FLATWOOD, AL – The Poarch Band of Creek Indians have donated $140,000 to River Region United Way, which is spearheading rebuilding efforts of the small community of Flatwood that was left in dire conditions after a December tornado.
The donation came at a community event held on a concrete slab – all that remains of the Flatwood Community Center, which was once a gathering place for residents of the small community outside of Montgomery.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie A. Bryan was moved by what she saw and by her conversations with residents who had lost everything. “We watched the news back in December and grieved for the people of Flatwood,” said Bryan. “We are so thankful that the United Way is here, on the ground, working to rebuild this community and we are so glad to be able to help in their efforts. God has blessed us and in return, we get to bless you all. We can rebuild together.”
“In the four months since the natural disaster, we have received over $300,000 in donations for the community,” said Jannah Morgan Bailey, President and CEO of River Region United Way. “That enabled us to buy three homes for residents who lost everything in the storm. Unfortunately, there is a lot of unmet needs here still, and we are committed to seeing the job through. This community is very strong and recovery here is more than building a house, it is about rebuilding a community.”
Also in attendance at the donation event were Sen. Kirk Hatcher, Rep. Kenyatta Hassell, as well as several local elected officials, pastors, and community residents. River Region United Way is working to address immediate needs as well as on long-term plans to help rebuild the community and stabilize life for its residents. All of the funds collected by United Way will go to help the Flatwood community.