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# Greater Birmingham Ministries

Serving People. Building Community. Pursuing Justice.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://gbm.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [It's Past Time for Fair Maps in Jefferson County](https://gbm.org/its-past-time-for-fair-maps-in-jefferson-county/) - This op ed was written by Scott Douglas | Executive Director of Greater Birmingham Ministries in al.com https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2026/04/its-past-time-for-fair-maps-in-jefferson-county-op-ed.html Voting is a foundational right of our community, but for too many Black voters it also entails the additional insult of voting under voting districts drawn specifically to dilute Black political power. And on May 19, Jefferson
- [My Reflection](https://gbm.org/5488-2/) - Kimberly Chatmon, Civic Engagement Organizer Before we leave for our holiday break, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts about my first year on staff.Years ago, I had the pleasure of volunteering with Greater Birmingham Ministries after seeking their assistance as a client regarding a utility issue. At that time, I had a
- [Voter Engagement Information](https://gbm.org/voter-engagement-information/) - GBM_FIC_Voter_Engagement_Information
- [GBM Recognizes Dr. Louise H. Branscomb During Women's History Month](https://gbm.org/gbm-recognizes-dr-louise-h-branscomb-during-womens-history-month/) - GBM Recognizes Dr. Louise H. Branscomb during Women's History Month My Reflection - by Rev. Carolyn Foster, Faith in Community Coordinator Dr. Louis H. Branscomb served on GBM's founding Board of Directors from 1970 - 1997 with great distinction, wisdom and grace. She died in 1999. I was fortunate to serve with her in the
- [](https://gbm.org/5306-2/) - Download Flyer GBM's Christmas Drive has started. With your help, we will serve 100 families with new clothing, and toys for boys and girls ages 4-12 years old. We will collect Christmas items from December 2nd - 9th. For more information, email Michelle@gbm.org.
- [](https://gbm.org/5301-2/) - [et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] We are celebrating 55 years of serving and advocating for those who are most vulnerable in our community. Our goal is to raise $120,000 in 5 days! We need your support to help us enter the new year strong! You can donate by clicking https://bit.ly/3AyffeG or scan this QR code. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Toforest Johnson Sunset Rally](https://gbm.org/toforest-johnson-senset-rally/) - You are invited to a faith rally to support Toforest Johnson and his fight to overturn the wrongful conviction that landed him on Alabama’s death row more than 25 years ago. Date: October 13, 2024 Time: 5-6 pm Location: Meet under the Arch at the Western Gateway of the Rotary Trail 22nd Street and 1st Avenue Rally
- [](https://gbm.org/5117-2/) - Trading Places Brochure-for posting\
- [Has Anyone Seen the Line At the Door?](https://gbm.org/has-anyone-seen-the-line-at-the-door1/) - "Has anyone seen the line at the door?" I must have heard it five times this morning over an hour before we were to open the door for a financial assistance day at Greater Birmingham Ministries. Each time I heard it, the mixture of amazement and anxiety was a little deeper, each time becoming a
- [Feeding The Hungry Sustainably](https://gbm.org/feeding-the-hungry-sustainably/) - GBM encourages everyone to buy local when shopping for fresh produce. One source is the growing number of community gardens popping up around the metro area. Jones Valley Urban Farm, one of the first and largest, is located right downtown, providing a wonderful resource to families in the City Center. They have garden plots for
- [GBM Garden](https://gbm.org/gbm-garden/) - This year the GBM Garden is being organized and maintained by the growing number of women and children involved in GBM’s Women As Strength Program (WASP). The group consists of over 10 women struggling to make ends meet in their families as they leave abusive relationships and take on roles as single parents. While all
- [Growing A Magic City Time Exchange](https://gbm.org/growing-a-magic-city-time-exchange/) - Last year, a local group of dedicated individuals began exploring innovative ways to build more equitable service exchanges in Birmingham. Too often organizations, agencies, and corporations control exchanges in the community, while individuals in need of services cannot control what is being provided. While researching alternative currencies, the group discovered Time Banking, a concept envisioned
- [Need For Spanish Translation](https://gbm.org/need-for-spanish-translation/) - As Greater Birmingham’s Mexican and Guatemalan immigrant communities continue to grow, GBM has seen more members of these communities come to our door seeking assistance. While staff and clients are able to communicate at a basic level, and more serious needs for interpretation are often handled with the assistance of a case worker from HICA,
- [School Needs](https://gbm.org/school-needs/) - Last month, GBM kicked off its annual School Uniform Drive to assist families in the City of Birmingham who have difficulty purchasing uniforms on top of the long list of school supplies they are also required to provide. You can help by donating white shirts (with sleeves and collar), pants (blue, black or khaki), plain
- [Pursuing Transit Justice](https://gbm.org/pursuing-transit-justice/) - Winning public transportation for Birmingham is an issue that is widely and deeply felt by Birminghamians. It affects people’s jobs, food security, worship opportunities, and participation in community — all things GBM cares about. – Lauren Banks After devoting several meetings to intensive, deliberative planning, GBM’s Economic Justice (EJ) round table elected to focus its
- [St. Stephens Episcopal Church School Uniform Donation](https://gbm.org/st-stephens-episcopal-church-school-uniform-donation/) - In response to our School Uniform Drive email blast, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church donated 14 boxes of shirts, pants, shorts, and some accessories. We appreciate these and the many other donations we’ve received in response to our e-mail blast.
- [Education Task Force](https://gbm.org/education-task-force/) - A new task force for education was formed at GBM’s May Executive Committee meeting. The resolution, proposed by Economic Justice co-chair Kaydee Erdreich-Breman, called for a group that would 1) advocate for students, 2) holding the superintendent of Birmingham City Schools accountable, and 3) when necessary, ask hard questions of the city’s board of education.
- [Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School Interns](https://gbm.org/holy-family-cristo-rey-catholic-high-school-interns/) - In addition to the steady flow of families and congregations who volunteer, GBM had the privilege of hosting four Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School students every Friday from January through May thanks to the school’s internship placement program. The students assisted in many areas of GBM’s work, not only in the food pantry
- [Interns At GBM](https://gbm.org/interns-at-gbm/) - GBM has been graced with a steady flow of interns since the beginning of this year. Two Samford University sociology majors, Melanie Fox and Allison Breed, worked at GBM from January to May. Soon after they left, Simpson University cross-cultural studies major Sharon Barr, a native South African, worked with us for five weeks. Rhodes
- [Green Technology](https://gbm.org/green-technology/) - In an effort to use the earth’s resources more wisely, GBM is moving toward making its publications available online, with hard copies printed and mailed only to those whose e-mail address we do not have. GBM also has a Facebook fan page as well as a Twitter account. You can find us Facebook or on
- [Acknowledging Partnerships](https://gbm.org/acknowledging-partnerships/) - Over the years, GBM has been blessed with strong supportive relationships with individuals, congregations, organizations, families, businesses and agencies. So often the relationships become so close that it feels like the partners are simply part of GBM. Sometimes when that happens, we forget to recognize them in our lists of supporters. Following our last newsletter,
- [GBM Saved My Life](https://gbm.org/gbm-saved-my-life/) - Here at Greater Birmingham Ministries, we are undertaking reflection and conversation around how best to fulfill our mission of serving people, pursuing justice, and building community. This is an important process, and one that must go on continually within any organization that seeks to do these things. The world is changing around us every day,
- [Living By The GBM Prayer](https://gbm.org/living-by-the-gbm-prayer/) - This article starts a continuing series on the blog about the GBM Prayer and how it guides and informs the staff, interns and volunteers at Greater Birmingham Ministries. The Prayer is : O God of many names, reming us that You love all people, no matter how hard we try to deny that love in
- [Scott Douglas's Comments At SPLC Press Conference](https://gbm.org/scott-douglass-comments-at-splc-press-conference/) - Good afternoon. I am Scott Douglas, Executive Director of Greater Birmingham Ministries. Our organization exists to serve people, build community, and pursue justice. As part of our mission, we are committed to ensuring that ALL Birmingham children receive a quality education in SAFE, NURTURING learning environments. As an organization, we are supported by many faith
- [Holiday With Heart](https://gbm.org/holiday-with-heart/) - 2010 HOLIDAY WITH HEART Each year, GBM provides Christmas food and gifts to families struggling to survive in our communities. We serve as many families as resources and donations allow. To make this all possible, we need your help to collect, organize, package and provide the following: FOOD Each family will be given enough food
- [Museum Of Urban Art Mural](https://gbm.org/museum-of-urban-art-mural/) - GBM is pleased to announce the unveiling of a 3-part mural depicting Hope, Love and Unity produced by the Museum of Urban Art (MUA). While the official unveiling took place during the GBM Open House on Tuesday, November 9th, the project began over a year and a half ago. Rose Jones, then co-chair of the
- [Building Community One Person At A Time](https://gbm.org/building-community-one-person-at-a-time/) - This is a busy time of year at GBM! We provide holiday assistance for 250-300 families– food for a couple of weeks and new clothing and toys for children. During this season of celebration, many families are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. Parents are out of work or, if they
