SAFE IN THE NEWS
Sylacauga completes phase one of the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub
Reggie Kyle, WBRC
Sept 20, 2023
MORTON CHOSEN AS REMARKABLE WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Meet Remarkable Women nominee Margaret Morton
Posted: Mar 23, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Margaret Morton grew up in the small town of Sylacauga, where she says she had all the support and resources she needed as a small child.
“I was fortunate that I grew up in a neighborhood where everybody knew your name,” Morton said. “I had three or four mommas and daddies who were watching out for me and supporting me and encouraging me.”
After high school, she attended the University of Alabama, where she met her husband and came to terms with idea she would never return to her hometown. However, in the mid-70s, that’s exactly what happened. Her husband was recruited for a job in Sylacauga, and Morton became the guidance counselor at Indian Valley Elementary. In 1997, she joined a group of fellow citizens to address problems in the community.
Watch the video above to see Morton's story (begins at the 4:30 mark) and the announcement of her winning at the 18:15 mark.
Celebrate Margaret Morton's outstanding achievement!
ALABAMAWORKS! INNOVATOR AWARD
Inaugural AlabamaWorks! Innovator Awards Presented
BY HANNAH HAMMONDS, Sylacauga News
Sept 17, 2020
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The inaugural AlabamaWorks! Innovator Awards were presented by Governor Ivey and Deputy Director of Commerce Ed Castile today during the AlabamaWorks! Virtual Conference. The awards were developed to highlight people and programs across the state that take an innovative approach to solving workforce challenges and help advance Governor Ivey’s Success Plus attainment goal of adding 500,000 highly skilled workers by 2025. At the time of the inception of the awards, Alabama was unaware of the impact COVID-19 would have on the workforce and although the attainment goal has not changed, our economic and workforce recovery post COVID-19 will hinge on innovators like those recognized.
“The workforce challenges that we face today are not the same ones that we faced six months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has completely reshaped the workforce landscape,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “The State of Alabama is relying on those who are leading the charge by implementing innovative solutions in their cities, counties and regions to further economic and workforce development.”
The recipients are visionaries, outside-of-the-box thinkers and problem solvers. The programs test boundaries, explore new opportunities and reach deeper to bring about change. “It is important to recognize these leaders of innovation and to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the citizens, communities and industries of Alabama,” said Ed Castile, Deputy Director of Commerce and AIDT Director. “Their innovative approach to workforce development will be key to opening doors, breaking barriers and propelling Alabamians forward.”
CHICK-FIL-A TRUE INSPIRATION AWARD
SAFE honored by Gov. Kay Ivey for receiving Chick-fil-A’s ‘True Inspiration Award’
BY LACI BRASWELL, The Daily Home
Jan 29, 2020
SYLACAUGA -- Gov. Kay Ivey honored the Sylacauga Alliance for Family
Enhancement (SAFE) Family Services Center during a special ceremony in Montgomery on Jan. 23 for receiving the “True Inspiration Award” from Chick-fil-A.
“It was such an incredible day,” SAFE Executive Director Margaret Morton said. “We had a crowd of about 150 in attendance. It was really special having members of the community there to celebrate. We also want to thank Gov. Ivey for the ceremony and
Chick-fil-A for the honor.”
