POWERGRAMS

COMMUNITY 17 organization's in-house boutique. Finally, Women Who Care works to help teens and adults build self-esteem and confidence. "We help people see that they can move beyond their circumstances," Benjamin said. "Because people may say you'll never amount to anything or go anywhere, it doesn't mean that's your truth." A helping hand Women Who Care was among the 2022 recipients of an Alabama Power Foundation Elevate Grant, designed to help nonprofits address pressing needs and expand their capacity to make a positive impact on their communities. Benjamin used the grant to purchase two desktop computers, two laptops, four desks, a printer, office supplies, some inspirational wall hangings and snacks for guests. Most importantly, some of the funds went to help pay utilities. "Before we received the grant, we only had one computer, so I had to type the résumés for all our guests," said Benjamin. "Having the computers, which allowed our guests to do the work themselves, and the money to pay the utilities, was a blessing." "When you have a nonprofit, there is no sustainability and extra income coming in, which makes it that much more challenging," Benjamin said. She expressed special appreciation for Julie Davis, Customer Service manager for Alabama Power's Enterprise and Ozark offices, for connecting her to the Alabama Power Foundation. The foundation grant came when it was most needed. In addition to the financial pressures faced by the organization, Benjamin was suffering from myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune, neuromuscular disease in which antibodies mutate and begin attacking the body instead of protecting it. Davis said she was proud to do whatever she could to help Benjamin get her organization back on its feet. "Through her nonprofit, Harolyn offers more than a handout," Davis said. "She helps the whole person, no matter their situation. Despite her own struggles, you never saw her when she was not reaching out to help someone else." Accepting the challenge A native of New Orleans, Benjamin said she started Women Who Care in 1998 on a dare from her husband, Michael. "I would see people in New Orleans who looked like they had lost all hope, and it would make me cry," she said. "My husband said, 'Stop crying and do something about it.'" Starting with only a sewing machine desk, a typewriter and business cards made from construction paper, Benjamin took that dare and ran with it. Soon she got the opportunity to promote her new nonprofit on a local television station. "By the time I got home, we had more than 100 women who wanted to attend classes that didn't exist yet," Benjamin said. The nonprofit hit its first obstacle in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans, forcing her to evacuate to Alabama. She and her husband then decided to restart the organization in Enterprise, which has become their home. Women Who Care is still growing and touching lives. The organization celebrated its 25th birthday in August. "We want to make a difference and help women, men and children see they can accomplish more than they ever thought they could," Benjamin said. To learn more about the Alabama Power Foundation and the important role it plays in our communities, visit powerofgood.com. By Carla Davis Clients can shop for free clothing from the in-house boutique. Women can select items to take home.

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