- [Fall Festival](https://gbm.org/fall-festival/) - On Saturday, October 23, GBM celebrated the beautiful weather with a Fall Festival Community Day. The Leisure Ministry of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church provided a surprisingly large Moonwalk and delicious popcorn. Additional food and drinks were provided by board and staff. A special thanks to Bill McMullen who grilled hotdogs for the hungry crowd
- [Special Stories](https://gbm.org/special-stories/) - Every year GBM is blessed by volunteers and donors who help us do the work we are committed to – the work of serving people, pursuing justice and building community. Each year a few special individuals and groups do something that speaks of the power of being partners in that work. In 2010 we had
- [Sustaining Justice: A Sermon By George M. Thompson](https://gbm.org/sustaining-justice-a-sermon-by-george-m-thompson/) - On Sunday, November 7, our Faith in Community Coordinator George Thompson delivered this beautiful sermon at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham. You can hear the sermon here (mp3). The following is a revised and much reduced version of that sermon. While justice may begin with enforceable legislation, it requires public participation from all within
- [When Words Spill Blood](https://gbm.org/when-words-spill-blood/) - Attitudes toward homosexuality in Uganda have rarely been one of acceptance. In fact, homosexual acts are currently punishable by a prison sentence. But after visits from American evangelical ministers who preached against homosexuality, Uganda has become a deadly place for out gay and lesbian people. Last week, gay activist David Kato (pictured) was brutally attacked
- [Pursuing Justice 2010](https://gbm.org/pursuing-justice-2010/) - On Tax Day – April 15th, 2010 – GBM staff, board members and partners again gathered at the downtown Post Office to call attention to the need for a universal living wage here in the United States. Too many of our neighbors work at jobs paying only minimum wage, but are unable to keep their
- [Intersections Not Just For Streets Anymore](https://gbm.org/intersections-not-just-for-streets-anymore/) - As members of both [undocumented and LGBT] communities, we know what is like to deal with laws that foster an environment of hate toward our people. – Julio Salgado We’ve been using the term “intersectionality” a lot around GBM lately. It’s one of those made-up words that I usually don’t like (I’m looking at you,
- [Pursuing Justice In 2010](https://gbm.org/pursuing-justice-in-2010/) - On Friday, December 1, as part of a march led by the Southern Human Rights Organizers’ Conference in support of domestic workers’ rights, Scott Douglas spoke at Central Station about Birmingham’s civil rights history, the role domestic workers played in the movement, and the inadequate, underfunded service domestic workers and other transit users deal with
- [Alabama Coalition For Immigrant Justice Launches Campaign Against HB 56 Today](https://gbm.org/alabama-coalition-for-immigrant-justice-launches-campaign-against-hb-56-today/) - From Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice: The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice will kick off the campaign against HB 56 at 2:00 PM Central Time tomorrow with a news conference in advance of an Ad Hoc Congressional Hearing being held at the Council Chambers on the 3rdFloor of Birmingham City Hall. Present will be a
- [I Was Thirsty And You Gave Me Nothing To Drink](https://gbm.org/i-was-thirsty-and-you-gave-me-nothing-to-drink/) - Then the King will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not
- [GBM 2011: A Year In Review](https://gbm.org/gbm-2011-a-year-in-review/) - Here at GBM, 2011 was a year of the unexpected, both heartbreaking and inspiring. On April 27, deadly tornadoes swept through Alabama, leaving wide swaths of the state devastated. The tornadoes didn’t respect the boundaries we often set between rich and poor, but recovery for people living in lower income areas has been slower than
- [A People's Time To Move](https://gbm.org/a-peoples-time-to-move/) - Eighty people stand in a circle outside a church in Northport. Arms crossed, hands clasped. Latino, black, white. Invited to share their vision for a beautiful Alabama, voices ring out. Dignity, dignidad. Life without fear, vivir sin miedo. Peace, paz. Strength to stay in the struggle, fuerza para permanecer en la lucha. Faith, fé. Repeal of
- [Jesus Our Buen Coyote](https://gbm.org/jesus-our-buen-coyote/) - I’m going to start reading the Bible back to front. Or maybe hanging off of a limb upside down, like a bat. Then maybe I’ll see the things I need to see, the first time around. In the words of Robert McAfee Brown, I need new lenses to read the Bible “with Third World Eyes.”
- [Property Before People](https://gbm.org/property-before-people/) - In 1994, Alabama adopted a hate crimes statute that imposes “additional penalties where it is shown that a perpetrator committing the underlying offense was motivated by the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or physical or mental disability.” The purpose of the additional penalties is to deter crimes that are intended
- [Selma To Montgomery: Holy Ground](https://gbm.org/selma-to-montgomery-holy-ground/) - Walking from Selma to Montgomery, thousands of people from all over the country. Old folks on canes and in wheelchairs, children in strollers, college students with boundless energy. Whites, Blacks, Latinos. They crossed the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, where once-peaceful marchers were beaten and clubbed by men whose duty was to enforce the
- [Things We Never Knew We Never Knew](https://gbm.org/things-we-never-knew-we-never-knew/) - You think the only people who are people Are the people who look and think like you But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger You’ll learn things you never knew you never knew My daughter is singing “Colors of the Wind” in her upcoming voice recital. I’ve always loved the song, with its
- [Our Daily Bread](https://gbm.org/our-daily-bread/) - Give Us Our Daily Bread My mother loves to cook. She always loved to try out new recipes, which unfortunately did not go over very well with her four young children. Unfortunately, her culinary skills were lost on us when we were young. Often she would spend hours preparing a new exotic dish, only to
- [Faith In Community Reflections: The Fierce Urgency Of Now](https://gbm.org/faith-in-community-reflections-the-fierce-urgency-of-now/) - As our City approaches the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, Greater Birmingham Ministries is renewing a tradition of theological reflection on happenings in our world, the light and darkness they shed on the most vulnerable of God’s children, and the challenges they place on people of faith. Facing the fiercely contested election, we
- [Like Talking On The Phone? Knocking On Doors?](https://gbm.org/like-talking-on-the-phone-knocking-on-doors/) - Then you might be interested in joining GBM’s 2012 civic engagement campaign! This year, we’re working to turn out members of underrepresented communities in the Greater Birmingham area to the polls on Election Day in November. In addition to volunteer opportunities with this campaign, we are hiring 4 temporary, part-time canvassers to do phone banking
- [They Would Not Be Moved](https://gbm.org/they-would-not-be-moved/) - This morning six people knelt in prayer singing Amazing Grace in front of the doors leading to the Alabama Senate chambers. They would not be moved, just as Legislators have not been moved by the pleas of thousands of Alabamians to repeal the nation’s harshest anti-immigrant law. They were compelled by conscience and faith to
- [What Now?](https://gbm.org/what-now/) - Yesterday, Alabama voters (well, a small percentage of Alabama voters*) approved Amendment One, which allows a transfer of more than $437 million over the next three years from the state’s oil and gas trust fund to the General Fund. This amendment allows the legislature to balance the state’s budget, at least for now. The General Fund is something
- [GBM Responds To The Voting Rights Act Decision](https://gbm.org/gbm-responds-to-the-voting-rights-act-decision/) - Greater Birmingham Ministries is deeply troubled by the 5-4 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court striking Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). Section 4 established the formula that determines which state and local governments must comply with the Section 5 Preclearance requirement of the VRA. The Court’s ruling declares the formula
- [Worship Resources: Letter From Birmingham Jail](https://gbm.org/worship-resources-letter-from-birmingham-jail/) - LITURGICAL RESOURCES INSPIRED BY LETTER FROM A BIRMINGHAM JAIL BY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Introduction In April 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a march in Birmingham in support of African-Americans whose civil rights had been denied in the laws of Alabama. Because the marchers had been denied a permit to hold a
- [Power, Perception And Prejudice](https://gbm.org/power-perception-and-prejudice/) - Terry Goodkind, best selling science fiction and fantasy writer said, “Reality is irrelevant, perception is everything”. This is certainly true in light of recent events of racial profiling and perceptions of power and prejudice that has dominated our consciousness of the last few weeks. Reality is irrelevant when the perception of “offender” is assigned to someone
- [Changes Among GBM Senior Aides](https://gbm.org/changes-among-gbm-senior-aides/) - For many years, GBM has benefitted from the Senior Aides Program, run by the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging’s Office of Senior Citizens Services. Recently, Paul Middlebrooks’ two-year stay with us came to an end. We were sorry to see him go and wish him the very best. Jesse Lavender has replaced Paul and
- [White Supremacy By Law](https://gbm.org/white-supremacy-by-law/) - Today marks the 112th Anniversary of the adoption of Alabama’s 1901 Constitution. As we look back over these last 112 years, we must look to the purpose behind the document which, even now in 2013, governs our state. From the very beginning the desire to restrict access to voting was paramount in the minds of
