2021 Year End

ELI in 2021.

When we began 2021, we knew that it would be a big year for ELI. Little did we know how much progress we would make throughout this year. Our goals for 2021 were simple: provide case management services for 80-90 families, maintain sufficient staffing to support this caseload, and create a plan to replicate the Thrive Together program in other Jefferson County communities. A year later, we can say with joy that we accomplished all of these goals, due largely to the hard work of our team and the support of many people like you.

Provide case management services:

Families have remained at the center of our mission. This year, Thrive Together participants purchased homes, started their own businesses, and made steps toward self sustainability by acquiring higher paying jobs and creating actionable plans to achieve their goals. Our annual Christmas shop provided gifts valued at approximately $12,000 for 161 children.
 

Maintain sufficient staffing to support caseload:

In 2021, we reinforced coaching as the backbone of our program, hiring two new coaches on staff. Shonda Johnson, our Workforce Development Coach, and Yaireth Gomez, our Success Coach, have been assets to the team, empowering single mothers and partnering with them as they move forward. Macy Murray, our Housing Coach and Coaching Coordinator, trained the new coaches and led the team with confidence and grace. 

Our leadership team changed as well, as Myron Thomas took on his new role as Chief Operating Officer in July, running ELI's daily operations.
 

Create a plan to replicate Thrive Together Program in other Jefferson County communities:

On November 12, our team attended the groundbreaking ceremony for ELI Ensley, our new location opening in 2023. Through partnership with Birmingham City, Zimmerman Properties, and Star-C, ELI will provide the coaching in a new affordable housing community.

Keisha, who graduated from our program this year, purchased her own home.

As we come to the end of 2021, we are grateful for the progress we have made and the steps we have taken toward seeing families in Birmingham thrive. We are absolutely humbled by the opportunities we have been given to continue serving the Birmingham community. We hope you continue to partner with us and help transform communities one family at a time.

With a grateful heart,
Pam Bates, ELI Executive Director