ANNISTON, AL – Volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) spent Tuesday morning working alongside staff from East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy (ECAUCP) to revitalize the exterior of the nonprofit’s Anniston facility as part of APSO’s annual chair project. The initiative focused on improving the visual appeal of the building and fostering a more welcoming environment for families and individuals who rely on the center’s services.
ECAUCP serves individuals with developmental and physical disabilities across seven counties in East Central Alabama: Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah, Cherokee, Randolph, Talladega, and Clay. Their services span from early intervention for infants and toddlers to inclusive daycare and adult day programs, supporting over 300 individuals annually.
Julie Couch, APSO’s Eastern Chapter President and real estate specialist for Alabama Power’s transmission group, emphasized the importance of community connection. “This area is dear to my heart—I grew up here. ECAUCP has always done great work, and when their executive director, Shane Ruffin, mentioned the need to refresh the exterior, we saw it as a perfect opportunity to give back,” Couch said.
Volunteers painted the exterior of the building and doors, enhanced the front entrance landscaping, and focused on creating a positive first impression for families visiting the center. Ruffin shared that the idea originated during a board meeting when a comment about the building’s tired appearance sparked a collaboration with APSO. “This is the first impression for visitors, and it matters,” Ruffin said. “We’re so grateful for the support and to see it come to life.”
Ruffin also highlighted ECAUCP’s holistic approach to service. “We serve clients of all ages, and our early intervention program is key—we treat developmental delays early with therapies like OT, PT, and speech. We also operate an inclusive daycare where children with and without disabilities learn and play together,” he explained.
The project is one of many ways APSO fulfills its mission of leadership through service. For those looking to get involved, APSO encourages Alabama Power employees to connect through internal coordinators, while ECAUCP welcomes community interest and staffing inquiries through their website and center.