- [We All Have A Story](https://gbm.org/we-all-have-a-story/) - We all have a story, a story that belongs to creation; each of us is part of the continuation of that story. Our stories are different, our realities never the same, yet intertwined one with another. Whether we are Christian, Muslim, Jew or none of these, we are inexplicably tied together in our humanness. One
- [Love Has No Borders: How Faith Leaders Resisted Alabama's Harsh Immigration Law](https://gbm.org/love-has-no-borders-how-faith-leaders-resisted-alabamas-harsh-immigration-law/) - On April 27, 2011, sixty-two killer tornadoes ripped through Alabama, destroying homes, lives, and entire communities. Two weeks later, another disaster struck Alabama — HB56, the most draconian anti-immigrant law passed by any state in the nation. Instead of working to provide disaster relief for a stricken people, Alabama legislators fulfilled campaign promises to criminalize
- [The Love That Forgives](https://gbm.org/the-love-that-forgives/) - On Sunday, September 15, 1963 at 10:22 am, a horrific blast from a bomb planted at 16th Street Baptist Church killed four little girls and injured many others. Tragically, this blast also interrupted the Sunday School lesson and sermon scheduled for that day centered around the theme, “A Love that Forgives”. Below is a note
- [We See The Faces: SNAP Cuts Passed By House Of Representatives](https://gbm.org/we-see-the-faces-snap-cuts-passed-by-house-of-representatives/) - We see the faces. Yesterday, by a vote of 217 to 210, the House of Representatives voted to pass a bill, cutting $40 Billion from SNAP (formerly food stamp) benefits over the next 10 years. We see the faces. Using language of “fraud”, “abuse”, “work requirements” and “waste” the bill was treated in a cold,
- [GBM, NAACP, NJB and the Magic City Classic Parade](https://gbm.org/gbm-naacp-njb-and-the-magic-city-classic-parade/) - Like many young adults in Alabama, most members of GBM’s Not-Junior Board (NJB) were largely unaware of the oppressive influence Alabama’s 1901 Constitution continues to exert on the daily lives of our state’s citizens. The original intent of the Constitution’s framers deliberations and some of today’s ramifications became clear as several NJB members viewed “Open
- [When The Check Does Not Arrive](https://gbm.org/when-the-check-does-not-arrive/) - When Maria came into my office, she was confused. She even tried to speak English to me thinking I was not able to speak her language. When she realized I spoke Spanish, I saw how her face changed, and a sense of relief came and surrounded her. She was desperate for a solution to her
- [Love Has No Borders: How Faith Leaders Resisted Alabama's Harsh Immigration Law](https://gbm.org/love-has-no-borders-how-faith-leaders-resisted-alabamas-harsh-immigration-law-2/) - A new book published by Greater Birmingham Ministries, Love Has No Borders, shares the voices of a wide range of Alabama’s faith leaders who stood up against an immigration law they believed to be divisive, discriminatory, inhumane, and inconsistent with the most fundamental tenets of their faith. Love Has No Borders contains sermons, articles, blog
- [After A Century, Where is Constitutional Reform in Alabama?](https://gbm.org/after-a-century-where-is-constitutional-reform-in-alabama/) - A persistent notion in Alabama appears to be, simply, if we just perform minor tune-ups on our archaic 112-year old Alabama State Constitution, all will be well. However, the 1901 State Constitution, a patently racist, anti-poor document conceived in the infamy of exclusion and perpetrated by the fraud of vote theft continues to negatively impact
- [Calling a Fast for Families](https://gbm.org/fast-for-families/) - At 10 years old, a boy named Eliseo Medina left Mexico to join his father who was an immigrant farm worker in the San Joaquin Valley in California. When he was 12, Eliseo dropped out of school to join his father picking grapes to support their family. When he was 19 he met Cesar Chavez
- [GBM Voices: Elizabeth's Smile](https://gbm.org/gbm-voices-elizabeths-smile/) - Elizabeth, has a big inviting smile, and has never met a stranger. Her jubilant personality immediately fills a room and she never hesitates to let others know about her background or what she is presently dealing with in her life. She is incredibly genuine and would like for her story to be known to all
- [If They Come...Will You Build It?](https://gbm.org/if-they-come-will-you-build-it/) - This inaugural post, announcing the celebration of GBM's 45th Anniversary comes in the only form characteristic of the work GBM has undertaken over these past forty-five years - an invitation - to join our shared community in celebrating this milestone of serving people, building community and pursuing justice in challenging times. For forty-five years, GBM
- [Faith and Human Rights](https://gbm.org/faith-and-human-rights/) - “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” The Universal Declaration of Human Rights I am writing this essay on human rights as a Christian, a person of faith. I am grateful for
- [A Theological Reflection on 'Pursuing Justice'](https://gbm.org/a-theological-reflection-on-pursuing-justice/) - Many of us take heart from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s powerful words that the “arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”[i] Spoken in the midst of the dynamic political struggle for civil rights, they invoke a future in which the wrongs of racism, classism and violence will be overcome. As
- [GBM Helps Survivor of Domestic Violence Get Back on Her Feet](https://gbm.org/gbm-helps-survivor-of-domestic-violence-get-back-on-her-feet/) - The patron whose story follows is a survivor of domestic violence. To protect her safety and well-being, her name, as well as that of her abuser, has been changed. When Julie met Frank, it was love at first sight. Both were widowers, lonely in the absence of a spouse. He was a leader in the
- ["They Just Help Everybody": GBM Helps Birmingham and Surrounding Communities](https://gbm.org/they-just-help-everybody-gbm-helps-birmingham-and-surrounding-communities/) - When people imagine having a roof over their heads, an overpass doesn't usually come to mind. But while Betty McDonald was homeless, the space under a bridge was the only shelter she knew. "I was homeless because I was an addict. Well, am an addict. Once an addict, always an addict, they say," Betty said
- ["At Least Now I Can Eat": GBM Food Pantry Serves Birmingham's Hungry](https://gbm.org/at-least-now-i-can-eat-gbm-food-pantry-serves-birminghams-hungry/) - If you ask Herbert, he'll tell you to just call him H. Then he'll show you a photo book that shows his transformation from homeless to hopeful. "I was homeless and slept on the street," H said, pointing to one of the early photos of him in the book. In the picture, he's using a
- ["They Say I Make Too Much Money": GBM Fills the Gaps Food Stamps Can Leave](https://gbm.org/they-say-i-make-too-much-money-gbm-fills-the-gaps-food-stamps-can-leave/) - The patron whose story follows requested her name not be used. For purposes of the story, her name has been changed to "Sally." Sally had hoped to enjoy the golden years by the time she was about to turn 66. But her plans were derailed when, at 64, she was fired from her job where
- ["I've Got a Lot on My Plate"--And She Isn't Talking About Food](https://gbm.org/ive-got-a-lot-on-my-plate-and-she-isnt-talking-about-food/) - Larrethau Davis lives not too far from the GBM. She remembers driving by on her way to work and seeing the people lined up outside to receive assistance, never thinking that one day she'd be in the line herself. Larrethau is the sole caretaker of her 29 year-old son, who is severely handicapped as
- ["I'm Looking Forward to a Better Future": GBM Gives Hope Along With Food](https://gbm.org/im-looking-forward-to-a-better-future-gbm-gives-hope-along-with-food/) - The woman whose story follows is a survivor of decades of domestic violence. She asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of this story, her name has been changed to Kim. The light in Kim's eyes is enough to tell you that she's full of dreams and ambitions. She loves to draw
- ["I'm Just So Thankful": GBM Quiets Growling Stomachs](https://gbm.org/im-just-so-thankful-gbm-quiets-growling-stomachs/) - Calvin Finley was ready to talk the minute he walked into the room. "We gotta make it quick. I'm #48 and I don't want to miss out," he said, smiling anxiously. Calvin came to GBM for food assistance, and his anxiety reflects his need. "I recently became unemployed and they haven't
- [Walk a Mile in Kenneth's Shoes and You'll Understand Why he Comes to GBM's Clothing Assistance](https://gbm.org/walk-a-mile-in-kenneths-shoes-and-youll-understand-why-he-comes-to-gbms-clothing-assistance/) - Kenneth Humphrey sat in the back of the waiting room waiting his turn to enter the clothes closet. “I appreciate them giving me clothing because I need shoes,” he said, pointing to the tears in the toes and heels of his tattered boots. As a homeless person, Kenneth does a lot of walking, so good, sturdy shoes are
- ["It's All Because of God": GBM Patron Beats Homelessness](https://gbm.org/its-all-because-of-god-gbm-patron-beats-homelessness/) - Michelle Provo has beat homelessness, but continues to have a hard time making ends meet. When she needs help with food, clothes, and utilities for herself and her grandchildren, who she helps care for, she comes to GBM. “They really help you out here. I get clothes for myself and my grandkids,” Michelle said. She
- ["I Didn't Have Clothes for Jobs": Veteran Comes to Clothing Assistance](https://gbm.org/930-2/) - Jesse Kennard wears his hair shorn and sits at attention in GBM’s waiting room. He’s a veteran of the United States Army, one who, like many others, has fallen through the cracks. After a series of hardships, including an absentee father and both his birth mom and adopted mom falling into drugs and prostitution, Jesse
- [Man of Few Words Speaks to Praise GBM for Helping Him](https://gbm.org/man-of-few-words-speaks-to-praise-gbm-for-helping-him/) - The quiet Willie Anderson is a man of few words. But the little he did say praised the GBM and the help they’ve given him. “I was homeless because I couldn’t find work. I just got a place of my own, but I still need some help,” Willie said. “I’ve been coming here off and
- [GBM Volunteer "Proud to be a Part of Something Like This"](https://gbm.org/gbm-volunteer-proud-to-be-a-part-of-something-like-this/) - When Grace Gwin retired, she knew she wanted to spend her time volunteering. There are many organizations in Birmingham that Grace could have chosen, but she chose GBM because she believes in the work GBM does in the community. “I picked this [GBM] because it appealed to me. I like how they advocate for people.
