The ELM Foundation

10/12/2026

“Where you place your focus determines what you create.”

That quote sparked real conversation with our ELM participants as they considered how to be more intentional with their focus in the coming weeks of school. Their responses were honest, practical, and insightful:

“I want to complete my schoolwork on Fridays, so I have the weekend to spend time with family, friends, and attend church.”

“I will set an alarm each night for the next morning, so I will be on time to my first class.”

“I’ll review my next day (assignments due, work schedule, events, etc.) the night before so I don’t have any surprises.”

"I am going to be more intentional with my scripture study and morning prayers."

“I’ll spend at least 10 minutes a day on my nutrition flashcards to help with retention.”

"I am going to focus on my health by going to the gym at least 3x a week and improving my sleep."

“I’ll add assignments and events to my calendar to stay organized and not miss anything!”

Small, intentional choices add up. We’re proud of how these participants are choosing their focus!

Now we’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you’re choosing to focus on in the weeks ahead? Share it in the comments.

10/09/2026

🎉 We couldn’t let the day go by without wishing our fearless leader, Missy Hanks, a VERY Happy Birthday!
🥳Help us celebrate her by dropping some birthday love in the comments! 🎂💕

10/08/2026

🌟 Another informative Community Connections Meeting focused on Community Health Services. Our goal was to learn how to connect the individuals we serve with the care they need, when they need it, and in a way they can use.

We are grateful to HAPPI Health, Central North Alabama Health Services, Inc., Community Free Dental Clinic, and Clinica Medica Moscati for sharing resources, including behavioral health, dental, and primary care; services for insured and uninsured residents; and support for those facing language barriers.

A spirit of partnership filled the room. When we share resources and coordinate outreach and referrals, every person we serve benefits. Together, we can make care more accessible and more dignified for every neighbor!

🩵 A special shout-out to this month's breakfast sponsor, HAPPI Health. THANK YOU!

10/01/2026

Testifying before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare in Washington, D.C., is a moment Missy, The ELM Foundation's Executive Director, will never forget. She went carrying the stories of the individuals, families, nonprofits, volunteers, and churches working toward stability and independence.

Missy's message: there's no single solution to poverty. What works is local perspective, measurable outcomes, accountability, and above all, connecting people to meaningful work.

ELM was recently called a "pull yourself up by the bootstraps agency." We are proud of that. We're a bootstrap agency that provides the bootstraps: childcare, transportation, education, job training, and relationships built on accountability.

When Missy started speaking, she wasn't thinking about the room. she was thinking about Huntsville.

Change doesn't always begin in Washington. Sometimes it begins with a case manager across the table from someone who needs help.

From Huntsville to Washington and back home again, that's the work of The ELM Foundation.

09/28/2026

💚 LSS Challenge Day ➕ Community Agency Resources ➕ Collaboration 🟰 WINS! 🙌

This past Friday, participants from the Elm Foundation’s Leadership Social Services Program walked through our doors with an unexpected challenge: to seek diapers for an imaginary child and experience the questions a family might face when asking for help. They were very happy to know that help was available.

Our case manager began assisting them as she would any visitor. Once we learned who they were, we shared our agency’s story and gave them a tour.

We’re grateful they spent time with us. We hope the experience stays with them:. Behind every request for diapers is a family doing their best to care for a child.

09/23/2026

💚What would it look like for our community to walk alongside people, not just hand them a lifeline?

True Charity doesn't stop at meeting an immediate need. It walks alongside people toward lasting self-sufficiency, with dignity and real relationship at the center.

Find your place in the work at truecharity.us

09/16/2026

A new semester, a new chapter. 📚

These past weeks, our grant participants have been stepping back into the classroom — not just to learn a new skill, but to build the kind of stability that lasts. Every course, every late night of studying is another step toward self-sufficiency and a future they're shaping for themselves.

At ELM, we don't just want to help people get by. We want to walk alongside them as they flourish. That's what real, relational support looks like: showing up for the long haul, not just the moment of need.

To everyone starting this semester: we see your hard work, and we're cheering you on. 🎉

09/15/2026

09/11/2026

💙This month's Community Connections Meeting focused on our beloved Veterans, who hold a special place in our hearts! We are grateful for the sacrifices made for us. We are also grateful North Alabama shows up for those who served!

🤍The meeting discussion highlighted an important reality: For many veterans, the hardest part isn't service — it's the transition home. Military spouses carry that weight too, often without the same support.

📢The good news: North Alabama has 60+ programs that help veterans rebuild purpose through education, employment, and even practical support like hearing aids and ramps. Fun, community events also enhance quality of life, keeping people connected along the way.

🌟A special shout-out to our Breakfast Sponsor, Still Serving Veterans. Thank you!

09/11/2026

On 9/11, we lost so much. On 9/12, we found each other, in kindness, in courage, in community.

Today, and every day, let's be strong for each other, kind to each other, united as one.