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Woodlawn has always been a community in motion. It lives in front porch conversations, shared meals, the hard work behind the scenes, and the quiet commitments people make to one another every day. This year felt like a turning point, not only because of what was accomplished, but because of what it signaled for the future.
In 2025, Woodlawn United marked two meaningful milestones. We celebrated 15 years of place-based work, and we are closing what has felt like the culmination of our “Power of” series. This past year was one of our most significant seasons of progress, depth, and alignment, and it challenged us to match our vision with the infrastructure needed to sustain it.
Our staff grew from 7 to 14, and our board welcomed four new members, strengthening our governance and broadening our reach. These steps were not taken for growth alone. They reflected our commitment to serving the community with excellence, consistency, and care.
We also deepened our impact across the neighborhood. We expanded our place-based efforts into Kingston, completed the capital campaign for i3 Academy, and reached major milestones that reflect Woodlawn’s continued evolution. We celebrated a ribbon cutting for new market-rate housing with Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, and we broke ground on the Cottages at Georgia Road, expanding affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. We also completed the Flourishing Neighborhood Index in Woodlawn through community surveys and asset mapping, and began that same process in Kingston, laying the groundwork for long-term transformation guided by residents and informed by real data.


Culture and belonging remain at the heart of thi community mural honoring Barbara Merchant, through the people she shaped and the love sh Woodlawn Sunday Dinner evolved into Woodlaw largest turnout yet We celebrated community l board members, Mike and Gillian Goodrich, for alongside the everyday leaders who continue t Woodlawn has also remained a launchpad for bu expand Places like House Eleven brought new fa Marketplace expanded its physical footprint, sign welcome, and thrive.
What we learned this year is both simple and pow rooted in the power of people. Programs, buildi the driving force. As we close the “Power of” chap the next 15 years of Woodlawn United look like? T momentum to legacy, from building systems t about ensuring that what we have created endur decades to come
Thank you for believing in Woodlawn. Thank y your hope. The legacy we create is a shared on with you.

With appreciation, Mashonda & Mike



Board of Directors

Organizational Structure
Development & Communications
Programmatic Initiatives
Real Estate & Community Development
Financial Impact
Contributors
Timeline What We Plan To Accomplish Next

T. Michael Goodrich II, Chairman
Principal, First Avenue Ventures
John D. Johns, Immediate Past Chairman
Protective Life Corporation
T. Michael Goodrich, Founding Chairman
President, Timberline Holdings
Gillian W. Goodrich, Vice Chairman
Community Volunteer
K. Wood Herren, Secretary
Partner, Bradley
Leroy Abrahams
Executive Vice President for Community Affairs, Regions Bank
Janelle Ahnert
Shareholder, Littler
Jason Avery
Program Director Ⅲ, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health
Nelson S. Bean
Retired Division CEO, Synovus
David Dada
Director of Government Relations, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Denson “D” Franklin
Retired Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Vulcan Materials Company
Myeisha D. Hutchinson
Chief of Staff, Birmingham City Council District 5, City of Birmingham
Kendra Key
Senior Vice President, Birmingham Black Business Initiative, Regions
Norman H. Ross, Jr.
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Deakins F. Rushton
President, James Rushton I Foundation
Robert A. Simon
Chief Executive Officer, CR Endeavors
Ralph Williams, Jr.
Vice President, Alabama Power Company Birmingham Division 4









To strengthen our foundation, we built a true senior leadership team, adding a Chief Community Development Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Programs Officer, and Chief Operating Officer.

