These are pictures of kids helped through the Pledge Project putting their handprints on the mural created on the wall of the United Way of Southwest Alabama. It was painted by Ginger Woechan and the Mobile Arts Council to celebrate the work of the United Way.

All proceeds from the sales of the Our Southern Souls book will be donated to the Our Southern Souls Pledge Project with United Way of Southwest Alabama. We started the Pledge Project two years ago intending to get kids off waiting lists of programs with United Way Partner Agencies and into the programs the help they need. We have raised $40,000 so far to get kids into mentoring services, early childhood education, mental health counseling and weekend meals. The Pledge Project also helped some families with rent and utility assistance.

After covering stories on sex trafficking, domestic violence, poverty and interviews for Souls, I wanted to do something more to help ease vulnerabilities and give kids and families get the support they need. There are programs already doing this work in Mobile, but they have waiting lists for kids and families who need their help. Donations from the Pledge Project make it possible to help even more.

Here is the link to buy the book. Shipping is free for presales through November 30.

Our Southern Souls