Tuscaloosa’s One Place celebrates 20th anniversary with celebration tomorrow, Thursday, June 27
For 20 years, Tuscaloosa’s One Place has been a resource hub for families in times of need. But last year, the group found itself in need of help.
Formed through a merger of three Tuscaloosa volunteer groups, all with the goal of improving the quality of life for children and families in the area, Tuscaloosa’s One Place serves as a one-stop-shop for families in need. The nonprofit offers a variety of services, including after-school care for children, parenting classes, teen intervention and mentoring, GED courses and workforce development. In the last two decades, the organization has become an important service provider in western Alabama.
But after purchasing a new building last year to expand their services even further, the organization known for offering help to the community, instead found itself in need of the community’s help. The roof of the new Tuscaloosa’s One Place building was in bad shape and desperately needed replacing.
“When I started to realize what all Tuscaloosa’s One Place does – serving 7,000 families in west Alabama each year – I was very impressed and told them I would install the roof for free if we could get the materials donated,” said Billy Reel, owner of Blair Exteriors in Birmingham, Alabama.
National shingle manufacturer TAMKO Building Products has been a major part of Reel’s life for 20 years, first as a contractor and later as his wife rose in the ranks of TAMKO’s sales organization. TAMKO has been a proud part of the Tuscaloosa community since breaking ground on a large manufacturing facility there in 1973. TAMKO’s 75 years in business and long history of philanthropy caused Reel to know immediately that he wanted TAMKO to donate the shingles. It was an easy decision for TAMKO, according to company leadership.
“Tuscaloosa’s One Place does so much for our Alabama community, so we jumped at the chance to help support them in their mission by donating the shingles for their new roof,” said TAMKO President and CEO David Humphreys. “The organization’s focus on children, families and education is right in line with how we focus TAMKO’s philanthropy in the communities where we operate.”
TAMKO donated the roof shingles and distributor Heely Brown donated the roof accessories and delivery. The new roof was installed in February, just in time to celebrate Tuscaloosa’s One Place’s 20th anniversary this year. The nonprofit will host an anniversary party open to the public from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at their offices at 810 27th Avenue in Tuscaloosa.
“Installing a new roof was a critical need in our new home. Our agency could not serve as many families as we do if it were not for the generosity of others like Mr. Reel and TAMKO,” said Amanda Lightsey, executive director of Tuscaloosa’s One Place. “We cannot thank them enough and because of this donation we are able to focus on positively impacting families.”
About Tuscaloosa’s One Place
Tuscaloosa's One Place is a family resource center empowering people to achieve their full potential. The nonprofit provides resources to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, and prevent child abuse and neglect, thus improving the quality of life for all members of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama community. Tuscaloosa's One Place strives to be the “one place” families can come to receive services. Through a dedicated effort between staff and community partners, Tuscaloosa's One Place has made a difference in the lives of local families since 1999.
About Blair Exteriors
Since 1965, Blair Exteriors has made it their mission to provide exceptional home renovation services to western Alabama at fair prices. With a focus on customer service and fair pricing, Blair Exteriors is a top choice in the Birmingham, Alabama area for roofing, siding, windows, doors and more. For more information, visit www.blairexteriors.com.