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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2
For M-POWER, the race marked out for us this past month included two-weeks without air conditioning, a GED program starting up amidst the heat, and a brief day with no power. And while our race wasn't marked out by miles and didn't result in shin splints, it certainly induced some sweat.
The race we are all called to run takes different forms, and more often than not it is thrust upon us, not chosen.
Yet we are people of the Risen King, and we know that we are called to labor on His behalf, regardless of what shape the race takes.
For all who helped us endure over the past month: thank you!
Special thanks to Burch Corporation for going above and beyond to find a replacement compressor and getting it installed as quickly as possible, S&W Electric for getting our building powered up, volunteers at Christ the King Anglican Church who helped set up our alternate GED classroom space, Redeemer Community Church for allowing us to use their space for classes, meetings and volunteer orientations, Education and Health Center volunteers and UAB partners for their flexibility and patience, our new students and patients who had fantastic attitudes, our tireless staff who gave their all and exhibited great kindness, and our Board of Directors for their prayers, leadership, and encouragement.
While we have great hope that this particular race has been completed, we know that the road before all of us will be marked with both trials and great joys. As Hebrews reminds us, we endure with our eyes fixed on Jesus, in whom our faith is made complete.
Christ's Endurance,
Executive Director | |
Back and Better Than Ever
Join us for the Taste of the Magic City Launch Party at Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar on Wednesday. Enjoy Chef Clifton Holt's Southern specialties with a grits bar, local veggie bar, and piggy bar. Participate in our live auction, featuring a Dirk Walker original painting created especially for this event. Get your tickets for $85, or $75 if purchased before October 1.
The center piece of the Taste of the Magic City is Restaurant Give-Back Day, which features restaurants giving a portion of their daily sales on Thursday to support the mission of M POWER. Dine out at local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to get a taste of Birmingham's best while giving back to the community. Current participating restaurants include: The Bright Star, Hamburger Heaven, Little Donkey, Momma Goldberg's, Octane Coffee, Post Office Pies, Seeds Coffee Company, and Silvertron Caf�.
As a special treat, Marco Morosini, Chef and Owner of Silvertron Caf�, will be hosting an Italian Wine Dinner to close out the Taste of the Magic City. Seating is limited, so be sure to grab your tickets for this four course meal paired with wines from Grassroots. Tickets are $40 per person.
Throughout the week, participate in our online auction. Bid on private cooking classes with local chefs, restaurant gift cards, vacation rentals and more.
For more information, visit the Taste of the Magic City website at tasteofthemagiccity.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for you or your company. Email [email protected] for details. |
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Meet Anita
Anita Wilson serves as the Administrative Assistant for M-POWER. She keeps our operations running smoothly with her boundless energy and amazing attention to detail.
_________________________Tell us a little bit about yourself including a few things we may not know about you. I was born in Birmingham, but my family moved to Florence when I was 9 months old, so that is "home." I attended the University of North Alabama and upon graduation, moved to Birmingham to work for "the phone company." I met my husband at Dawson Memorial Baptist, where we are still active members. What is your role at M-POWER? I'm the administrative assistant supporting the administrative offices. My job is to make sure all the details of our administration, from finances, development, supplies, and more, are taken care of efficiently and effectively. Nonprofit administration requires wearing many hats! What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? I like the variety of tasks. I'm easily bored and can concentrate on one thing for only so long. I also enjoy getting to know the volunteers and clients who come to M-POWER on a regular basis. Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had? My first full-time job was in the motor vehicles and supplies department at South Central Bell. I ordered stripes and the "Bell" insignia for trucks and paid repair bills on bucket trucks. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? My husband and I enjoy traveling. My husband works at Samford University, and we go to a lot of sporting events, plays and other events there. I have enjoyed becoming a part of the Samford community over the years. What is one thing you couldn't live without? Coffee. What is your hidden talent? I used to do a lot of needlework - crochet, knitting, embroidery and cross-stitch - but gave it up a few years ago because carpel tunnel makes it hard to hold a needle, and I lost interest. I have even hand-pieced a couple of quilts. What is your favorite movie and book? I have always enjoyed mysteries and will read anything from chick lit whodunits to true crime, but my favorite book is Purpose Driven Life. I don't really have a favorite move, but I particularly Working Girl because the secretary proves she can do more than just type and answer the telephone. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave? I had to laugh when I read Rene Bradberry's answer last month that she loved school. I have never loved school, but I got involved in a professional organization a number of years ago and know the importance of life-long learning and mentoring. I hope I have been a positive role model and mentor for the people who I have met through my profession and as a facilitator at church in the Crown Financial Ministries program.
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Anita makes everyone at M-POWER's life easier and work better! To send a note of appreciation, email [email protected]. |
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Education Center Update
The Education Center's fall GED program started up on Tuesday, August 19 with 25 eager students. The instructors are thrilled with their hunger to learn and all have kept a strong spirit in spite of the heat. Please pray for their academic success and for several with housing needs.