- ["I'm Mighty Grateful for the Food They've Given Me": Patron Works Toward Self-Sufficiency After Time in Prison](https://gbm.org/im-mighty-grateful-for-the-food-theyve-given-me-patron-works-toward-self-sufficiency-after-time-in-prison/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous. For purposes of the story, his name has been changed to Trevor. “You could say I lost my way,” Trevor began. His story is one he doesn’t usually tell because he doesn’t like to remember the days that led to him being put in prison. A
- ["When I get my Business Together, I'm Going to Donate": Patron Gives GBM the Best Compliment of All](https://gbm.org/when-i-get-my-business-together-im-going-to-donate-patron-gives-gbm-the-best-compliment-of-all/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of the story, his name has been changed to Richard."I like to be independent," Richard said in a way that told me that he knows all too well about the false stereotypes placed upon low-income people. "I plan to start my own business
- [$76 in Food Stamps to Feed Family of Four Isn't Much: GBM Steps in to Help Alleviate Hunger](https://gbm.org/76-in-food-stamps-to-feed-family-of-four-isnt-much-gbm-steps-in-to-help-alleviate-hunger/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous. For purposes of the story, her name has been changed to Regina. Regina is no stranger to scraping by. Since her husband passed away three years ago, she’s struggling to support herself, her two adult children, and her grandson. “My husband was the breadwinner. When he
- ["I've Been Clean for 3 Years This Past May": GBM Patron Gets Back on Track](https://gbm.org/ive-been-clean-for-3-years-this-past-may-gbm-patron-gets-back-on-track/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of the story, her name has been changed to Chelsea. It is said that you can’t take care of someone else until you can take care of yourself. That’s a lesson Chelsea learned the hard way. “My mom got sick with Alzheimer’s and
- ["I Get Food Stamps, But When They Run Out, I'm in Trouble": Patron Receives Food Assistance While Looking for Work](https://gbm.org/i-get-food-stamps-but-when-they-run-out-im-in-trouble-patron-receives-food-assistance-while-looking-for-work/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of the story, her name has been changed to Katie. For Katie, coming to GBM for food assistance is temporary. “I enjoy working and I’m looking for a job, but in the meantime, these services help out a great deal,” Katie said. “The
- [Weaving The Just Community](https://gbm.org/weaving-the-just-community/) - Tomorrow, October 16th, we will celebrate GBM's 45th Anniversary with a banquet, centering on the theme - "Weaving The Just Community". In preparation, we thought it necessary to share the meaning behind this phrase. If you would like to join us for the banquet, tickets are still available and can be reserved online. The art
- [“You Just Never Know What Someone is Going Through": Volunteer of 10 Years Learns of Patrons' Hardships](https://gbm.org/you-just-never-know-what-someone-is-going-through-volunteer-of-10-years-learns-of-patrons-hardships/) - Lexi Ambrose has been volunteering at GBM for the past ten years and her experiences continue to both amaze and humble her. Through her time as a volunteer, she’s gained a greater understanding of the hardships low-income people face and learned some valuable lessons from the people she has met. “It keeps you grateful and
- ["Those Who Give to the Poor are Lenders to God": GBM Practices Lending to God](https://gbm.org/those-who-give-to-the-poor-are-lenders-to-god-gbm-practices-lending-to-god/) - Things were going well for Clarence. He got his Ph.D. in Ministry and became a minister. He had a nice place to live and a happy marriage. Then the financial troubles began. “My wife rented stuff from Rent-A-Center under my name. But then she didn’t make the payments and didn’t return the stuff, so it
- ["I Just Want to Keep My Lights Turned On": GBM Helps With Patrons' Basic Needs](https://gbm.org/i-just-want-to-keep-my-lights-turned-on-gbm-helps-with-patrons-basic-needs/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of the story, his name has been changed to Phillip. Phillip is not an old man by any sense of the word, but walked through GBM’s waiting room with a pronounced limp. It’s just one of his many health problems that prevent him
- ["When She Leaves, She'll Leave With the Clothes on Her Back": GBM Patron Working to Escape Abuse](https://gbm.org/when-she-leaves-shell-leave-with-the-clothes-on-her-back-gbm-patron-working-to-escape-abuse/) - Nancy, the patron whose story follows is Spanish-speaking, so the story is told through her friend, who was serving as her translator. Nancy’s friend asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of the story, her name has been changed to Karen. Nancy looked to Karen and nodded for her to begin. It’s apparent that Karen
- ["While We Waited for Housing": One Patron's Story of Escaping Abuse](https://gbm.org/while-we-waited-for-housing-one-patrons-story-of-escaping-abuse/) - The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous, so for purposes of this story, her name has been changed to Christy. When you have been married for 23 years, you're a little set in your ways. You have a routine where you expect to come home to your spouse, where you expect to have
- ["The Bills Just Keep Piling Up": Patron's Health Problems Force Her Into Bankruptcy](https://gbm.org/the-bills-just-keep-piling-up-patrons-health-problems-force-her-into-bankruptcy/) - For Bernice Thomas, things haven't been easy. At 59, she should be just beginning to enjoy the golden years. But the golden years haven't been so golden--Bernice has been disabled since 2002 and is suffering from pulmonary artery hypertension, which is deadly. There is no cure. Bernice lives alone and works to keep her living
- [Dry Cleaning The Stains of Wage Theft Out Of Our Clothing](https://gbm.org/dry-cleaning-the-stains-of-wage-theft-out-of-our-clothing/) - “I was suffering from headaches and anxiety attacks because for almost 3 weeks I tried to talk to my former employer about the money after working five years in his company. He suddenly let me go from my job, without paying me my vacations, the first week of salary that the employer takes before receiving
- ["I Couldn't Pay for His Funeral": Patron Borrows Money and Bills Spiral Out of Control](https://gbm.org/i-couldnt-pay-for-his-funeral-patron-borrows-money-and-bills-spiral-out-of-control/) - When you imagine being saddled with crippling debt, you might think of someone buying a house or paying off student loans. Maybe you think of someone going on a shopping spree. But for many people, particularly GBM's patrons, that's not the case. Vera Bradley loved her husband. Even now, though he's been gone since 2011,
- [The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Isn't Over Yet](https://gbm.org/the-aftermath-of-hurricane-katrina-isnt-over-yet/) - Brenda Jones had a good life in Laurel, Mississippi. There she had family, friends, a job, and a place to call home. She had a thriving community and a future within that community until Hurricane Katrina washed it all away. After Laurel was devastated, Brenda fled with her granddaughter to Birmingham. She had visited the
- [A Faith-Based Response to Relief From Deportation For Immigrant Families](https://gbm.org/a-faith-based-response-to-relief-from-deportation-for-immigrant-families/) - As people of faith and hope, we give thanks that thousands of our neighbors in Alabama will no longer live in fear – at least for now – of their lives being torn apart by deportation. For us, deportation means the forced separation of families we have come to know and love in our own
- [The Zombie Effect](https://gbm.org/the-zombie-effect/) - On Wednesday mornings, GBM’s staff meets to share our work, review our progress (or lack of it) and plan our activities for the days ahead. Each meeting begins our day with a staff reflection when staff members take turns in sharing a scriptural text, a poem, a reading from a favorite author or even a
- [Elvis was in the building.](https://gbm.org/elvis-was-in-the-building/) - Recently, Elvis was in the building at Greater Birmingham Ministries. He goes by the name Elvis Presley, and though a criminal record has haunted him for over 20 years, his faith and courage keep him optimistic and incredibly cheerful. Elvis acknowledges he knew he was making a mistake when he committed that long-ago crime, but
- [Mrs. Washington has achieved the impossible!](https://gbm.org/mrs-washington/) - Mrs. Washington has achieved what for many people is an impossible dream: she got her grandchildren to love turnip greens. She is 68 years old, and cares for her two grandsons, aged 7 and 17. They’re both great students, and love to eat, but Mrs. Washington knows they need healthy food. “They hate vegetables!” she
- [Prayer of Thanksgiving for Those Who Marched](https://gbm.org/prayer-of-thanksgiving-for-the-those-who-marched/) - Gracious God, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the six hundred strong, the men and women who, as one in your Spirit, marched for freedom on Bloody Sunday. Their way of courage and non-violence remains alive and inspires us to follow them. In our mind’s eye, as we remember their witness, guide us in
- [The Angels All Around Us...](https://gbm.org/the-angels-all-around-us/) - Mechelle and Terry have been married 31 years, and have learned the meaning of teamwork. Over the years, they’ve worked together in many different kinds of jobs, and Terry is known as the “neighborhood handyman”, always pitching in when an elderly or disabled neighbor needs a little help. Terry and Mechelle have nursed each other
- [GBM Stands With Families of 43 Students Disappeared by Police in Mexico](https://gbm.org/gbm-stands-with-families-of-43-students-disappeared-by-police-in-mexico/) - I’m Rev. Angie Wright speaking on behalf of Greater Birmingham Ministries to extend the hand of welcome, solidarity and join in the call for truth and reconciliation. For 46 years, GBM has worked tirelessly for justice and mercy and to lift up the voices of the victims of neglect, poverty and abuse of power. GBM
- [God Changed Me Back to Me](https://gbm.org/god-changed-me-back-to-me/) - Transformation is a reality for “H the Handyman” and he enthusiastically wants to tell others about his life changing experience. Seven years ago “H” had another name – “Po Pimp.” He was homeless, hungry, and had been convicted of a felony. One night some members of a Gardendale church came to the place where “Po”
