The Amelia Center

I'm Andrew Szymela and I'm a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School. This year our fall fundraiser is The Amelia Center. This charity is named after a young lady, Amelia Elliott, who attended my school. As a junior in High School, Amelia was a counselor at YMCA's Camp Cosby in Alpine, Alabama.  In 1995 she and three others left the camp during a short break and a train hit their car and all four of the counselors died.   After struggling and grieving over the loss of their daughter, George and Jerrie Elliott decided something good was going to come of this tragedy.   With the support of the community and friends they had a vision to create a place of hope for grieving families.   Two years after the tragic accident her parents and others established the Amelia Center, a place like no other.  Children and adults that are grieving over the death of a loved one can come to the Amelia Center and get free counseling to help them cope with their loss.  Over 1,000 individuals come through the doors of the Amelia Center every year.  Because the Amelia Center doesn't charge for their services, they depend on donations to keep their doors open.   The VISION for the Amelia Center is that all grieving children, parents, and families in the greater Birmingham region have access to a caring and compassionate environment that fosters hope and healing.     With your money, The Amelia Center can continue to help many kids and adults during a very difficult time in their life.   Any amount is extremely appreciated and will help The Amelia Center do their job saving countless individuals. 
Thanks for your support,
Andrew Szymela