Dire f P bli Aff i s & Str s








In 2025, Woodlawn United implemented a staff reorganization to better align with its mission, vision, and strategic goals. The updated structure established four departments Community Development, Development, Operations, and Programs each led by a Chief, with all team members reporting directly to their respective department leader. This model strengthens accountability and clear feedback channels while encouraging crossdepartment collaboration through shared projects and task groups. All Chiefs report directly to the President and CEO.
Community Development | Joe Ayers
Community Development Projects
Regional Transportation Plan
Real Estate Holdings
Critical Repair Program
Operations | Josh Vasa
Human Resources
Business Operations
Finance
Data Management Administrative Functions
In-House Operations
Development | Dr. Steven E. Hairston, CFRM
Fundraising Strategy
Government Advocacy
Marketing & Communications
Grants Management
Major Gifts
Foundation & Corporate Engagement
Programs | LaShunta Boler, J.D., MSW

Economic Vitality Initiatives
Community Programming
School Partnerships
Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant
Community Connectors
The Woodlawn Effect - WE Lead



Woodlawn United experienced a successful year in its fundraising endeavors. With the addition of a Chief Development Officer and the solidifying of staff and functions, we were able to raise $1.8 million through a thoughtful strategy.




70 + PA R T N E R S H I P S
























































This year, James Rushton Early Learning Center earned a 5-star rating—the highest level of excellence in child care from Alabama Quality STARS. This distinction reflects the center’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The center was recognized for outstanding performance in key areas, including Family Engagement, Program Design, and Learning Environment.

i3 Academy continues to set a high standard for academic excellence and innovation across all of its programs. i3 Academy Middle School earned the highest score on the Alabama State Report Card for the third consecutive year among comparable middle schools in Jefferson County. In addition, both i3 Academy Elementary and Middle School were named Apple Distinguished Schools, making them the first charter schools in Alabama to receive this prestigious designation.



Being an intern at Woodlawn United, I have learned how determination, positive relationships, and faith can reconstruct a community.
Deitric Young Birmingham Promise Intern
Internship Program
In partnership with The Birmingham Promise and the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, we hosted 13 interns this year, with placements spanning both the summer and academic semesters. These interns gained handson experience across key areas of our work, contributing to projects that support community development, outreach, and organizational growth.

The William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone visited Birmingham for a community learning tour to better understand local organizations and place-based, cradle-tocareer efforts. As the host organization, Woodlawn United facilitated site visits and discussions that highlighted neighborhood-led work and the types of support needed to sustain
community
This year, we proudly co-hosted the Woodlawn Fall Festival alongside i3 Academy and Growth Homes, creating a vibrant space for community connection and celebration. The event brought neighbors, families, and partners together for an evening filled with food trucks, games, music, and shared joy.








THE WOODLAWN EFFECT - (WE) LEAD FELLOWSHIP GRADUATES
2 0 0 + CHILDREN SERVED AT JAMES RUSHTON EARLY LEARNING CENTER

STUDENTS ENROLLED AT I3 ACADEMY (K-10)



In July 2025, Woodlawn United, in partnership with Navigate Affordable Housing Homes, and Locke General Contractors, broke ground on four new energy-effic homes in West Woodlawn to expand access to high-quality, for-purchase housin partners celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting. Over the past year, a to homes have been delivered in West Woodlawn, expanding for-sale housing opti a range of income levels and activating key blocks near the i3 Academy campus



Critical Repair
In addition to our longstanding homeowner rehabilitation program for legacy residents, Woodlawn United partnered with the City of Birmingham to advance its Critical Repair program. Since the program's launch, 50 essential home repair projects have been completed, representing a total investment of $1,033,328 in contractor services and critical home repairs for residents of Birmingham.
First envisioned in 2018, the Cottages on Georgia Road advanced through a multi-year pre-development process that secured city and state commitments and finalized an approximately $3.9 million capital plan. A community-wide groundbreaking was held in August to mark the transition to construction. Site preparation is now underway, with earthwork and tree removal supporting the start of vertical construction. The development will deliver eight deeply affordable rental cottages and 12 for-sale townhomes.