- ["God don't like ugly." A story of an exemplary life.](https://gbm.org/god-dont-like-ugly-a-story-of-an-exemplary-life/) - A common theme among clients served during grocery distribution on Friday mornings is the ways in which they’ve turned their lives around through faith. Unfortunately, poor decisions made early in life often have consequences that follow these people the rest of their lives - long after they’ve paid their debts to society. Most of Denise’s
- [Katrina "took everything but our lives."](https://gbm.org/katrina-took-everything-but-our-lives/) - A free trip to Chicago would be a welcome chance for many people to relax and unwind, but not for Elizabeth Coleman. Her free trip to Chicago came courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in 2007. Elizabeth was escaping Hurricane Katrina, which “took everything but our lives.” Elizabeth is 80 years old, but looks
- [charleston](https://gbm.org/charleston/) - would we see it any differently if they were named Sharonda. --------- sarah? Clementa.--------- chris? Cynthia.--------- sara? Tywanza.--------- timothy? Myra.--------- mary? Ethel.--------- elizabeth? Daniel.--------- dan? DePayne.--------- debbie? Susie.--------- samantha? would there be uproar? would there be scandal? there should be uproar. there should be scandal. no matter what. let’s call it what it is. racism. i
- [<em>Wolves in the Sanctuary</em>](https://gbm.org/wolves-in-the-sanctuary/) - A church is often called a sanctuary. A sanctuary is defined as a place of refuge and safety. This past Wednesday, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC was anything but a place of refuge and safety when a 21-year-old man, a self-described white supremacist and racist, entered their doors under the deceptive
- [All Dressed Up for Her First Day of School](https://gbm.org/all-dressed-up-for-her-first-day-of-school/) - Last week, a new school year began, and GBM provided several families with the resources to purchase school uniforms for their children. One mother, Diane, took the time to say, "Thank You!" Since we are only able to provide uniforms due to the generosity of our donors and supporting Faith Communities, we wanted to share
- [A Part of the Human Race](https://gbm.org/a-part-of-the-human-race/) - Mr. Howard Davis has been coming to Greater Birmingham Ministries for more than eight years. “You know, we get up early and wait in line for hours, not just for food, but for the people here. For hope. Just to have some place to be.” Mr. Davis appreciates GBM because, here, he feels “the comradery
- [Miracles Happen](https://gbm.org/miracles-happen/) - August 30, 2003 was a day that changed Ricky Taylor’s life forever. He was laying down on the top bunk of a bed in a jail cell. He was there over a traffic violation. Suddenly, the bed collapsed underneath him. Mr. Taylor sustained injuries that affected his vision, damaged his heart, and left him paralyzed
- [GBM, LDF & AL NAACP Letter Regarding Closure of 31 Alabama Driver's License-issuing Offices](https://gbm.org/dlclosureletter/) - Alabama Driver's License Closures Letter
- [One Man’s Desire For Independence](https://gbm.org/one-mans-desire-for-independence/) - Terrance Young has been struggling to gain financial independence for a long time. “I grew up in a rough neighborhood,” he says. This is something we hear far too often—individuals who are born into neighborhoods with a concentrated level of poverty recurrently face difficult situations in life. Mr. Young, for example, has always strived for
- [Proud Grandma of 13](https://gbm.org/proud-gradma-of-13/) - Mrs. Simmons has three grown-up children and thirteen grandchildren. She considers her kids miracles, because she was shot in the side when she was ten years old. Luckily, she survived, and after several surgeries she fully recovered. “I know there is a God somewhere,” she says. Despite her strong belief in God and obvious resilience,
- [A Story of Healing](https://gbm.org/a-story-of-healing/) - Shavon Lewis grew up being removed from her home by DRH nearly every month. Her mother was dealing with alcoholism, so she basically raised herself. She considered herself grownup by the age of 13. However, she says, “It made me who I am today and I love myself.” Mrs. Lewis never expected to one day
- [Muslim and Interfaith Partners in Alabama Stand United After Paris Attacks](https://gbm.org/muslim-and-interfaith-partners-in-alabama-stand-united-after-paris-attacks/) - --IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- (Birmingham, AL, 11/15/15)--The Council on American-Islamic Relations Alabama (CAIR-AL), Birmingham Islamic Society, and Greater Birmingham Ministries all share in the tremendous grief felt in Paris, France as well as Beirut, Lebanon due to unspeakable acts of terror. Our hearts are filled with prayers for the families and loved ones of those who tragically
- [I Vow To Defend My Past - It Has Shaped Who I Am](https://gbm.org/i-vow-to-defend-my-past-it-has-shaped-who-i-am/) - I recently learned that somebody referred to me as a “wetback”. Whereas some may see a threat when they’re the target of ignorant name-calling or something to brush off and ignore, I see an opportunity. I see the perfect chance to tell everyone this: My parents brought me to the United States when I was
- [You've got to laugh, or you'll cry - A Story of Perseverance](https://gbm.org/youve-got-to-laugh-or-youll-cry-a-story-of-perseverance/) - Recently, Patricia Tolbert experienced something that completely changed the way she looks at life. She had just moved into her new home and was working on getting everything put in her name. The power had not been turned on yet, so she was using candlelight to see by. On that Friday, she stepped out of
- [Not In My Name - A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/not-in-my-name-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - Here I am a grown woman. A mother to a daughter who will be raised in a Muslim household, God willing. On many a days, too many that I am ashamed to admit, afraid to walk out my home with this thing on my head - a hijab. I am an educated woman. I am a
- [Fight to Expand Medicaid- A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/fight-to-expand-medicaid-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - My name is Callie Greer. Let me tell you about my daughter. Venus started her journey almost 14 months before she was diagnosed with Stage-4 breast cancer. She was unemployed and her husband worked only part-time. Having no primary care doctor and no medical insurance, Venus visited the ER in Montgomery, AL so many times that
- [I Am Not That Box- A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/i-am-not-that-box-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - Hello, my name is Martha Shearer. I stand here today representing the “Ban the Box” movement, which is gaining momentum here in the state of Alabama. Personally, I have a vested interest in advocating for the removal of questions about an individual’s criminal history that forces them to check a box when completing employment applications
- ["So Be It"- A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/so-be-it-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - The precious act of voting is an individual act. But it is an individual act with a collective purpose. It’s an individual act with a community purpose – and that purpose is to determine the will of the people – as in which way, America? Which way, Alabama? The right to vote is still encountering
- [My Journey- A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/my-journey-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - My name Is Felicia Aldana, and I am a senior at Ramsay High School. My father is a single parent and has always taught me and my brother to chase our dreams no matter what including my crazy dream to study neurology and hopefully attend Boston University in the fall. He has lived in the United
- [I Never Looked Back- A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/i-never-looked-back-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - When someone falls on hard times and needs money quickly, they trust that a loan will help improve their financial situation. But once they take out that first loan, it is almost impossible to climb out of the debt trap created by the interest rates, and living in debt is too often living in fear.
- [We Have To Keep Pushing- A Testimony From GBM's Moral Revival](https://gbm.org/we-have-to-keep-pushing-a-testimony-from-gbms-moral-revival/) - My name is Antoin Adams. I am 23 years old and live in Birmingham, Alabama. I work at KFC, and I make just $7.25 an hour, which comes out to a little more than $10,000 a year. I’ve also worked at Wal-Mart, and have never made more than $15 in my years of working. I
- [An Ongoing Conversation](https://gbm.org/an-ongoing-conversation/) - By Anna Eggers- GBM 2016 Hess Fellow As I come to my half-way point of my summer internship, I have been reflecting on the personal tone of advocacy here at GBM. A moment when I experienced an interesting side of advocacy was at a meeting for Ban the Box. A diverse group of
- [A Statement from the Chairs of the Commission on Race Relations Episcopal Diocese of Alabama](https://gbm.org/a-statement-from-the-chairs-of-the-commission-on-race-relations-episcopal-diocese-of-alabama/) - When Jesus weeps in the Bible, it is always a weeping in the face of death. The incarnate God we worship wants for all his children life not death, reconciliation with God and one another, not separation and division. As Christians, we too must weep over every death, but we must resist the temptation to hate and seek
- [Labor Day Sermon Seeds: Ban The Box](https://gbm.org/labor-day-sermon-seeds-ban-the-box/) - We are encouraging clergy members to include the theme of Second Chances for formerly incarcerated persons in their Labor Day sermons, particularly on efforts to Ban The Box from job applications. To assist in sermon preparation, we are providing the following resources: Martha's Story A Prayer To End Employment Discrimination For The Formerly Incarcerated
- [Sarah Price Shares So Much More Than Food!](https://gbm.org/sarah-price-shares-so-much-more-than-food/) - Dear Sarah Price, I'm writing this letter to acknowledge your outstanding qualification as a community worker. It was by your impeccable wisdom which helped me to receive the victory in my court case for eviction. With your sharing knowledge the Judge ruled in my favor, and released me from a $2,227.00 judgment filed against me.
- [Will You Listen To Me?](https://gbm.org/will-you-listen-to-me/) - Several weeks ago, GBM staff member Mary Jones went by a friend’s home to take some information for her boys to take to school the first day in school. They had missed the first week of school. As Mary arrived at their home, she thought terrible thoughts because everyone was standing out on the yard.
