On Friday December 19th, The STRAP Foundation “Board of Directors” and “friends” partnered with private sponsors to provide a full catered meal by Jordan’s Delight Catering to the homeless and addicted at the Birmingham Salvation Army. Donald Shepherd, the Founder/Executive Director of The STRAP Foundation had once lived at the very shelter in which they fed on this Friday evening .
STRAP’S DJ – Brandon Djsource Warren and Magic City Sound and Entertainment started playing inspirational music as the dining hall of the Salvation Army was being transformed into a banquet hall with a sanctuary for our honored guest. It was so awesome to see so many organizations going together decorating tables, lighting candles, singing and laughing.
At 5:30 p.m. the guest were escorted into the hall and they were seated as if they were in a five star restaurant and on this evening, it was. Judge Clotele H. Brantley who serves as the board President was the “mistress of order” for the evening. At 5:40 Elder Darron Hurst who serves as Chaplin of the board gave a heartfelt opening “prayer” and Matteus Rhoden ministered a power Mime Dance.
At 5:45 Judge Dorothea Batiste, who serves on the board gave everyone a warm welcome. The residents and homeless of the Salvation Army were fully engaged in this evening event. At 6 p.m., the homeless and addicted were told to remain seated and that their dinner would be brought to them by a server. Our servers included: Judge C.H. Brantley, Judge Dorothea Batiste, Elder Darron Hurst, Kristle Smith, Errick and Regina Gray, Doretha Causey, Abdul Alwahiid, Kribbe Perryman, Eddie Smarr, Michael Taylor, Debra Lindsey and Attorney Bobby L. Davis.
Reverend Cedric Mitchell gave prayer to bless the dinner. Jordan’s Delight Catering served Turkey with Dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans with salad and tea.
Donald Shepherd spoke these words, “It wasn’t long ago that I sat in these same chairs and ate with many of you at the same table. Many of you showed me around the city, to churches and other organizations that fed those who could not feed or house themselves. Many of you guided me to people or organizations that provided clothing to those who could not clothe themselves. I’ve experienced the same emotions of having to walk around all day, hoping to get a bed at one of the shelters. In the midst of all of this, I had to fulfill my assignment from God when it relates to the ministry of STRAP. My brothers and sisters, your present situation, is not your outcome. What God has done for me, he will do the same for you.”
The STRAP Foundation would like thank its sponsors: Saved By Ministries, Elder Darron Hurst, Abdul Alwahiid, Poole Funeral Chapel, Law Office of Nakita R. Blocton, Attorney Bobby L. Davis, Gray’s Pest Control.
The STRAP Foundation Board of Directors: President – Judge Clotele H. Brantley;Vice President – Carolyn Johnson; Secretaries – Sylvia Watkins and Jovita Operton; Treasurer – Regina Gray; Chaplin – Elder Darron Hurst. Board Members: Judge Patricia Stephens, Judge Dorothea Batiste, Attorney Nakita Perryman Blocton and Attorney Bobby L. Davis.
We are indeed thankful for Larry Dancy and Barbara Carlton (directors of the Salvation Army) for allowing us to come and serve. All supervisors (Debra Kilow, Randy Dinkins and Alonzo Johnson) and their staff offered great assistance throughout the evening. This will be an annual request.
Saved By Grace Ministries located at 409 11th Court North Birmingham, Alabama 35234 is the HOME of the STRAP Foundation.
