During its regularly scheduled board meeting on November 10, the Birmingham Board of Education recognized the Power of Partnership honorees for their exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to our scholars.
Independent Presbyterian Church
Hayes K-8 Counselor Dr. Vivian Hopkins Moss describes Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) as being more than a community partner: "They are family; they are a blessing." That description is reflected in IPC's actions every day.
IPC provides 175 weekend food bags every two weeks to help address food insecurity among Hayes K-8 students and families. They also operate a twice-monthly Pop-Up Market at the school, serving approximately 80 families with groceries such as fresh produce, eggs, chicken, and other essential items. When families are unable to travel to the school, IPC volunteers deliver food directly to their homes.
Through the Fresh Air Farm Summer Program, IPC provides students with a full summer of academic enrichment, swimming, crafts, and recreational activities, along with daily transportation and opportunities for families to participate in end-of-summer celebrations. IPC has also supported student achievement through literacy and academic initiatives, including its multi-year STAIR 3.0 program and expanded support for middle school students.
Beyond organized programs, IPC responds to families facing hardship by providing necessities such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, furniture, household items, holiday gifts, and connections to additional community resources. Their volunteers are a consistent presence at Hayes K-8 events, including literacy nights, math nights, family engagement events, and school celebrations.
For their unwavering commitment to serving students, strengthening families, and meeting needs wherever they arise, we proudly recognize Independent Presbyterian Church as a true example of the Power of Partnership.
Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
For more than a century (1924-2026), the Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has invested in Birmingham City Schools through scholarships, literacy initiatives, hunger relief, school support, and student development programs.
One of the chapter's most impactful initiatives has been the Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP™) program at Princeton Elementary. In a single program year, Omicron Omega provided 2,080 weekend food packs to 65 students over 32 weeks, helping address food insecurity and ensuring students had access to nutritious meals when school was not in session. Their commitment later expanded to serve students at multiple Birmingham City Schools across the district.
The chapter's support extends to classrooms and campuses throughout Birmingham. Omicron Omega has provided school supplies to students at Wilkerson Middle School, supported literacy through book donations and volunteer reading programs, contributed $1,000 to assist the A.H. Parker High School Marching Band with transportation needs, and supplied clothing and hygiene items for the student pantry at Wenonah High School. They have also partnered with Oxmoor Valley Elementary to promote student attendance through the "Every Day Counts" initiative.
Beyond K-12 support, Omicron Omega has invested more than $500,000 in college scholarships for Birmingham-area students, including graduates from Ramsay, Parker, Carver, Jackson-Olin, Wenonah, and Huffman High Schools.
Whether packing food for students, placing books in children's hands, supporting the arts, encouraging attendance, or helping graduates pursue higher education, Omicron Omega has demonstrated a sustained commitment to Birmingham City Schools and the success of our students. We proudly recognize the Omicron Omega Chapter as a true example of the Power of Partnership.
Phi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
The Phi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has made a meaningful impact across Birmingham City Schools through hunger relief, literacy, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and student support initiatives.
Through the Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Packs (CHIPP™) program, Phi Iota Omega purchased, assembled, and distributed 1,500 food packs to students at Hayes K-8 and West End Academy, helping ensure scholars had access to nutritious food outside of the school day. The chapter's commitment to Hayes K-8 also included providing Christmas gifts to students in the program for four consecutive years.
Chapter members partnered with Better Basics to promote literacy by reading to students at Hayes K-8, West End Academy, Washington Elementary, Central Park Elementary, Oliver Elementary, and Barrett Elementary. They also supported civic engagement by hosting voter registration drives for eligible students at Ramsay High School, Wenonah High School, and George W. Carver High School.
In celebration of Earth Day, Phi Iota Omega planted 15 trees at Princeton Elementary, Norwood Elementary, and Bush Hills STEAM Academy while providing environmental education activities for students. The chapter also partnered with local churches to provide prom dresses and shoes to Birmingham City Schools students, helping ensure they could fully participate in this milestone experience.
Looking toward the future, Phi Iota Omega is working with Hayes K-8 and West End Academy to establish clothing closets that will provide students in need with access to clothing, undergarments, and other essentials. The chapter has also partnered with Omicron Omega and other volunteers to help pack and distribute thousands of CHIPP™ food packs benefiting Birmingham City Schools students across the district.
Through sustained service, hands-on involvement, and a commitment to meeting the practical needs of students and families, Phi Iota Omega exemplifies the Power of Partnership and the positive impact community organizations can have on Birmingham City Schools.