By Josh Sharpton, Executive Director, E. H. Gentry Facility

At the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), we believe in turning challenges into opportunities. That is why we are thrilled to introduce AIDB THREADS, a transformative program designed to provide E. H. Gentry Facility (EHG) students with valuable work experience and job skills while addressing an essential need: providing clothing and hygiene items to K-12 students across AIDB’s programs.

This initiative reflects AIDB’s unwavering commitment to empowering students and consumers who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind or multidisabled. It combines practical skills training with community impact, ensuring students are equipped to thrive personally and professionally.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

The success of AIDB THREADS is a testament to the incredible support of our partners, including the AIDB Foundation, the Regions Foundation, the Independent Presbyterian Foundation, State Representative Steve Hurst, Dan Anderson of Diversified Supply, and many more. Thanks to a generous $100,000 award from the Regions Foundation, our vision became a reality. Marta Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation, shared, “We are honored to build on our community partnership with AIDB because the people of AIDB are not only passionate about uplifting others, they are innovating with new ways of addressing unmet needs.” In addition to the Foundation grant, Regions Bank is hosting financial workshops for students at the Alabama School for the Blind, the Alabama School for the Deaf, and EHG, equipping them with essential money management skills.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

On October 11, 2024, we celebrated the grand opening of AIDB THREADS with a special event that brought the entire AIDB community together. Highlights included a vibrant fashion show featuring students from the Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf and Helen Keller School of Alabama modeling clothing provided by AIDB THREADS. This joyous occasion showcased the power of teamwork, with contributions from EHG staff, maintenance teams and K-12 campuses.

“We are so excited to have a way to offer our students, when needed, the opportunity to receive clothing and hygiene products, and to also create hands-on job training for our EHG students,” said Dennis Gilliam, Ed.D., AIDB President. “Both the students receiving the items and the students who will be working in the storefront will learn valuable finance and budgeting skills. Our sincerest thanks to the Regions Foundation along with others who have made this program possible.”

BEYOND THE STOREFRONT

AIDB THREADS is more than a store—it is a gateway to confidence and success. Qualified students in seventh grade and above will have access to quarterly budgets, empowering them to shop for clothing and hygiene items while learning budgeting skills. Meanwhile, EHG students gain practical work experience in inventory management, customer service and soft skills development, making them job-ready and self-assured.

“AIDB THREADS is an extremely positive start-up with a very caring and thoughtful community. This store will foster great ideas and accomplishments. As a consumer of AIDB, I am proud and hopeful for what AIDB THREADS will bring in the future,” said Ny’Dariun Jones, a student in the Blind Caseload and a Talladega resident who is currently taking classes in EHG’s Dual Enrollment program at Central Alabama Community College to pursue a degree in Business/Entrepreneurship.

“I am proud to support AIDB THREADS as a vital initiative that not only meets the immediate needs of students but also equips them with practical, real-world skills. By combining compassion with experiential learning, this program empowers students to build confidence in managing personal responsibilities while fostering a sense of community and self-sufficiency. AIDB THREADS truly reflects the mission of enriching lives and preparing students for success beyond the classroom,” said Manuela Burton, a Job Developer at EHG who has been active in assisting with implementing the work experience program for AIDB THREADS.

BUILDING A LIMITLESS FUTURE

AIDB THREADS is a shining example of what is possible when innovation meets collaboration. It represents our limitless spirit by creating opportunities that empower every student and consumer to achieve their fullest potential. Together, we’re not just meeting needs—we are transforming lives.