191 HOMES REHABILITATED
33 HOMES ADDED AT THE COTTAGES AT WOOD STATION
9 HOMES BUILT BY NCRC



Malisa and Leroy Abrahams
Abroms Charitable Foundation
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Alabama Outdoors
Altec-Styslinger Foundation
Ruby S. & John P. Ansley Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
Ginny and Richard Anthony
Ilham Askia
Avadian Credit Union
Joe Ayers
Candice Bagby
Barnes & Associates, Realtors
Makyiah Barrow
Kimberly and Nelson Bean
Tracey and Rich Bielen
Tarana and Derrick Billups
Frances Blount
Mary and Chris Boehm
Matt Boehm
LaShunta and Nick Boler
Nina and Ken Botsford
Jean and Nick Bouler
Bradley Arrant Boult Cummings
Tracy and John Bragg
Brasfield & Gorrie LLC
Elna Brendel
Brooke Family Foundation
Camille Bryson
David Bryson
Burton Family Foundation
Camille Butrus
Antonio Carter Jr.
Bridget Carter
Faye and Bill Clark
Louise and Butch Clayton
Margaret and Archie Cobbs
Margaret and Luther Cochrane
Claire Cole
Bill Cole
Ellen Colehower
Brooke and Daniel Coleman
Yazmin Contreras
David Cook
Chelsea Cooper
Kathryn and Allen Corey
Ron Cromwell
Matthew Dale
Lyndra and Bill Daniel
Debby and Bill Denson
Anna Donald
Patsy Dreher
James Dunn
Dunn-French Foundation
Suzanne Durham
Lisa and Alan Engel Foundation
Amy Fineburg
First Avenue Ventures
Brooke and David Fleming
Kayla Foy
Cecile and D. Franklin
Precious Freeman
Mary and Jamie French
Quiwintre Frye
JoAnne and Nick Gaede
Lee and Jimmy Gewin
Johnie Gieger
Fran and Bill Goodrich
Ali and Charles Goodrich
Grace Goodrich
Gillian and Mike Goodrich
Elizabeth and Mike Goodrich II
Deon Gordon
Frances and Miller Gorrie
Suzanne and Mike Graham
Melanie and Jay Grinney
Ingrid Hairston
Steven E. Hairston, Ph.D.,CFRM
Leigh and Jim Hancock
Danielle Hardy
Lee Ann and Jim Harris
Margaret and Holman Head
Donna and Wood Herren
Logan Herring
Ronne and Donald Hess
Carey and Bill Hinds
Patricia Hoban-Moore
Marquis Hollingsworth
Hugh Kaul Foundation
Jan Hughey
Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation
Donald M. James Family Foundation
Jemison Investment Company
Brad Jennings
Nancy Dunlap and John Johns
Kristina Johnson
Raven Johnson
Roy Johnson
Duquette Johnston
Gibby Johnston
Walker and Bill Jones
Eddie Jones
Isaac Jones
Cathy and Paul Jones
Zhaundra Jones
Kemp Management Solutions
Kendra Key
Brittney King
T. Marie King
Faye and Robert Levin
Emily and Bob Levine
Linda Lucas
Luke 6:38 Foundation
Alice Marks
Rosalind Markstein
Emily Marr
Cecilia Matthews
Lisa McCarroll
Dawn and Joe McCarty
Clay McDowell
Carol McElheney
Maegan and Rich McRoberts
Nicola Metcalf
Mariohn Michel
Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation
Miles College Community Development Corporation
Ben Miree
Morgan Montiel
Steve Mote
Mouron Family Foundation
Susan and Alex Nading
Kate and Claude Nielsen
John North
Holly Nuffer
O'Neal Industries
Allene and Foots Parnell
Eric Pearson
Al Peyton
Diana and Gray Plosser
Margaret and Kip Porter
ProInked
Lora and Bill Ratliff
Diana Rawlings
Regions Bank
Joan and Jim Rein
Neal and Dudley Reynolds
Robert R. Meyer Foundation
Robins & Morton
Barbara Royal
Gail and Deak Rushton
Margaret and Francis Rushton
Ricky Sessions, Sr.
Margot and Gates Shaw
Bill Smith
Elizabeth and Clyde Smith
Garland Smith
Hatton C.V. Smith
Murray Smith
Morgan Smoke
Linda and Alan Speaker
Lynne and Steve Spencer
Camille Spratling
Joan and Stan Starnes
Stephens Foundation
Jim T. Stephens
Rusty Stewart
Pardis and Frank Stitt
Linda and Jeff Stone
Amanda Storey
Mary Lee Sullivan
Sawyer Summers
Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust
Gabriel Tajeu
Elizabeth Barbaree Tasker
Mashonda Taylor
Lora and Bill Terry
Thank You Bookshop
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
The H. Evan Zeiger, Jr. & Margaret
Zeiger Charitable Foundation
The PNC Financial Service Group
The Thompson Foundation
The Women's Foundation of Alabama
Cameron Thompson
Edward “E.J. ” Turner
Keaira Turner
Josh Vasa
John Vereen
Barbara and Bill Viar
Cameron and Scott Vowell
Vulcan Materials Company
Kristin Waters
Lee and Rusty Whatley
Wendy and Bew White
Toya Williams
Latressa Wilson
MacKenyzie Woods
Sally Worthen
Launched Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
Received LIHTC Allocation for the Park at Wood Station
Citizens on Patrol is created in partnership with the City of Birmingham
Purpose Built Communities Network
James Rushton Early Learning Center opened Woodlawn Sunday Dinner started
Woodlawn Effect $7 Million Capital Campaign initiated
Visited by United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch
Opening of the Woodlawn Street Market Launched Woodlawn Innovation Network, Inlcuding Early College at Woodlawn High School

