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Restoring a Community Lifeline in McCollum-Midway
What does a small volunteer fire department do when its only medical response vehicle faces a catastrophic engine failure? The answer to that question takes…
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Behind the Grants: Spotlight on Patti Pennington
Name: Patti PenningtonTitle: Programs ManagerYears with RC&D: 18 Meet Patti Pennington We think the saying should be Patti-of-All-Trades, because Patti Pennington is a woman of…
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Enhancing School Safety: Walker County’s Tactical Entry Tool Kits
Safety in our schools is a top priority, and Walker County is taking proactive steps to ensure their school resource officers (SROs) have the tools…
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Outdoor Classroom Revitalization in Hoover
Students at Trace Crossings Elementary School have a newly renovated courtyard and outdoor classroom to learn and play in. A ribbon cutting ceremony at the…
Serving Those Who Serve: Shelby County Cookout
The sun was shining for the Back the Blue Cookout in Shelby County! L-R: Chief Chris Miller, Helena Fire Dept; Brandon Krutsch, Alabaster police dept;…
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Celebrating Local Impact with Shelby County 2025 Grant Day
Cawaco RC&D and the Shelby County Legislative Delegation gathered at Pelham City Hall to celebrate the awarding of $148,313 in grant funding to 10 organizations…
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Celebrating Local Impact with Walker County 2025 Grant Day
Cawaco RC&D and the Walker County Legislative Delegation gathered at Jasper Main Street to celebrate the awarding of $157,789 in grant funding to 15 organizations…
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Celebrating Local Impact with Blount County 2025 Grant Day
Cawaco RC&D and the Blount County Legislative Delegation gathered at the Community Arts Council of Blount County to celebrate the awarding of $126,528 in grant…
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Celebrating Local Impact with Chilton County 2025 Grant Day
Cawaco RC&D and the Chilton County Legislative Delegation gathered at Clanton City Hall to celebrate the awarding of $92,107 in grant funding to ten organizations…
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When McCollum-Midway Fire & Rescue's medical response vehicle broke down, they had to get creative to ensure the community received critical emergency services. Through the RC&D grant program and with the help of Sen. Matt Woods for Alabama and Rep. Tim Wadsworth, they're back on the road and ready to serve.
Read how this volunteer department restored emergency response in Walker County: cawaco.org/restoring-a-community-lifeline-in-mccollum-midway/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Elevate Birmingham purchased a 12-passenger van so high school students in their mentorship program could go to partner elementary schools, community engagement opportunities, leadership experiences, and conferences that prepare them for post-grad success.
This upgrade supported 100 students who participate in Elevate's holistic mentoring and academic program. Students are now receiving more consistent guidance, career exposure, and emotional support, all of which are critical to long-term success. The van has already proven to be a powerful tool for deepening relationships, expanding horizons, and helping students move toward a thriving future. ... See MoreSee Less
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Building stronger communities, one facility at a time. In 2025, Cawaco RC&D grants helped improve 22 facilities across our five-county region. With investments in innovation incubators, arts facilities, health centers, parks, schools, and more, these infrastructure improvements create lasting impact for generations to come.
📸 Pictured: North Jefferson Innovation Center ... See MoreSee Less
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Supporting families starts with supporting parents! Care Net of Chilton County hosted Parenting Programs to empower parents with the confidence, tools, and skills to raise healthy, caring, and responsible children. Through the purchase of curriculum materials, supplies, and incentives like car seats to encourage participation and recognize milestones, Care Net served 50 parents and children, encouraging them to implement positive changes in their families. ... See MoreSee Less
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Things are heating up in Blount County! 🔥 The Blount County Alabama Fire & EMS Association hosted the Jr. Fire Academy, a week-long, physical, fun-filled, and educational training program for high school students interested in a career in fire and emergency medical services. Cawaco supported the program through the purchase of a Challenger Forcible Door Prop to teach students how to open locked doors using hand tools in emergencies. ... See MoreSee Less
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Council Spotlight: Cawaco RC&D
Thanks to RC&D grant support, the town of Highland Lake, in Blount County, added ADA-compliant playground equipment to their local park creating a fun, inclusive space where all children can play and connect! 💙
The new equipment serves local residents, nearby families, and visitors who come to enjoy the town’s beautiful recreational areas. 🌳☀️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Behind every successful project are dedicated community members giving their time and talent. In 2025, 950 volunteers stepped up to make a difference across our region. Their collective efforts contributed 10,448 volunteer hours—proving that when communities come together, incredible things happen. Thank you to every volunteer who made this impact possible!
Pictured: Jefferson County Master Gardeners at the Midfield-Holt Community Garden
#volunteers #Alabama #serve ... See MoreSee Less
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Meet Patti Pennington, Cawaco RC&D's Programs Manager! For 18 years, she's run Cawaco's grant program, overseeing $843,000 in funding this year alone for projects making a difference across Central Alabama.
Her favorite part? The people. "Every day, I get to meet individuals deeply committed to making Alabama the best it can be." When she's not supporting local change-makers, she's riding her e-bike or fostering animals (dogs, usually; raccoons, occasionally). 🐕🦝
Get to know Patti: cawaco.org/behind-the-grants-spotlight-on-patti-pennington/ ... See MoreSee Less
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