For the homeless, knowing there’s someone who cares makes all the difference, China McWashington said.

McWashington knows from experience. Five years ago, she was among Birmingham’s homeless, searching day to day for a way to get by. Today, she is a student at Jefferson State Community College, earning an associate degree in administrative science. Like hundreds of others, Washington found a new life at Pathways. Now, she gives back by serving as the organization’s programs assistant.

Recently, members of Alabama Power’s chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) treated Pathways residents to a day of caring and inspiration.

A United Way agency, Pathways provides homeless women and children a safe place to stay, have clean clothes and hot meals, as well as educational programs to help them transition back into the community.

To help cheer the homeless women, IAAP members Dianne Hargrove, Berlindolyn Millhouse, Prissy Daly and her artist daughter, Becky, held a “Paint and Inspire” party. Washington said it gave their residents a time of artistic expression, as they also partook of cookies, chips, snack mix and punch provided by IAAP members. Millhouse also supplied a gift basket won by one of the ladies.

Becky Daly guided the artists, who spent an hour creating a butterfly on canvas. She supplied canvases, brushes and paint for the residents’ use.

“The task gave the women a chance to get away from their usual routine, and also enjoy a time of fellowship,” said Hargrove, who shared an inspirational message about a butterfly’s change from a caterpillar.

McWashington said she is thankful for IAAP’s partnership with Pathways. She said their residents enjoy the Alabama Power’s team so much that, when they see signage about IAAP-sponsored events, they make a point to attend.

“Just for the hour the Alabama Power employees were here, it made the day brighter,” said McWashington, a Pathways client five years ago. “It definitely had a positive effect. Any time anyone from the community comes in, it shows everyone there are opportunities out there. No matter how long someone has been homeless, it gives them a sense of hope that there’s someone out there who cares.”

Hargrove, IAAP past president and chair for CATS – Coaching Achieves Total Success – said the special program was her team’s way of “reaching out to the community and ‘paying it forward.’” IAAP began mentoring Pathways in May 2011. IAAP also serves the Civic Center Health and Rehabilitation Facility and has future plans with Children’s Harbor and Parker High School.

“I wanted to reach out to the community and work with nonprofit groups, education and elderly, in efforts with close proximity to our workplace,” she said.

McWashington said the center enjoys having the IAAP members visit whenever possible.

“It’s a great thing for us all the way around,” she said. “They may not realize just how much they are helping to rebuild the lives of others.”