- [What About The Others?](https://gbm.org/what-about-the-others/) - Offered As We Gathered In Prayer at the Jewish Community Center In Response to Bomb Threats February 24, 2017 We Stand As One today With our Jewish brothers and sisters Saying No to violence and hate We Stand As One With our Muslim brothers and sisters, Our immigrant brothers and sisters, Our LGBTQ brothers and
- [Prayers For Our Muslim Neighbors Offered At Hoover Crescent Islamic Center on March 5, 2017](https://gbm.org/prayers-for-our-muslim-neighbors/) - Here are the prayers offered as gifts by those in attendance. You are loved and valued! You are wanted in this community. I will stand with you! Prayers for peace for all cultures. Prayers for safety for all cultures. Prayers for those who wish harm on others, who know no better. Just being here is
- [It's Called Redistricting - And It Matters!](https://gbm.org/its-called-redistricting-and-it-matters/) - It’s called redistricting. Based upon the U.S. Constitution, it normally happens every 10 years, following the Census, so that equal representation in our country can be sustained. State legislatures are charged with this enormous responsibility and sometimes greed gets in the way. In 2012, Alabama’s redistricting was so unfair it caught the attention of our
- [I Belong To America ! We Belong to America! ](https://gbm.org/i-belong-to-america-we-belong-to-america/) - Assalamoalikum, Dear family and friends, sisters and brothers, it is pure joy to be here with you right now that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Saturday, when hundreds showed up to spew hate in Charlottesville, Virginia it was no ordinary day. What we witnessed was a united terrifying stand that was bold, brazen,
- [Max Michael's Remarks At #StandAsOne Against Hate and White Supremacy August 15, 2017 Linn Park, Birmingham](https://gbm.org/max-michaels-remarks-at-standasone-against-hate-and-white-supremacy-august-15-2017-linn-park-birmingham/) - THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE A FEW THOUGHTS WITH YOU THIS EVENING IN THE WAKE OF EVENTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE THIS PAST WEEKEND. WE ARE A NATION BUILT ON THE IDEALS EMBODIED IN THE FIRST AMENDMENT, IDEALS WE HOLD SACRED BECAUSE IT IS THE FREE AND OPEN EXCHANGE OFIDEAS AND OPINIONS THAT MAKES US
- [I am outraged and paying attention, Love is louder. Let's keep shouting together.](https://gbm.org/i-am-outraged-and-paying-attention-love-is-louder-lets-keep-shouting-together/) - In the words of Mother Teressa, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” Let us begin today by first knowing that we are at war. Not just the war of words and temper tantrums by the so-called leaders of the world. It is a war of ideology,
- [Faith-Based Hurricane Relief Resources](https://gbm.org/1864-2/) - We at GBM consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be wholehearted supported by eighteen uniquely diverse faith communities who serve faithfully with us helping people in need and showing mercy and compassion for all people. We have watched in horror and sadness as Hurricane Harvey continues to cause death and destruction in Texas. We offer the
- [Broken Promises, Broken Dreams: DACA](https://gbm.org/1869-2/) - During the administration's announcement that DACA will be rescinded, GBM received this message from a DACA recipient in Clanton, AL: “Two minutes into the broadcast and my ears went numb, my eyes filled with tears...” Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program enacted by former President Obama in the summer of 2012. Since the
- [What does DACA mean to you? By Brandon Vela](https://gbm.org/what-does-daca-mean-to-you/) - DACA means food on the table. DACA means excitement to look forward to going to work everyday. DACA means self confidence to walk out in public without fear. DACA means motivation to self challenge ourselves to be better in our tasks than we were yesterday. DACA means peace at mind. DACA means self reliance; therefore being able to provide for ourselves.
- [How DACA has directly benefited my life in many ways by Jimmy Franco](https://gbm.org/how-daca-has-directly-benefited-my-life-in-many-ways-by-jimmy-franco/) - Good afternoon everyone today I am here to talk to you about me and how DACA has directly benefited my life in many ways. I was born in Mexico City and I was brought to this country at the age of 4. Who remembers when they were four years old? Because I dont, it's such
- [Without DACA, none of this could have been possible by Caren Tinajero](https://gbm.org/without-daca-none-of-this-could-have-been-possible-by-caren-tinajero/) - My journey started when my parents decided to move from Mexico City to Calera, Alabama. It wasn’t easy crossing the border as some of you may have pictured it. It took my family and me about a month just to cross the border and it wasn’t cheap either. I’m not going to give the details
- [“Faithful Dissent: Loving Our Way into a Brighter Tomorrow”  with Stanley Hauerwas and Ed Bacon](https://gbm.org/faithful-dissent-loving-our-way-into-a-brighter-tomorrow-with-stanley-hauerwas-and-ed-bacon/) - Last month, in the Faith in Community Workgroup meeting, we joined in taking ChurchNext.TV’s class “Faithful Dissent” led by Stanley Hauerwas and Ed Bacon. The introduction began by stating, “In this course, Stanley Hauerwas and Ed Bacon explore the idea of the Church's, by necessity, existing in a state of dissent from the world.”
- [Just Before Our Chains Fell Off](https://gbm.org/just-before-our-chains-fell-off/) - From my perspective in a jail cell as a moral witness, I recognized a dimension of our direct action that I had not anticipated, in part because I'd assumed we would not be placed in “the general jail population” if we were jailed. But as it turned out, the three women who were arrested for
- [Welcome, New GBM Staff!](https://gbm.org/welcome-new-gbm-staff/) - Welcome to our new Community Organizers, Amanda Cherry and Majadi Baruti! We are thrilled to have them join GBM's work with the #StandAsOne Coalition, the Birmingham Islamic Society and the entire community! Meet Majadi! “There is a higher law than the law of government. That's the law of conscience.” Kwame Ture Since the age of 16
- [A Reflection from Our Board President](https://gbm.org/a-reflection-from-our-board-president/) - Dear GBM Members and Friends: This year has been a year of accomplishments and change for Greater Birmingham Ministries. We have played a major role in the leadership of the Poor People’s Campaign: A Call for National Revival in Alabama. We met our $100,000 goal for the end-of-year financial campaign. Last week we served 200
- [February is Black History Month - Why?](https://gbm.org/february-is-black-history-month-why/) - February is Black History Month – Why? Rev. Carolyn J. Foster, Faith in Community Coordinator I was ordained an Episcopal Deacon in the Diocese of Alabama in November 2002. Almost immediately, I found myself called to the ministry of racial equity, education and reconciliation. I was trained as an anti-racism facilitator and began conducting workshops
- [A Ramadan Invitation](https://gbm.org/a-ramadan-invitation/) - Dear Friends, Your Muslim neighbors of the Birmingham Islamic Society send you warm greetings! We want to take the approaching holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to invite you to visit the BIS Hoover Crescent Islamic Center (2524 Hackberry Lane, Hoover, AL 35226). During this sacred month, which starts on May 6, 2019. Muslims observe a daytime
- [Happy to Not Be Homeless](https://gbm.org/happy-to-not-be-homeless/) - Mr. Peggs is a 71 year old disabled man who says of himself, "I don't drink, I don't smoke and I don't chase women". On occasion, he visits our food pantry when he runs out of food before the month ends. Mr. Peggs' income is from a small monthly social security check. Last week, he stopped
- ["Most people think I’m a Pastor. And I have a problem with that."](https://gbm.org/most-people-think-im-a-pastor-and-i-have-a-problem-with-that/) - Rev. Dave Barnhart - St. Junia UMC Rev. Dave Barnhart preached a powerful message at the Alabama Poor People's Campaign's Truth and Justice Hearing on Saturday, May 19th at St. John's AME Church. Rev. Barnhart reminded us all of the proper role of a shepherd in ancient wisdom. We invite you to listen to this power
- [Do Unto Others](https://gbm.org/do-unto-others/) - Reflection on Immigration and Refugees Rev. Carolyn Foster, Faith in Community Coordinator On the wall in my office is a print by Norman Rockwell that has become known as the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is common to all religions, though expressed differently. Here are a
- [GBM Summit: VisionQuest 2020 - Where Do We Go From Here (Closing Plenary)](https://gbm.org/gbm-summit-visionquest-2020-where-do-we-go-from-here-closing-plenary/) - Rev. Kelly Hudlow, Episcopal Deacon and Former GBM Board Members, sends attendees out at the GBM Summit: VisionQuest 2020 - Where Do We Go From Here in an inspiring and stirring speech during the Closing Plenary. October 24, 2019.
- [From Holy Ground to Holy Ground](https://gbm.org/from-holy-ground-to-holy-ground/) - From Holy Ground to Holy Ground Scott Douglas, Executive Director of Greater Birmingham Ministries, welcomed the Poor People's Campaign's MORE Tour to Birmingham on Monday, March 2nd. The MORE Tour began in Linn Park with a rally and march to historic 16th Street Baptist Church. Scott's statement on the significance of the MORE Tour being
- [GBM Covid-19 Public Health Announcement](https://gbm.org/gbm-covid-19-public-health-announcement/) - Scott Douglas, Executive Director Like many other organizations that serve and interact with the public, Greater Birmingham Ministries is operating on a reduced schedule until further notice with an interim review of conditions on April 15. In making our decisions, GBM had to weigh several factors as to which aspects of our programs to continue
- [GBM Connects! A Virtual Town Hall Meeting](https://gbm.org/gbm-connects-a-virtual-town-hall-meeting/) - Here is a replay of our virtual town hall - GBM Connects! A Conversation During a Pandemic. GBM Staff, board members, volunteers, and clients gave updates about the current work of GBM. Dr. Michael Saag, Director of Infectious Diseases at UAB joined the town hall to answer questions. Click here to watch video.
