Pelham Nonprofits and Charities

Worst experience of my life!! Not at all what they claim to do or be. I have experienced and witnessed discrimination, violence, many clients returning to abusive situations or homelessness because of being judged, lack of confidentiality, treated as if they are a criminal or drug addict, or being forced to go to homeless shelter, or unsafe living conditions, even out on the streets. they don't care. I've witnessed so many things and experienced a bit as well. Someone needs to do something about what's happening there. I myself witnessed and spoke to so many people that lost their children to DHR, without an investigation, because of false allegations or assumptions made by staff. Empowering my ass! The staff that actually care are fired or leave because of what's happening. It's a roof over your head if it's your only option but don't expect much more. Especially not childcare or therapy. Their counselor, case managers and director is a JOKE AND VERY JUDGEMENTAL and please don't expect CONFIDENTIALITy!! Find an outside source for therapy and healing!! Same with childcare. On the rare occasions u may actually recieve childcare for maybe an hour,to meet with staff, they won't change your baby and will just let an infant cry and never even pick them up. Most of the time u have to just keep them with you while u handle business and do therapy. Do not expect child care or transportation for you to find a job or get to work... it won't happen!!!They do not offer services they claim to.

I volunteer Monday mornings at Sav-A-Life/Pregnancy center in Pelham AL. I am privileged to meet many women who are looking for someone to listen to and care about them. Life changing decisions are made, sometimes a women will decide to carry her baby who had other thoughts prior to coming in. Some women decide to make a change in their lives and will accept Christ at the center. What could be better than saving babies and bringing women to Christ. I am so blessed to be a part of this ministry.

This has to be the most dedicated group of professionals and volunteers I have had the pleasure of working with. they are truly inspirational. if you can volunteer your time that would be great, but every one of you, please follow them on Facebook and support their fundraising.

Great organization! The work they do to help children who otherwise would not have access to vision exams, glasses or low vision equipment is incredible!

The soul is healed by being with children' (Fyodor Dostoyevsky). Have you ever walked with a child, hand-in-hand, along the seashore on a breezy, summer's day? Her eyes are wide with wonder as she tries to take in the ocean's vastness, and our imaginations soar together. 'With your feet on the ground / You're a bird in flight / With your fist holding tight / To the string of your kite' (Mary Poppins). As an aunt to eight nieces and nephews, my heart could not be more full than when I am on such an adventure with my little ones. Smiles fill the room when we gather around in our pajamas to read a beloved story or watch a favorite movie. Sometimes we snuggle together with our cuddly cats or playful dogs, experiencing the love and joy of a pet. They laugh, they discover, and, above all, they know how dearly loved they are. Those eight hearts and souls make it an easy decision to volunteer with Blanket Fort Hope. I want those children who have been forgotten and abandoned to the darkness of human trafficking to know the same laughter and love. Because of this organization, these precious children will experience life, hand-in-hand, with a family who loves them, and with little arms wrapped around a four-legged friend. Each time I volunteer at a Blanket Fort Hope awareness event in our community, I remember those eight pairs of eyes that are close to my heart. I think about the countless pairs of eyes numbering the stars in the night's sky that are still waiting to emerge from the darkness. And at each of these educational events, I see more and more people open their eyes and hearts to these children. 'There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children' (Nelson Mandela). I am hopeful that the soul of our society will embrace these children and help lead them into the light of healing and love.

Due to our family seeking out the assistance from The Arc of Shelby years ago, we were equipped by our son's advocate, Susan Ellis to learn how to advocate and to NOT live by all the shall not, can not, will not, etc. The services that she provided us while employed at The Arc of Shelby proved to be life changing. WE as a family learned the importance of focusing on the ABILITIES and not the disabilities. WE learned to be vocal, expect a change and be a part of the solution. The Arc of Shelby County was such a door opening for what was to come. We know for sure had it not been for the greatest advocate, Susan Ellis, we would not be where we are today. The Arc of Shelby has opened the door for some great world changers and we are thankful to have met one of them and to still have them in our lives. This non-profit organization continues to be the heartbeat in many ways and on many levels. Not any one non-profit is ever perfect, but they have some great individuals working hard and focusing on the needs of individuals with intellectual disABILITIES.