06/23/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children and Perry County School System Launch "No Child Without a Bed"
The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children (ACHMC) and the Perry County School System are proud to launch the Perry County: No Child Without a Bed Project, a countywide initiative to provide beds for children in need. The effort was strengthened by a generous $20,000 grant from the Mark Cuban Foundation, which supported a similar project in Sumter County last year.
“We are so grateful for Mr. Cuban’s generosity over the past two years. This gift gives up the inspiration to carry the work through,” said Dr. Brandon Renfroe, a teacher, adjunct professor and board member of ACHMC.
The initiative will provide beds and essential sleep resources for children and families in need throughout Perry County, including complete sleep packages consisting of bed frames, mattresses, bedding, pillows, and other essentials for qualifying families.
Created in response to concerns surrounding limited household resources, community health disparities, and sleep insecurity, the project seeks to address barriers that impact children's physical health, emotional well-being, and academic performance. Perry County was selected because of the opportunity to provide targeted support where need is significant and collaboration is strong. Organizers believe that ensuring children have a safe place to sleep is an investment in health, dignity, stability, and long-term opportunity.
“This initiative is about far more than building beds,” said Dr. Gary Furr, President of ACHMC. “It is about strengthening families, protecting dignity, improving educational outcomes, and showing children their community is invested in them.”
The Perry County School System, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Marcia Smiley, has played a key role in planning efforts and identifying ways schools and community partners can support implementation while preserving privacy and dignity for families.
Dr. Smiley expressed gratitude for Mr. Cuban’s generosity and for ACHMC and others who are contributing funds and support.
"At Perry County Schools, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that supports their well-being. A safe and comfortable bed directly impacts a child's health, academic success, and overall quality of life. The Perry County: No Child Without a Bed Project represents the very best of our community coming together to meet a critical need.”
The school system is providing facility support, vocational and agriscience student involvement, and coordination to help ensure local ownership of the effort.
“By providing beds to children in need, we are not only furnishing homes—we are investing in brighter futures, stronger families, and a healthier community for all,” added Dr. Smiley.
Emefa Butler, a Perry County Board of Education member and Executive Director of CHOICE in Uniontown, agreed.
“We have seen firsthand how stable housing creates a foundation for hope, opportunity, and success. On behalf of the community, we extend our sincere gratitude to every mind and every hand that has contributed—and will continue to contribute—to supporting the ‘whole child’ in Perry County. Together, we are building a stronger future for our children and our community.”
This countywide effort is built on the belief that lasting change happens when communities work together. Organizers are encouraging donations, sponsorships, volunteerism, and partnerships to support a sustainable, community-driven initiative. Planning partners include the Perry County School System, CHOICE Project Uniontown, Sowing Seeds of Hope, Together for Hope, Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Project Grace, No Kid Hungry, and Horseshoe Farms.
As planning continues, ACHMC and the Perry County School System are seeking financial support, volunteers, and community partners. Organizers are also working with local organizations to address food insecurity and other family needs throughout the county.
The Perry County: No Child Without a Bed Project is more than a bed-building effort—it is an investment in healthier children, stronger families, improved educational outcomes, and a stronger Perry County.
Frances Ford of Sowing Seeds of Hope summed it up simply: “This is exciting!”
To support the project, donate at:
https://givebutter.com/ACHMC
For volunteer opportunities, partnerships, or additional information:
https://www.perrycountyal.org/page/contact
Families interested in eligibility information and project updates are encouraged to contact the school system and follow future announcements.
Media Contacts
Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children (ACHMC)
Kela Spicer – [email protected]
Dr. Gary Furr – [email protected]