- ["What's Happening?" vs. "What's Going On?"](https://gbm.org/whats-happening-vs-whats-going-on/) - These are trying times, but hope exists for such times as these – not as wistful, wishful thinking, but as reimagining possibilities. Despair exclaims, “What’s Happening?” But that’s a 1970’s TV show and the entry line for the late Fred “Rerun” Stubbs. It was a funny, light comedy inquiry into the trivia of the neighborhood.
- [Good Trouble](https://gbm.org/3109-2/) - "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America." — John Lewis at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020. In many ways, redeeming the soul of America includes those leaders, both well-known and grassroots, who produced such “Good Trouble” in Alabama that they changed the nation in ways
- [Voter Restoration Now](https://gbm.org/3117-2/) - Alabama has one of the most convoluted voter restoration processes in the country! And, the pandemic brought GBM’s voter restoration work to a screeching halt. But, we can’t stop and we won’t stop. GBM is committed now more than ever in assisting people with restoring their right to vote. We view our commitment to
- [Federal court rules in favor of GBM and others for safe voting requirements](https://gbm.org/al-covid/) - Because people matter, history matters - especially Alabama's continuing history of suppressing the voting rights of African-Americans. Now's the time to use this victory and vote safely! Read more: https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/alabama-s-legacy-of-racism-cited-in-mail-in-voting-decision https://www.splcenter.org/presscenter/federal-court-rules-alabama-must-take-steps-better-protect-voters-during-covid-19 Press Release: [pdf-embedder url="https://gbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AL-COVID19-Voting-Release.pdf"]
- [Now Available: 2020 Voter Guide](https://gbm.org/2020-voter-guide/) - At Greater Birmingham Ministries, we seek to serve people, build community, and pursue justice. Our work to increase voter participation is a part of that mission. When more people have access to their voting rights, when more voters turn out, and when more constituents participate in our democracy in a meaningful way, we can make
- [Miss B gets the right to vote](https://gbm.org/miss-b-gets-the-right-to-vote/) - When we met Miss B at the Jefferson County Courthouse in downtown Birmingham on Monday, she was joyful and excited. She was about to turn 64 and thrilled to be voting for the first time. More than 20 years ago, Miss B had been convicted of several property theft crimes and even though she had
- [Thank you for helping us reach our fundraising goal!](https://gbm.org/thank-you-for-helping-us-reach-our-goal/) - With all the challenges and uncertainties that 2020 brought, there are a few things that remain sure and steady - the power of connection and the commitment to community is as strong as ever among GBM supporters and friends! The generosity of supporters to GBM for our annual fundraising campaign made it possible for us to raise $117,496 in 5 days!
- [Christmas is still happening!](https://gbm.org/christmas-is-still-happening/) - Every December, GBM provides food and presents to approximately 200 families. This year, we’re doing things differently to protect the health and safety of our families, volunteers, and staff. Instead of our usual collection of gifts, we are distributing food and $50 gift cards for Christmas. During this pandemic, we know that many families are
- [Reflection: Grace is Greater Than Our Sin](https://gbm.org/grace-is-greater-than-our-sin/) - This week, I learned that the ruling in the suit to strike down Alabama’s law on voter disenfranchisement for ex-offenders upholds the State’s law. Basically, a person loses the right to vote if they are convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, unless they receive a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV).
- [We Cried Power - A Documentary by Dara Kell](https://gbm.org/we-cried-power-a-documentary-by-dara-kell/) - This film is an inspiring journey into the heart and soul of America, told through the life and work of Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, Co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Reviving Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1968 Poor People's Campaign, Rev. Barber sets out with a motley crew
- [A Statement from the Poor People's Campaign](https://gbm.org/a-statement-from-the-poor-peoples-campaign/) - The Poor People’s Campaign witnessed with heavy hearts the events of January 6th, when a mob emboldened by hate, lies, and racism laid siege to the US Capitol and other state capitols across the country in an attempt to subvert our democracy. This attack was carried out at the behest of a narcissistic President and
- [GBM Connects!  Presents A Virtual Town Hall Meeting](https://gbm.org/gbm-connects-presents-a-virtual-town-hall-meeting/)
- [Letter to Secretary of State's Office re: Purged Voter List](https://gbm.org/3736-2/) - [pdf-embedder url="https://gbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RMV-Letter-to-SoS-1.pdf" title="RMV Letter to SoS"]
- [Statewide Moment of Silence](https://gbm.org/moment-of-silence/) - Faith Leaders To date, more than 12,000 Alabamians have lost their lives to COVID-19, and thousands more have become ill. To remember these individuals and their families, along with the healthcare workers who cared for them, Alabama’s hospitals are urging a moment of silence on Labor Day, Sept. 6, at 12:00 p.m. We are hoping
- [We Did It!](https://gbm.org/3913-2/) - GBM’s friends and supporters truly amaze me. We had an ambitious goal – raise $100,000 in 5 days! The theme of this year's campaign was "The Gift of Hope." The wonderful thing about hope is that it's a gift we carry in our hearts and souls, and it's also a gift we give to others. Because
- [Alabamians Call for a New Trial for Toforest Johnson](https://gbm.org/4000-2/) - For 24 years, Toforest Johnson has been on Alabama’s death row for a crime he did not commit. Although Alabama continues to seek his execution, voices from across the state are calling for a new trial. To learn more, click HERE.

## Pages

- [Home](https://gbm.org/) - Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) is a multi-faith, multi-racial, multi-generational organization that seeks to carry out a faith-based response to poverty by meeting people's emergency needs also pursuing social and economic justice for all people.
- [A Matter of Survival](https://gbm.org/a-matter-of-survival/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65)” background_image=”https://gbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSCF5389-1-scaled.jpg” background_blend=”overlay” custom_padding=”150px||150px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”54px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”36px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]A Matter of Survival[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Anchored in community, guided by history, sustained by culture, powered by faith [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″
- [¡Bienvenidos!](https://gbm.org/bienvenidos/) - Los Ministerios de la Región de Birmingham o mejor conocido como GBM por sus siglas en inglés (Greater Birmingham Ministries) es una organización multirracial, y de múltiples creencias dedicada a servir a la gente en necesidad, en buscar la justicia y en construir comunidades fuertes.
- [Staff Members](https://gbm.org/staff/) - Meet Greater Birmingham Ministries' dedicated Staff Members.
- [Serving People](https://gbm.org/serving-people/) - Our location in downtown Birmingham places GBM in the midst of over 660,000 fellow Jefferson County residents. These are our neighbors, and among them, over 18% - including over 27% of JeffCo's ch…
- [Board of Directors](https://gbm.org/board/) - We have member faith communities that are represented on the Board of Directors, as well as individual at-large members: African Methodist Episcopal (AME) - 9th Episcopal District Kellene Br…
- [Who We Are](https://gbm.org/who-we-are/) - Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) was founded in 1969 in response to urgent human and justice needs in the greater Birmingham area. GBM is a multi-faith, multi-racial organization that provides em…
- [Our History](https://gbm.org/history/) - Our Story GBM was founded in 1969 by far-sighted faith leaders in response to the challenges posed by the Civil Rights movement’s transformative moment in Birmingham, Alabama, the South and the na…
- [Financial Assistance](https://gbm.org/serving-people/financial-assistance/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has hit low-income families the hardest, and we are getting more requests for assistance than ever. Every month, GBM is able to financially assist 16 families with their util…
- [Opt-out preferences](https://gbm.org/opt-out-preferences/) - [et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] This page was last changed on February 9, 2023, last checked on April 17, 2023 and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States. 1. IntroductionOur website, https://gbm.org (hereinafter: “the website”) uses cookies and other related technologies (for convenience all technologies are referred to as
- [Clothes Closet](https://gbm.org/serving-people/clothes-closet/) - **Due to safety concerns during COVID-19, the Clothes Closet is open by appointment only. No donations are currently accepted.** Each day in Birmingham, men, women, and children living in p…
- [Food Assistance](https://gbm.org/serving-people/food-assistance/) - Alabama is one of the most food-insecure states in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting job losses have worsened this situation for many Alabamians. GBM’s Emergency Food Assistance Progr…
- [The Exchange](https://gbm.org/pursuing-justice/exchange/) - The Exchange is a monthly conversation group for people in their 20s and 30s about national issues and what we can do locally. Come for the free appetizers, and stay for the relationships and for…
- [Power of Participation](https://gbm.org/power-of-participation/) - Our Power of Participation workshops address the history of voter suppression, current barriers to voting, how voter turnout really can make a difference, and what it could look like for our re…
- [News](https://gbm.org/news/) - Stay up-to-date with the latest Greater Birmingham Ministries news.
- [Building Community](https://gbm.org/building-community/) - GBM's vision is a community-wide commitment to living out the pursuit of peace and justice. We work with people across racial, economic, political, and social identities to build working relationshi…
- [Pursuing Justice](https://gbm.org/pursuing-justice/) - Building the power and amplifying the collective voices of those most directly impacted by social and economic policies is the core of GBM’s strategy for systems change. We call this work “systems …
- [Voter Restoration](https://gbm.org/pursuing-justice/voter-restoration/) - Please request a free consultation to determine your voter eligibility and to restore your rights through our virtual voter restoration clinic.

## Divi Bars

- [2022 Holiday Drive](https://gbm.org/divi_bars/2022-holiday-drive/) - Greater Birmingham Ministries will be serving over 100 families this holiday season! We are collecting holiday donations through December 14th.
