POWERGRAMS

There's a little lunch club at Community Kitchens in Birmingham. Marion John Smith, Dennis Sims, "Miss Gwen" and other regular "guests" of Community Kitchens find much more than a hot meal: They enjoy the uplifting conversation, the spirit of friendship and true caring. This nonprofit not only provides nutritious, filling meals that are difficult to come by for the homeless, but also a peaceful atmosphere far away from the harsh realities of the outside world. Such is the case for Smith, a 48-year-old homeless man. "I walked a long way to get here, I don't have a vehicle," said Smith, who stays near Regions Field. "The food is good. This place is safe." Smith was among the crowd that lined up for a plate of pork loin, mashed potatoes, green beans and a roll. Ice water was the beverage, the perfect refresher for those – like Smith – who must walk a few miles for a meal at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Southside, which houses Community Kitchens. "It's a good atmosphere," said Smith, who said he knows pretty much everyone in the communal serving room off the kitchen. "I get to see some new faces sometimes. I've been coming here since 2008." Smith, who had a stroke five years ago, had been a carnival worker. He used to receive food stamps, but the nomadic lifestyle and lack of a stable residence ended that. Community Kitchens Interim Director Kimberly Jeanty and her staff call their regular guests by name and even consider their dietary needs. Jeanty doesn't give in to a patron who loves to salt his meals, despite suffering from hypertension. Jeanty just shakes her head and removes the salt shaker. Eating at the Kitchen is part of the routine for Dennis Sims, 69, who lives 2 miles from the church. "I try to come every day," said Sims, who retired as a janitor. Health problems – Sims has dialysis three times a week – sometimes keep him from the table where he and Miss Gwen eat and talk with other frequent clients. "There's no trouble out of people," said Sims, who is among the more fortunate diners who have a home. "I enjoy talking. I come to fellowship with everybody." Many people don't realize that Alabama has the second-highest food hardship rate in the nation. Community Kitchens daily feeds about 200 people at its locations in Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn and St. Andrews. Community Kitchens has served hot, healthy meals to the homeless and food-poor residents of Birmingham for nearly 40 years. The staff and volunteers feed people 365 days a year, from noon to 1 p.m. It doesn't happen by accident, nor magic. To fulfill its mission, Community Kitchens needs the dedication and commitment of many volunteers. While some help on their lunch hour, the weekend demands more assistance: The cook and dishwasher are off work, so volunteers do the preparation, cooking, serving and cleanup. Alabama Power is among several Birmingham businesses that lend their employees to help. About 25 members of the Magic City Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) – the electric utility's charitable service arm for employees – support Community Kitchens in tandem with corporations, churches, synagogues and civic groups. Magic City members began partnering with Community Kitchens about 10 years ago. A few Alabama Power and Southern Company employees devote their lunch hours to helping prepare and serve lunch on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of every month. "The goal is lifting the community and lifting people's spirits to motivate them to be the best they can," said Colby Galloway, a longtime APSO 13 B Y D O N N A C O P E • P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y N I K L A Y M A N APSO Tom Austin, Ryan Benton, Galloway and Hedrick are among many Magic City APSO members who serve. Magic City APSO helps Kitchens serve hot, healthy meals to needy

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