A Journey Across America: Insights From Eight Weeks of Community Development - Mashonda S. Taylor
January 20, 2021
The last quarter of 2023 was a whirlwind tour across various cities in the United States - from the vibrant streets of Washington, D. C
Transformational Healing Through the Power of Yoga
January 20, 2021
This Black History Month, Woodlawn United is sharing the stories of local leaders supporting Black Health and Wellness in our Woodlawn neighborhoods. Meet Jamella Stroud, owner of Sacred Body Fitness
Woodlawn United: New Brand, Same Mission
January 20, 2021
Since 2010, the Woodlawn Foundation has served as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community.
Our goal: to work alongside Woodlawn's residents and business owners to create the vibrant and sustainable community they envision
(WE) LEAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM CREATES SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP IN WOODLAWN
January 20, 2021
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but (WE) Lead is where the rubber meets the road for program fellows, an intergenerational group ranging from early 20s through retirement. (WE) Lead’s priority is to give fellows real-life skills they can use as members of the Woodlawn community in personal, professional, and civic capacities
Woodlawn Foundation Now Accepting Cryptocurrency
January 20, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, AL (December 28, 2021) - Woodlawn Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the holistic revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham, is excited to begin accepting cryptocurrency. On Tuesday, December 28th, 2021, the organization accepted its first Bitcoin donation from supporter Clay McInnis, owner of Commerce Consulting based in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, and early adopter of cryptocurrency
(WE) Lead Fellowship Program
January 20, 2021
Since Woodlawn Foundation's founding in 2010, Woodlawn Foundation's mission has been to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community in which its residents have an opportunity to thrive.
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Building a Safer Woodlawn: More Than Just Statistics
When people ask me what success looks like in Woodlawn, I often point to the simple things—the everyday moments that might go unnoticed but speak volumes about how far we've come. Just last evening, I sat on my front porch, enjoying the cooling Alabama air, watching families stroll down our streets, children's laughter echoing off the historic homes that line our neighborhood. These moments aren't captured in statistics, but they tell our story better than any numbers could.
Yet, our community was recently reminded of how fragile safety can be with the tragic loss of Gerald Lomax, a young life taken far too soon. This heartbreaking event underscores why our mission to build a safer Woodlawn is more urgent than ever. It’s a stark reminder that safety isn’t just about lowering crime rates; it’s about ensuring that every resident—every child, parent, and neighbor—feels secure and supported.
As CEO of Woodlawn United, I’ve seen firsthand how far we’ve come. Through partnerships with the Woodlawn Business Association, Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, Alabama Power, and the Birmingham Police Department, we’ve made significant strides, achieving a 36% decrease in crime from 2021 to 2023. But the real success lies beyond these numbers.
It's in the small victories: homes where residents feel secure enough to let natural light stream through their windows; children walking confidently to i3 Academy; and elderly neighbors who can once again tend their gardens in the evening hours. These are the quiet triumphs that define our community.
But we know safety can't be achieved through technology or policing alone. It’s the result of a collective effort, with residents taking ownership of their neighborhood—whether that’s joining neighborhood watch programs, attending community meetings, or simply looking out for one another. This sense of shared responsibility has created an "ecosystem of security" that is foundational to our progress.
The recent $8 million CRISI Railroad Grant we secured is another important step. Improving hazardous railroad crossings isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade—it means safer routes for families, better connectivity, and enhanced emergency response times. All of these changes contribute to a Woodlawn where people feel safe, connected, and proud to call home.
Perhaps what makes me most proud is the return of front porch culture. In many urban areas, fear had driven people indoors, behind closed doors. But in Woodlawn, porches have become spaces for connection once again—places where neighbors chat, where children play, and where the rhythms of community life are embraced.
The recent tragedy reminds us that the journey to building a safe and vibrant community is ongoing. It’s not just about reducing crime; it’s about fostering a place where every child, senior, and family can thrive. That’s the Woodlawn we’re building—one front porch, one conversation, and one moment of community at a time.
- Mashonda S. Taylor, CEO of Woodlawn United
Mashonda S. Taylor is the CEO of Woodlawn United and a proud Woodlawn resident. Under her leadership, Woodlawn United continues to work towards its vision of a safe, vibrant community where everyone can contribute to the growth of Greater Birmingham.
Help Us Build a Safer Woodlawn Together Our commitment to a safer, thriving Woodlawn depends on the voices of those who call it home. By taking part in the Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI) survey, you’re helping us shape the future of our community with insights that matter. As a thank-you for your time, we’re offering a $50 gift card per household that participates. Join us in building a safer, more connected Woodlawn—one voice at a time. Click here to learn more.
A Community United: Woodlawn and Wells Fargo Team Up for Transformation!
Hey Woodlawn Family! We’re excited to share some inspiring work happening right here in our neighborhood. On November 2nd, our team joined forces with volunteers from Wells Fargo for a day dedicated to revitalizing a local home in Woodlawn. This project, part of Wells Fargo’s Welcome Home initiative, brought together our staff, volunteers, and neighbors to tackle fresh landscaping, essential repairs, and breathe new life into a cherished space. This is about more than just one home—it's a step toward a brighter, more vibrant community.
And this is just the beginning! Thanks to an $80,000 Welcome Home grant from Wells Fargo, we’re embarking on a month-long journey of transformation, aligned with Woodlawn United’s mission to build a sustainable, supportive environment for all residents. This grant allows us to expand our work, making impactful improvements that strengthen our community and bring lasting stability to Woodlawn. Each brush stroke, every nail hammered, is an investment in our future—a future shaped by collaboration and shared purpose.
Stay tuned, Woodlawn! As this journey unfolds, we’re excited to reveal the final transformation and celebrate the resilience and unity of our community. Together, we’re building a brighter, stronger Woodlawn—one home, one family, and one step at a time.Annual Reports
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2023 Annual Report
October 23, 2024
Our 2023 Annual Report highlights a year of transformation and progress in Woodlawn
Woodlawn Sunday Dinner
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