Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1294339
20 Barry APSO members have helped make St. Mary's Home kids' lives happier for 24 years. Mary's Home on Christmas Eve. Ken Williams, who twice was Barry APSO president, said members repapered the walls of the home and donated toward the purchase of a chapel air conditioner. When a hurricane toppled trees on the property, Alabama Power volunteers removed them. About 20 years ago, Barry APSO gave appliances for a new home for the children who'd reached 18 years old, ensuring the residence was energy efficient. "For years, we were on-site to paint and clean the home and grounds during the United Way Day of Caring. That day usually turned into a week," Ken Williams said, with a chuckle. Those efforts didn't go unrecognized by Rehm, a featured speaker at an APSO conference. In 2009, St. Mary's Home honored Barry APSO with the Heart of Gold Award for exceptional community service. "There's nothing I asked of APSO that they didn't do," Rehm said. "APSO and Alabama Power is the corporate citizen of the year for millennia, as far as I'm concerned. Members of Barry APSO and Mobile APSO have helped us many, many times for their United Way Day of Caring. Every time Alabama Power was in the building, it was something to look forward to. With Alabama Power, you know they've got your back. It's just been remarkable." Rehm said one of the best memories at St. Mary's Home is from 2014, when chapter president Walley asked how members could help during the holidays. That offer set the scene for Christmas at the facility, Rehm said. "We had old carpet that needed to be replaced. We wanted something easy to clean," Rehm said. "APSO agreed to install tile for us. Since the carpet was going to be taken out, we let the kids draw a huge personal Christmas card on the floor for Father Dan, a Catholic priest who was visiting. One of the girls said, 'This is my best Christmas Eve ever.' If it wasn't for APSO, they wouldn't have that memory." Rehm loves to reminisce about the children who went on to become a success in life. She called the home closing "the end of an era." "We did so many good things," Rehm said. "So many APSO members are my friends. APSO is an army – they are amazing. "If there were more people like those in Alabama Power, there would not be nearly as much need for the services we provided. It's amazing everything they have done for us," she said. By Donna Cope Barry APSO caravan celebrated children's birthdays during pandemic. PHOTO BY DENNIS WASHINGTON