Urgent Need
Our greatest need in the Education Center is for meal providers.
To sign up for lunches click below:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=MSSY6465.
To sign up for snacks click below:
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=FJTE3115.
Job Opportunity
We are still accepting applications for a Lead Instructor to supervise the development and delivery of language and math content for students in the Education Center. For more information visit the official posting through the Alabama Association of Nonprofits.
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Health Center Update
Welcome
We're excited to announce two new hires in the Health Center! Dorothy Baker, Pharm D, BCPS will be joining our team as our Pharmacist and Lorene Waller, RN, BSN, BC will serve as our new Day Clinic Coordinator. Urgent Volunteer Needs Dispensary help - pharmacist or person with medical knowledge willing to serve as a pharmacy assistant. |
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Special Volunteer Opportunity
The M-POWER Junior board, along with Walgreens, will be hosting a Flu Shot Fair for our patients and those in the community who cannot afford a vaccination. We are currently looking for volunteers to help us check-in patients as well as donations of hygiene kits (Ziploc bags filled with personal care items like deodorant, razors, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.).
Sign-up for a volunteer shift here, or email Junior Board member Erin at [email protected] for more information. | |
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Click above to read our full 2013 Annual Report. Thank you to all who make our work possible!
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Serve through M-POWER
Register for one of our upcoming volunteer orientations to begin serving at M-POWER.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
from 12:00PM to 12:45PM Fall Literacy Tutor Training Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 5:30PM to 9:00PM Attending one of our monthly volunteer orientations is required before training. First session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, but attendance is also required at the Tuesday, September 23, and Tuesday, October 21 trainings. Tuesday, October 14, 2014
from 5:30PM to 7:00PM |
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Last Month in Photos 
Follow us on Instagram!
@mpowerministries
See our feed from the past month below.
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 | | Join us in welcoming our newest employee, Kendra Anthony, serving as one of our Health Center's Patient Registrars! #peopleofmpower #health #wholeness #poverty |
 | | Due to our broken air conditioning system, the evening clinic will remain closed until Wednesday, August 20. Our hope is that by this time our new compressor will be installed. Please keep us in your prayers as we work through the heat during daytime clinic and as we prepare for the arrival of a new GED class next Tuesday. |
 | | Volunteers from Christ the King Anglican Church braved the heat in our building to help us prepare for tomorrow - the first day of our new GED class! #education #wholeness #weloveourvolunteers |
 | | In partnership with @walgreens the M-POWER Junior Board is hosting a Flu Shot Fair! Get involved by preparing hygiene kits for distribution - personal care items packaged in a Ziploc bag. Email [email protected] for more information. #health #wholeness #hygiene #flushotfair |
 | | We loved brainstorming about creative internships with faculty from @samfordu and the @samfordcdc yesterday! #mpowerguests #poverty #wholeness #internships |
 | | These fabulous teachers just went through M-POWER's orientation to prepare for a special pilot project. We've partnered with the Avondale UMC Parent's Day Out program to provide childcare for some of our GED students' children! #partnership #wholeness #poverty #education |
 | | We made it through our first week of the GED program - and without air conditioning! The attitudes of students, volunteers and staff have been AMAZING. |
 | | We like to say, "thank you!" with candy. Special thanks to Redeemer Community Church for letting us use their space during some particularly toasty days. #thanks #beattheheat |
 | | Meet Joseph. He is currently our favorite person because he just fixed our AC! After two weeks in the heat we are thrilled. #mpowerpeople #wehaveair |
 | | Leslyn Bantley gets an action shot of our GED students for a feature on Avondale. Look for this special story in the September issue of @abouttownmag #avondale #peopleofmpower #education #wholeness |
 | | We had a great group of garden volunteers from Birmingham Southern College today. It's fun to play in the dirt! #garden #volunteer |
 | | The Little Savannah Farm Table for the M-POWER Community Garden is beginning! Looking forward to a fantastic meal featuring our garden's produce. #farmtable #eatlocal |
 | | First course: real tomato and focaccia panzanella with feta, basil and sherry #farmtable #eatlocal |
 | | Last night's event at Little Savannah featured pork paillard with rice and ocra and a melt-in-your-mouth rosemary biscuit topped with blueberries, peaches, and vanilla cream. Beautiful dahlia centerpieces lined the table. Thanks to all who came out to dine and support! #farmtable #eatlocal |
 | | Our childcare pilot program at Avondale UMC PDO is going well! CJ started piano lessons yesterday while his mom continued in our GED program. #twogenerations #wholeness #breakthecycle |
 | | Today, instructor Burgin Fowlkes taught our GED students how to prepare fresh salsa in their Healthy Eating class. #education #health #wholeness #breakthecycle |
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| Contact Information |
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M-POWER Ministries
Physical Address: 4022 4th Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama 35222
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