POWERGRAMS

Retiree Larry Savage knows what a difference owning a car can make. As founder of the Birmingham-based nonprofit Hearts of Wheels, Savage has provided more than 100 free vehicles to impoverished young people, some aging out of foster care who cannot afford transportation. The cars, he said, are a lifeline to opportunity and independence. "Back when I started this nonprofit, I knew the kids would need a car, so they could get a start in life, have a chance to get a job," Savage said. "When you're in turmoil, your car is your lifeline." Workforce studies underscore the high importance of owning a car: • Urban Institute: Participants with access to a car were twice as likely to find and maintain employment. • Brookings Institution: Workers with cars can access up to five times more jobs within a reasonable commute than those who rely on public transit. Savage said his own experience shaped the mission. In his 20s, he was jobless but owned a car, which helped him find work and stability. He went on to work for 20 years at Alabama Power, later becoming an energy trader for Southern Company before he retired in 2017. Savage's work with youth began in the 1990s, when he was co-director of a local Inner-city Children's Ministry (ICCM) summer camp program in Birmingham. Through ICCM, he ministered to youth at Children's Village, a local group home. He and his wife, Kamara, would later serve as co-directors of the home, which provides a nurturing environment for children who have been orphaned, neglected or abused. Savage realized that without a vehicle or a driver's licenses, young adults leaving foster care in Alabama – where public transit options are limited – face steep challenges. Cementing his mission The Hearts of Wheels nonprofit grew out of his service to the youth of Birmingham. Savage initially delivered cars directly to recipients but now works through agencies and social workers who identify young people who are most in need. "I issue car vouchers to those agencies, and they find the people who need the cars," Savage said. Many cars donated to Hearts of Wheels have high mileage but remain reliable. Savage is working to launch a roadside assistance and vehicle education program for low-income residents, which will provide oil, antifreeze and some basic vehicle diagnosis at no cost. "These cars aren't just transportation," Savage said. "They're hope on wheels – a way for young people to move forward and build their own lives." If you would like to donate a car or support the mission of Hearts of Wheels, please visit heartsofwheels.org. 3 Working safely and returning home to family at the end of the day is what matters most. Recognizing that importance, Steve Hicks began presenting the Bronze Helmet award several years ago to members of the company's Emergency Response Team (ERT). When Hicks joined Alabama Power in 2019, the team helped him build on the life-saving skills he developed as a paramedic with the Vestavia Hills Fire Department. Hicks, fire safety coordinator at Corporate Headquarters, honored Mike Knowles with the Legacy Award at his Oct. 2 retirement. Knowles, an ERT member for 33 years, is the third employee to receive the recognition. Previous recipients include Kevin Daly of Plant Barry and Bud Webb of Plant Daniel at Mississippi Power. "The Bronze Helmet recognizes employees' retiring with 20 years of service to the ERT," said Hicks, corporate ERT trainer – West (Jon Pol Jones at Georgia Power is ERT trainer - East). "A lot of responsibility falls into their laps, including their jobs at the plants. Our generating plants are really isolated, so there can be a delayed response getting emergency workers to the site. Dangling from a rope and going into a confined space may be the only way to rescue someone, so we need to stay current on this training." Southern Company's Emergency Response Team began in 1991. While serving with 20 original Emergency Response Team members from each operating company, Knowles was one of three compliance specialists at Alabama Power, and saved a life during many emergency events. "We are blessed with the programs we have in place, we prevent a lot of accidents and true emergencies in confined spaces," said Knowles, who was proud and surprised to receive the Bronze Helmet award. "I will miss my ERT members – that will be the hardest part of leaving my job." Knowles honored with Bronze Helmet award for Emergency Response Team service Retiree's Hearts of Wheels nonprofit supports Retiree's Hearts of Wheels nonprofit supports workforce transportation, changes lives workforce transportation, changes lives Savage (right) gave a car to Oak Tree Ministries program recipient Alisha Curtis. (contributed) Hicks (left) bestows Bronze Helmet on Knowles. (contributed)

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