- [Office Closed - Dec 17-Jan 1](https://gbm.org/divi_bars/4622-2/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3E68A3″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”5px||5px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”] GBM is closed for the holidays! Our office will reopen on January 2, 2023. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [2022 Fundraiser](https://gbm.org/divi_bars/2022-fundraiser/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3E68A3″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”5px||5px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”] Help us raise $120,000 in 5 days for our annual fundraising campaign so we can continue serving people, building community, and pursuing justice! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https://gbm.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=25″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Donate

## Divi Overlays

- [Open House](https://gbm.org/divi_overlay/open-house/) - We're hosting an Open House at GBM on Tuesday, Dec. 6! We want to welcome our wonderful community to the building for food, conversation, and tours.
- [2023 Holiday Drive](https://gbm.org/divi_overlay/2023-holiday-drive/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”close-divi-overlay” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” background_enable_image=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://gbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Background-1-2500x1429px.png” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#E3543E” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_text_color=”#545458″ header_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”” header_4_font_size_phone=”16px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”] 2023 Holiday Drive Greater Birmingham Ministries will be serving over 100 families this holiday season! We are collecting donations through December 11th. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image
- [2022 Holiday Drive](https://gbm.org/divi_overlay/2022-holiday-drive/) - Greater Birmingham Ministries will be serving over 100 families this holiday season! We are collecting holiday donations through December 14th.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://gbm.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Blog](https://gbm.org/category/voices/)
- [Serving people](https://gbm.org/category/serving-people-2/)
- [Newsletter](https://gbm.org/category/newsletter/)

## Tags

- [Serving People](https://gbm.org/tag/serving-people/)
- [abuse](https://gbm.org/tag/abuse/)
- [Alabama](https://gbm.org/tag/alabama/)
- [Birmingham](https://gbm.org/tag/birmingham/)
- [domestic violence](https://gbm.org/tag/domestic-violence/)
- [donate](https://gbm.org/tag/donate/)
- [emotional abuse](https://gbm.org/tag/emotional-abuse/)
- [financial abuse](https://gbm.org/tag/financial-abuse/)
- [food assistance](https://gbm.org/tag/food-assistance/)
- [food insecurity](https://gbm.org/tag/food-insecurity/)
- [food pantry](https://gbm.org/tag/food-pantry/)
- [Greater Birmingham Ministries](https://gbm.org/tag/greater-birmingham-ministries/)
- [interfaith](https://gbm.org/tag/interfaith/)
- [nonprofit](https://gbm.org/tag/nonprofit/)
- [physical abuse](https://gbm.org/tag/physical-abuse/)
- [sexual abuse](https://gbm.org/tag/sexual-abuse/)
- [surviving domestic violence](https://gbm.org/tag/surviving-domestic-violence/)
- [survivor](https://gbm.org/tag/survivor/)
- [verbal abuse](https://gbm.org/tag/verbal-abuse/)
- [addict](https://gbm.org/tag/addict/)
- [addiction](https://gbm.org/tag/addiction/)
- [Church of the Reconciler](https://gbm.org/tag/church-of-the-reconciler/)
- [Clothes Needs](https://gbm.org/tag/clothes-needs/)
- [clothing assistance](https://gbm.org/tag/clothing-assistance/)
- [cocaine](https://gbm.org/tag/cocaine/)
- [coke](https://gbm.org/tag/coke/)
- [drugs](https://gbm.org/tag/drugs/)
- [Food Needs](https://gbm.org/tag/food-needs/)
- [homeless](https://gbm.org/tag/homeless/)
- [hungry](https://gbm.org/tag/hungry/)
- [interstate overpass](https://gbm.org/tag/interstate-overpass/)
- [Jefferson County](https://gbm.org/tag/jefferson-county/)
- [Nashville](https://gbm.org/tag/nashville/)
- [rehab](https://gbm.org/tag/rehab/)
- [Subway](https://gbm.org/tag/subway/)
- [food insecure](https://gbm.org/tag/food-insecure/)
- [food stamps](https://gbm.org/tag/food-stamps/)
- [Linn Park](https://gbm.org/tag/linn-park/)
- [golden years](https://gbm.org/tag/golden-years/)
- [health problems](https://gbm.org/tag/health-problems/)
- [pay it forward](https://gbm.org/tag/pay-it-forward/)
- [retirement](https://gbm.org/tag/retirement/)
- [senior citizen](https://gbm.org/tag/senior-citizen/)
- [seniors](https://gbm.org/tag/seniors/)
- [unemployment](https://gbm.org/tag/unemployment/)
- [cancer](https://gbm.org/tag/cancer/)
- [clothes assistance](https://gbm.org/tag/clothes-assistance/)
- [direct services](https://gbm.org/tag/direct-services/)
- [disability](https://gbm.org/tag/disability/)
- [esophageal cancer](https://gbm.org/tag/esophageal-cancer/)
- [Howel-Evans Syndrome](https://gbm.org/tag/howel-evans-syndrome/)
- [Labor Day](https://gbm.org/tag/labor-day/)
- [Sickle Cell](https://gbm.org/tag/sickle-cell/)
- [stroke](https://gbm.org/tag/stroke/)
- [art](https://gbm.org/tag/art/)
- [art class](https://gbm.org/tag/art-class/)
- [college](https://gbm.org/tag/college/)
- [draw](https://gbm.org/tag/draw/)
- [First Light](https://gbm.org/tag/first-light/)
- [homeless shelter](https://gbm.org/tag/homeless-shelter/)
- [miscarriage](https://gbm.org/tag/miscarriage/)
- [near death experience](https://gbm.org/tag/near-death-experience/)
- [sing](https://gbm.org/tag/sing/)
- [donation](https://gbm.org/tag/donation/)
- [tax deductible](https://gbm.org/tag/tax-deductible/)
- [thankful](https://gbm.org/tag/thankful/)
- [depression](https://gbm.org/tag/depression/)
- [homelessness](https://gbm.org/tag/homelessness/)
- [not for profit](https://gbm.org/tag/not-for-profit/)
- [family](https://gbm.org/tag/family/)
- [GBM](https://gbm.org/tag/gbm/)
- [women's shelter](https://gbm.org/tag/womens-shelter/)
- [salvation army](https://gbm.org/tag/salvation-army/)
- [united states army](https://gbm.org/tag/united-states-army/)
- [veteran](https://gbm.org/tag/veteran/)
- [clothing needs](https://gbm.org/tag/clothing-needs/)
- [clothes closet](https://gbm.org/tag/clothes-closet/)
- [volunteer](https://gbm.org/tag/volunteer/)
- [community education center](https://gbm.org/tag/community-education-center/)
- [drug rehabilitation](https://gbm.org/tag/drug-rehabilitation/)
- [Firehouse Shelter](https://gbm.org/tag/firehouse-shelter/)
- [Foundry](https://gbm.org/tag/foundry/)
- [prison](https://gbm.org/tag/prison/)
- [selling drugs](https://gbm.org/tag/selling-drugs/)
- [barber shop](https://gbm.org/tag/barber-shop/)
- [community](https://gbm.org/tag/community/)
- [entrepreneur](https://gbm.org/tag/entrepreneur/)
- [job](https://gbm.org/tag/job/)
- [support](https://gbm.org/tag/support/)
- [truck driver](https://gbm.org/tag/truck-driver/)
- [violence](https://gbm.org/tag/violence/)
- [work](https://gbm.org/tag/work/)
- [employment](https://gbm.org/tag/employment/)
- [illiterate](https://gbm.org/tag/illiterate/)
- [income](https://gbm.org/tag/income/)
- [widow](https://gbm.org/tag/widow/)
- [drug rehab](https://gbm.org/tag/drug-rehab/)
- [public housing](https://gbm.org/tag/public-housing/)
- [sobriety](https://gbm.org/tag/sobriety/)
- [certified nursing assistant](https://gbm.org/tag/certified-nursing-assistant/)
- [caretaker](https://gbm.org/tag/caretaker/)
- [diabetes](https://gbm.org/tag/diabetes/)
- [hospital](https://gbm.org/tag/hospital/)
- [illness](https://gbm.org/tag/illness/)
- [low income](https://gbm.org/tag/low-income/)
- [poverty](https://gbm.org/tag/poverty/)
- [sickness](https://gbm.org/tag/sickness/)
- [jail](https://gbm.org/tag/jail/)
- [minister](https://gbm.org/tag/minister/)
- [ministry](https://gbm.org/tag/ministry/)
- [phd](https://gbm.org/tag/phd/)
- [preacher](https://gbm.org/tag/preacher/)
- [rent-a-center](https://gbm.org/tag/rent-a-center/)
- [theft](https://gbm.org/tag/theft/)
- [utilities assistance](https://gbm.org/tag/utilities-assistance/)
- [diabetic](https://gbm.org/tag/diabetic/)
- [utility bill](https://gbm.org/tag/utility-bill/)
- [Theological Reflection](https://gbm.org/tag/theological-reflection/)
- [battered women](https://gbm.org/tag/battered-women/)
- [downtown](https://gbm.org/tag/downtown/)
- [marriage](https://gbm.org/tag/marriage/)
- [hunger](https://gbm.org/tag/hunger/)
- [utilities needs](https://gbm.org/tag/utilities-needs/)
- [social justice](https://gbm.org/tag/social-justice/)
- [hurricane katrina](https://gbm.org/tag/hurricane-katrina/)