Yerkwood Community Improvement Association’s Kelli Bell is an Alabama Bright Light
The Yerkwood Community Improvement Association works to beautify and enhance the Walker County community. (contributed)
“Your heart and your character are always on display, so shine and be a beacon of hope right where you are.”
True. Beautiful.
Interested in the origin of this quote? Read on.
Yerkwood in Walker County may be small, with a population of fewer than 200 people, but folks like Kelli Bell make this little town feel complete. A few years ago, Bell sensed needs in her community and decided to do something. She joined the Yerkwood Community Improvement Association as a trustee of the board. Since then, her efforts have purpose.
“Our mission for our community is to encourage and inspire the people and to let them know that God has called them to a better purpose in life. Also, to improve the morale and quality of life here in Yerkwood,” Bell said. “Like any community, you are going to have your share of obstacles. When you have a community of less than 200 people, everyone knows everyone and whatever happens affects everyone. Things like this pandemic have been challenging.”
Kelli Bell of Yerkwood Community Improvement Association is an Alabama Bright Light from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Bell and the Yerkwood Community Improvement Association (YCIA) have stepped up and resolved to fight back. In addition, members of the YCIA helped with programs such as a weatherization station and cleanup days.
“When the pandemic hit last year, we got together and started discussing what we could do to improve the community. We’ve brought in things like COVID vaccination clinics, and we partnered with other organizations to feed the elderly in our community,” Bell said. “The pandemic shifted our operations a bit, but we are still helping the folks in Yerkwood.”
To accomplish all the programs at the YCIA, Bell relies on assistance from organizations like the Alabama Power Foundation.
“Alabama Power Foundation helped us to get our nonprofit status, and they funded our application. They have been helping us write grants. We have one down and we are working on three more grants. We are excited about that,” Bell said. “The support from the Alabama Power Foundation continues and is absolutely incredible.”
YCIA partners with other community associations to improve things in Yerkwood. One of these partnerships is with the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama program that improves energy efficiency in homes, so folks pay less for utilities. Coming soon are two programs the YCIA is hosting.
“We will hold weatherization events on Aug. 14th and Aug. 21st at St. Joseph Baptist Church, from 8 a.m. till noon. Everyone in Walker County is invited,” Bell said. “We’re just out in the community letting people know it’s going to be OK. There are no resources here, so that’s the main thing we are trying to do, bring up resources.”
Bell is committed to moving Yerkwood forward, including social justice.
“We should always seek justice. Things like treating people with respect and dignity, always doing what is right and fair, embracing diversity, and showing humility toward one another. Your heart and your character are always on display, so shine and be a beacon of hope right where you are,” Bell said.
Any questions?
For more information, visit Yerkwood Community Improvement Association on Facebook.
