Each year, Fahe Member Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM), an interdenominational faith-based organization with connections to the United Methodist Church, hosts volunteer opportunities in Tuskegee to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the MLK Jr. Day of Service. In 2025, 90 volunteers gathered in Tuskegee to participate in several impactful service projects designed to improve the lives of residents. Together, these committed volunteers gave more than 490 hours of service to their neighbors and community by supporting the local food pantry, assisting an area nursing facility, and performing vital home rehabilitation and repair work.
The organization, whose ministry focuses primarily on preparing servant-leaders through their home renovation and rehabilitation program, assisted multiple individuals and families that day by working together to improve the living conditions of elderly and disabled Tuskegee residents. These individuals face challenges in maintaining and repairing their homes due to age, health, or financial constraints. The ARM volunteers rolled up their sleeves and helped address a variety of issues, from repairing and replacing flooring to sanding and painting, and even rearranging furnishings and personal items to create a more comfortable living space with increased accessibility for those using walkers and wheelchairs.
Marketing and Communications Director Becky Kitchens said, “There was a homeowner that we had helped in the past when a room in his house had collapsed. We had rebuilt and repainted it, but he was still unable to use it because he couldn’t physically move his furnishings back into the room on his own. A group of volunteers spent the day helping him set up the space so he could once again start using this rehabilitated space. That’s just one example of how we increased the safety and comfort of one of our neighbor’s homes.”
ARM Executive Director Lisa Pierce said she often hears from homeowners who receive much-needed repairs that the help is a true blessing. These repairs not only made homes safer and more comfortable but also increased residents’ sense of dignity and security.
“They’ve been dealing with these issues for so long, and now they can finally rest easy,” she said.
The MLK Jr. Day of Service isn’t just about the work for ARM staff and volunteers. It’s also about coming together as a community. Volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life showed up to make a difference, demonstrating that when neighbors unite for a common cause, they can accomplish great things. Pierce emphasized the importance of community service in fulfilling Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
She stated, “We’re building relationships, strengthening bonds, and making real change in the lives of people who need it most. That’s what Dr. King stood for – working together to create a more just and compassionate world.”
At the end of the day, the volunteers left Tuskegee knowing they had made a meaningful difference not only that day, but had an impact that will last far longer. The home repairs, the food distribution, and the companionship provided at the nursing home are all part of the lasting legacy of the MLK Jr. Day of Service. These projects not only immediately improve lives, but they also strengthen the fabric of the entire community and serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together in service.
Regarding their relationship with Fahe, Kitchens said, “Beyond funding and operational support, what we get from membership in Fahe is strength in numbers. Just knowing there are others out there fighting the same fight as we work to strengthen affordable housing options is a positive. And as a small organization, Fahe membership gives us the collective voice to speak about housing issues and get the word out in a way that we couldn’t do on our own.”
As the year goes on, ARM’s commitment to uplifting rural Alabama communities through service will continue. But on MLK Day, Tuskegee was a shining example of what happens when people step up to serve with purpose, heart, and dedication.
