By Jessica Atkinson, Coordinator, AIDB Marketing and Community Relations, Office of Institutional Advancement

Each day at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), our students have the opportunity to grow physically, academically and emotionally. But thanks to a grant from the Hill Crest Foundation, AIDB's students, who choose to attend AIDB's Hawkins Chapel, also have the chance to grow spiritually.

The Hill Crest Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the AIDB Foundation in support of Hawkins Chapel which will allow the AIDB Foundation to continue to conduct chapel activities for students from the Alabama School for the Blind, the Alabama School for the Deaf, E. H. Gentry Facility and the Helen Keller School of Alabama.

Hawkins Chapel provides an open environment for students to ask questions in their own language. That availability makes the environment special for students who are Deaf. For students who are Blind, it is the significant interaction with their peers. For all, including students who are multidisabled, what makes the environment so special is the opportunity to actively participate in the programs offered. Most of AIDB’s students would not have these same opportunities in their hometown church.

“On behalf of the Hill Crest Foundation, we are honored to award AIDB with a $25,000 grant to support the programs held at Hawkins Chapel,” Charles Terry, Jr., Chairman, Hill Crest Foundation. “We are proud to partner with AIDB to prepare students in reaching their limitless potential in all facets of their life.”

Since 1989, the Hill Crest Foundation has been a generous supporter of AIDB programs and has generated resources for the development of the nursing clinic, Hawkins Chapel, the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program, a fully-accessible playground at the Helen Keller School of Alabama, the Helen Keller School of Alabama Art Project and assistive technology at Alabama School for the Blind.

“We are very grateful for our partnership with the Hill Crest Foundation,” said Becky Watson, Executive Director, AIDB Foundation. “As long-time supporters of AIDB, they have played an integral role as we continue to transform the lives of our students and consumers beyond all expectations.”