The "CARING HANDS" MINISTRY (aka Medical Apartments Ministry) consists of willing volunteers from local churches of the Birmingham Baptist Association. The goal is to meet the needs of people in the name of Jesus Christ who are experiencing crisis in their lives when a family member is a patient in a local medical facility and has a long-term illness.
Presently, the ministry is operated on three campuses. The operational headquarters are on the seventh floor of the Town House Apartment Building, at 20th Street and University Boulevard in downtown Birmingham. On this campus are 15 fully furnished apartments that are sponsored by various area churches. There are second and third campuses located on the grounds of the Baptist Medical Centers at Montclair and Princeton each which have three apartments. These campuses are for short-term trauma cases that are referred by a hospital chaplain or social worker.
The campus on University Boulevard is for patients (and/or their family members) (from the greater Birmingham area) who are undergoing or have undergone organ transplant treatment or other long-term medical care. This campus relates specifically to individuals treated by UAB Medical Center, Children's Hospital, and the Veteran's Administration Hospital. Brookwood Baptist Church sponsors Apt. 711 at the Town House building. During their stay at these apartments, families receive the warmth, love, compassion, and hospitality of those who volunteer their time and talents.
The apartments are always occupied; however, families are treated fairly through the use of a waiting list. The nightly rates are $12 for one or two people, $14 for three or four people. However, no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources. Though apartment pantries are stocked with canned goods, families are asked to provide their own perishable food items.
Brookwood has a committee of ladies who make weekly contacts with the family residing in our apartment. The contact may be a visit, telephone call, or a card. We take flowers, magazines, food, or whatever may be needed by the family. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, we take a special holiday meal to the family. Brookwood underwrites the rent for the apartment and helps meet occasional needs. The patient and his or her family are always listed on the Brookwood Prayer List that appears in the weekly Wednesday night "Carenotes." Since 1992, Brookwood has been blessed by serving 38 families in our Medical Apartment Ministry. However, Brookwood has no input as to who gets apartments.
IF SOMEONE WANTS TO APPLY FOR AN APARTMENT:
All such inquires must go through the Birmingham Baptist Association. You may call them at 205-975-1861 or contact Donna Creech, the director of the program.
OTHER VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
Volunteers at the "Caring Hands" ministry are asked to attend a training workshop. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis for cleaning, conducting Bible studies, having occasional parties, and working with the guests. You may also contact Donna Creech if you're interested in becoming a regular volunteer.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE "CARING HANDS" MINISTRY
Quarters (rolled) for laundry
Bagged laundry detergent (one scoop per zip-lock bag)
Liquid bathroom hand soap (antibacterial) in pump container
Canned fruit, soup, or tuna
Vacuum Cleaner bags (Hoover Type A)
30 gallon heavy duty garbage bags
60 watt light bulbs
Toilet tissue and Kleenex
Sugar
Canned drinks for Bible Study
Bottled water
Coffee (Regular and Decaf)
"AA" batteries for TV remotes
A VCR and a TV
One iron
Long distance phone cards
They also appreciate monetary donations. Checks should be made payable to:
BIRMINGHAM BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
Medical Apartments
Box 702
2008 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35233
Be sure to indicate MEDICAL APARTMENTS on your check.
