Helping people move from crisis to self-sufficiency in Shelby County.
To provide the basic needs of people in crisis, helping them achieve
self-sufficiency and empowering them to make positive contributions to their community.
Shelby Emergency Assistance began in 1973 through the efforts of local individuals concerned about the needs of others in our community. These individuals, working as volunteers, developed the basic philosophy that guides our services today. In 1977 the agency became affiliated with United Way of Central Alabama, which led to our expansion of services to cover all of Shelby County. Since that time, SEA has continued to develop a comprehensive array of services directed toward providing basic needs and promoting positive change.
"I went to school here in Montevallo and I'm so glad to be back! It’s been more than 10 years and 4 cities later! I have a true passion for the area and people in this community!"
-SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR-
Hettie has dedicated her life to helping the residents of Shelby County and has served at SEA for over 30 years! She is a staple person anyone in Montevallo knows and loves!! She enjoys gardening and her favorite thing to grow is garlic! But Hettie can also paint, knit, and so much more. She truly is a talented individual with a passion for helping everyone she can!
-ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT-
Gail has served at SEA for 14 years and her smile at the front door or greeting over the phone is so important for our clients. Besides her charm, Gail can also plan events, decorate like a professional, cook and create!
"I worked at Shelby Baptist Labor & Delivery for years in the 90's. Later in 2009, I joined the Shelby Emergency Assistance staff. Once, I accidentally answered the phone 'Shelby Labor & Delivery' at SEA (the new Shelby in my life)! Utilizing my wit, I quickly corrected that to the agency greeting!"
-Prosperity Coach-
Thrive Together Shelby County
Keesha has her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology. Within only a few minutes of speaking to Keesha, you can clearly see her heart for others and the community.
"I decided to enter the field of counseling, because I have a strong desire to help others and give hope when people feel hopeless. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and directing drama plays. "
- CASE MANAGER-
Hillary graduated from The University of Montevallo with her social work degree and has used her skills in various capacities at SEA over the past 5 years. She is kind, understanding, and is able to quickly connect with those that she serves because of the ease that people feel around her. Hillary prioritizes her family, loves animals and is very involved in community activities of all kinds. One fun fact about Hillary is that she owns her very own bearded dragon!
-EDUCATION COORDINATOR-
Cindy as been at SEA for over 10 years! Her background is in Finance and she brings so much helpful information to our clients!
"I love growing a garden. I remember when I was young, my dad and grandmother would plant a garden every year. When I got married and moved into a home, I decided to plant my own garden. I planted tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and okra. I was so proud! My garden was so beautiful, and I wanted my parents to come look at it. Both of them started laughing and my dad said, “Your okra plants are pretty but the okra suppose to be cut when it’s 3-4 inches long, not 8 or 9 inches." You couldn’t even cut it with a knife. I was a little embarrassed, but to this day I still plant a garden each year and so far, no more embarrassing moments!"
-ESG CASE MANAGER-
Shae, born and raised in Bibb County, fell in love with the city of Montevallo when she was a college student here. "I feel that the way that I have learned to navigate people when they are going through crisis makes me a better social worker." Shae is learning how to use her case management style to pursue further education and work in the field of counseling. One fun fact is that when Shae was at UM, she was in the Purple Side pit chorus when Purple Side secured their 50th victory in the history of College Night.
-ESG Case Manager PT-
Bailey Yates is from Hoover, Alabama and new to the Montevallo area. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from UAB and will attend UM for their Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program starting Fall 2022. Upon her graduation from UM, she plans to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with young adults that have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. She has a passion for helping those in need and strongly values genuine relationships with others, making her position of the Part-Time ESG Case Manager that much more rewarding. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and going to local coffee shops. "I could not have asked for a better company to work with while completing my graduate degree, and I look forward to discovering what all the community of Montevallo has to offer!"
-STUDENT INTERN-
A senior at the University of Montevallo, Ashley Rutledge is working to obtain her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She is a member of the NSLS and honored to be interning with Shelby Emergency Assistance. She enjoys helping others and always making people smile. Ashley's hobbies include video games, movies, music, traveling, exercise, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.
-STUDENT INTERN-
Kaelyn Leverett is a sophomore and Falcon Scholar at the University of Montevallo. She is majoring in Sociology and is talented in so many areas that this young student's possibilities in life and career are endless!
-STUDENT INTERN-
Meredith is a Sophomore at the University of Montevallo and is involved at SEA through the Falcon Scholars in Action Program. She is currently majoring in Management and minoring in Non-Profit Studies, but wants to add more! One of her favorite things to do at SEA is work out in the Edible Garden, because it reminds her of gardening with her parents. She got involved at SEA, because she someday hopes to own and run a nonprofit of her own!
Amiee Mellon, President
Joyce Lewis, President Elect
Melinda Bennett, Vice President
Amber Williams, Secretary
Jeffrey Purvis, Treasurer
Allison Boyd
Jasmine Burden
Steve Condrey
Laura Dillard
Matt Fridy
Marrianne Hayward
Lizbeth Juareze
Susan Lehman
Michelle Lowery
Jason Perry
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