PELHAM – A program that helps wayward youth in Shelby County get back on track and avoid jail has received a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation.

The $2,500 donation will assist the Developing Alabama Youth (DAY) program in upgrading leadership skills and family counseling, according to Mike Blackwell, director of the organization.

The DAY program is an alternative to incarceration and further court involvement for at-risk youth in Shelby County, providing academic instruction, counseling and character development for 60 students at a time. Founded in 1982, the program serves children ages 13 through 18 in the 7th through 11th grades who are: one or more years behind in school; considering dropping out of school; or engaged in behavior that interferes with their education.

“Through the years, Alabama Power has been especially generous and supportive of the program and the work we do,” Blackwell said. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of Shelby County’s at-risk teens.”

The DAY program – a United Way agency licensed by the Department of Youth Services – serves as a model for many communities throughout Alabama and beyond. In 2005, none of the 106 students who came through the program was incarcerated after leaving the program.

“It is our privilege at Alabama Power to help these kids get their lives turned around,” said Bill Holmes, manager of the company’s Pelham office. “At the same time, getting them back in the mainstream and on track toward becoming productive citizens improves the quality of life in Shelby County, which in turn helps economic and community development.”

For schools, the program serves as an alternative to suspension and expulsion, providing at-risk students a place to learn behavioral skills that enable them to return to the classroom. For the courts, it provides a transition between boot camp, alternative school and treatment facilities, and the regular school setting.

It offers “many a second chance with an opportunity to become a productive individual as a young person and later as an adult,” said John Miller, chief juvenile probation officer for Shelby County.

The program is attracting attention statewide.

“The DAY program is a little known treasure; a jewel in Shelby County’s crown,” said state Auditor Beth Chapman.

“We are exceedingly grateful for the community outreach and concern Alabama Power has consistently shown,” said Blackwell, the program director.

(Bill Holmes will facilitate interviews and photo opportunities at 205-226-1721.)

The Alabama Power Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the nation, supporting thousands of worthy projects throughout the state. The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of Alabamians and to strengthen the communities in which they live. For more information about the Alabama Power Foundation, log on to www.alabamapowerfoundation.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to nearly 1.4 million customers across the state. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2006. For more information about Alabama Power, log on to www.alabamapower.com.