press release
Contact:
Kristin Hellmich khellmich@pci-nsn.gov 251-359-8554

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/6/2023

Poarch Band of Creek Indians Donates $140,000 to River Region United Way to Help Rebuild Flatwood

(Montgomery, AL – Flatwood), The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, concerned about dire conditions in the small community of Flatwood left by a December tornado there, have donated $140,000 to River Region United Way, which is spearheading rebuilding efforts.

The donation came at a community event held on a concrete slab – all that remains of the Flatwood Community Center which was once a gathering place for residents of this small community outside of Montgomery.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair & CEO Stephanie A. Bryan was clearly moved by what she saw and by her conversations with residents who had lost everything. “We watched the news back in December and grieved for the people of Flatwood. We are so thankful that the United Way is here, on the ground, working to rebuild this community and we are so glad to be able to help in their efforts. God has blessed us and in return, we get to bless you all. We can rebuild together!”

Jannah Morgan Bailey, President and CEO of River Region United Way noted, “in the four months since the natural disaster, we have received over $300,000 in donations for the community. That enabled us to buy three homes for residents who lost everything in the storm. Unfortunately, there is a lot of unmet needs here still, and we are committed to seeing the job through. This community is very strong, and recovery here is more than building a house, it is about rebuilding a community.”

Chairwoman Bryan and CEO Bailey were joined at the event by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, Rep. Kenyatta Hassell, as well as several local elected officials, pastors, and community residents. River Region United Way is working to address immediate needs as well as on long-term plans to help rebuild the community and stabilize life for its’ residents. All of the funds collected by United Way will go to help the Flatwood community. Donations are still being accepted by texting FLATWOOD to 41444 or visiting the website www.rruw.com, Click DONATE, and Designate to “FLATWOOD”.

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About Poarch Band of Creek Indians:
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.

About River Region United Way:
The mission of River Region United Way is to improve lives and strengthen our communities by identifying needs and solving critical problems. United, we fight for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community we serve. To learn more, visit our website https://www.rruw.org/

Media Contacts:

River Region United Way:
Aaleia Freeman, Marketing and Public Relations Director,
afreeman@rruw.org; Office: 334-323-2504 Cell: 205-565-5333

Poarch Band of Creek Indians:
Kristin Hellmich, External Communications Director
khellmich@pci-nsn.gov; Cell: 251-359-8554