their first time to go bowling. During summer, Light of the Village staff care for about 400 children on weekdays, transporting them each morning to camps in Chickasaw, Maysville, Plateau and Prichard. The nonprofit provides nutritious meals, learning games, playtime and Bible studies. After Labor Day, an after-school program is open to low-income children throughout the school year. "It's a totally free program," said Eads, a former hospital administrator who left his job to create the mission. His wife was a teacher for 14 years before she entered full-time ministry. The couple also sponsors Camp Christo in Juarez, Mexico, and conducts ministry trips in other areas. Time to just be a kid Since 2010, Light of the Village has lost 33 after-school attendees to shootings: The deaths were gang- or drug-related crimes. "The fact is, we are dealing with a violent culture," said Eads, who has led outreach efforts through prison ministries in Texas and Alabama. "Our goal is to bring a total resemblance of hope, faith and love to these children. We are building strong relationships with them. It's been a wild journey, along the way. "For us, it's a full-time deal," he said. "That's where the magic is – it's very important to us to bring that level of caring to these children." Murrill said Mobile APSO members want to see children have better lives. Eric Paerson, who retired as Mobile Division Customer Service manager, lends his leadership on the nonprofit's board of directors. "It's one of our goals as part of APSO to reach out to those who are less fortunate," said Murrill, Hillcrest Office manager. "Most of these kids were raised in tough situations, and we want to help them have some fun and show them that we care." Making 'forever' memories Kids need love and nurturing to grow properly. That's the view of Philip Jewell, who, with his wife, Cara, is a houseparent to eight girls at the Alabama Baptist Children's Homes (ABCH) & Family Ministries in Mobile. A few APSO members took kids to local playground (above); Delaporte swings child (top).

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