Park at Wood Station Opens with 64 housing units
Purpose Built Communities Conference hosted in Woodlawn MCP Program is expanded to include all schools in the WIN Network
Jones Valley Teaching Farm partners with Woodlawn United Methodist Church to initiate a food pantry service
Sally Mackin, Woodlawn Executive Director, retires
Pat Hoban-Moore named interim Executive Director
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited the Woodlawn community Constructed 7 market rate homes
Conclusion of Mike Goodrich I term and Chair of the Board of Directors
John “Johnny” D. Johns named Chair of the Board of Directors
WE Lead leadership development program launched

Bayles Catering and Restaurant opened
Purchased First Baptist Church as the location for i3 Academy
Charterlegislationchanged,givingpriority accesstoWoodlawnresidentsfori3Academy
Groundbreaking for the Cottages on Georgia Road
Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting of 4 new houses in West Woodlawn
Initial Saturday Supper held in October PNC Mobile Bank is deployed on 1st Avenue South
New leadership and organizational structure is adopted - 4 Departments led by 4 Chiefs
Strive Birmingham breaks ground on new location in Woodlawn
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits Woodlawn 18 new businesses opened $41 million had been invested in the Woodlawn community since 2010
I3 Academy opened as an Alabama Public Charter School
Christ Health Center opened Live Oaks Clinic
Launched Woodlawn United Community App to provide updates to residents on resources and public safety matters during the pandemic
Convened 20 partners to form the Woodlawn Area Food Insecurity Collaborative
Mashonda Taylor is named President & CEO
Hosted over 450 participants for the Purpose Built Communities National Conference
Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant is awarded
SHIPT sponsored Neighborhood Grocery Store Study is released
Final Woodlawn United Sunday Dinner is held
Jazz on 55th Street opens its doors for business
Development of an Investable Plan for multi-year fundraising, capital, and op to support the mission and programmatic endeavors of Woodlawn United.
Advance the strategic framework for 2025-2030, positioning Woodlawn Unite Purpose Built Communities model for Alabama.
Deepen influence across Birmingham and statewide through public-private and policy engagement.
Assist with facilitation and execution of the City of Birmingham’s Cradle-To-C in partnership with Harlem Children’s Zone.


The Vision of Woodlawn United is to grow a safe and healthy community where children learn and play, families live in quality housing, parents work in stable jobs, businesses thrive and everyone contributes to the growth of Greater Birmingham. Scan the QR code on the back to donate!


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